Britannia Mills, Castlefield, Manchester

Set within the red-brick fabric of Britannia Mills - a 19th Century former steam-powered mill, later reimagined by Urban Splash - this one-bedroom duplex occupies the development’s original boiler house. Tucked within a private courtyard, the home includes an adjoining garage beneath the living space, positioned beside the front door, offering convenience in this quiet Castlefield setting along the Bridgewater Canal.

Thoughtfully reconfigured and fully renovated by its current owners, the apartment balances its historic fabric with modern clarity, shaped by a considered material palette and the generous volumes of a double-height living space.

The Space

Entry is through a secluded courtyard where the utilitarian past of the boiler house is still evident in its form and proportion. From the open-air courtyard, a private front door opens to an entrance area where a grey honed marble staircase offers the first hint of the material richness that unfolds above.

At the top of the staircase, the main living space reveals itself in a sweep of light, height, and architectural character. Original brickwork - painted a soft white - forms a textured backdrop. Overhead, a black-painted timber mezzanine level sits in dialogue with a newly added powder-coated steel staircase and extended platform above, establishing a monochrome framework that anchors the home’s design language.

The lower level is open plan yet subtly zoned, helped by a gentle split in floor level. Beneath the mezzanine, a lounge area feels cocooned and intimate. Beyond, the space lifts into an expansive kitchen and dining zone where the vaulted ceiling rises to an impressive 7-meter (23 ft). Here, painted brick continues upward into the double height, meeting white timber ceilings and exposed original beams that span overhead. Skylights introduce shifting daylight from above, while a four-metre window and glazed door to the balcony invites light into the plan below.

Across the lower level, honed marble flooring creates continuity and calm. In the kitchen, white cabinetry runs the length of the back wall, with both upper and lower storage framing a stretch of painted brickwork that is illuminated as a textured splashback. A central island, in the same marble tiling as the floor, offers additional storage and a natural focal point; above it, provision for a pendant light allows the vertical volume to be celebrated. Appliances throughout are by Bosch.

The black powder coated steel staircase ascends to the newly extended mezzanine level where space has been maximised with thoughtful precision. Here, a sleeping area, dressing room, home-working area and bathroom unfold across one continuous plane, unified by the same stone flooring which extends into the walk-in rainfall shower. Bespoke aluminium furniture forms a sculptural partition between sleeping and dressing zones - also housing the bathroom’s sink, storage, and integrated surfaces - lending a refined, architectural elegance.

South-west–facing skylights keep the home bright throughout the day. The bathroom’s composition blends grey marble, bespoke aluminium, and iconic red detailing of Boffi Fantini’s ‘Pipe’ fixtures. The open shower and vanity area sit discreetly out of sight, with a pocket door leading to a separate WC and utility space, where a washer and tumble dryer are neatly concealed.

Throughout the home, infrared heating panels and high efficiency radiators provide an unobtrusive, energy-efficient solution, supporting the clean architectural lines. All electrical and plumbing systems have been replaced, and the layout has been redesigned to elevate both everyday function and spatial experience - a renovation driven by clear intention and respect for the building’s industrial past.

The Area 

Britannia Mills is a collection of award-winning, warehouse-style apartments arranged across six historic buildings. Quiet courtyards, communal terraces, and generous garden spaces create a calm retreat from the city, offering places for alfresco coffees or evening drinks. Residents also benefit from a gym, bike storage, and a strong sense of community woven through the shared outdoor spaces.

Castlefield’s cafés, bars, and restaurants are all within a short walk. Castlefield Basin provides a scenic waterside setting with walking routes and a selection of relaxed eateries, while the Bridgewater Canal - Britain’s first canal - winds through the district. Nearby, the Castlefield Viaduct has been reimagined as an elevated urban park, offering a unique perspective over the cityscape.

The apartment is also within walking distance of Deansgate and Spinningfields, two of Manchester’s most vibrant districts. Deansgate is lined with independent cafés, bars, and restaurants, while Spinningfields is home to some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and cultural venues.

For connectivity, Cornbrook Tram Stop is just a five-minute walk away, and Deansgate Train Station can be reached in under fifteen minutes, linking the area to the wider city and beyond. The M56, M60, and M62 motorways are easily accessible, and for international travel, Manchester Airport is around a 30-minute journey by car or train.