In our first spotlight on the surrounding areas of Macclesfield, we featured Bollington, Sutton/Langley and Rainow.    

Now it’s the turn of gorgeous Gawsworth and prestigious Prestbury Villages. Let’s find out what you can expect as a prospective resident.   

Gawsworth

Gawsworth is a charming, peaceful village on the eastern edge of the Cheshire plain. With a population of 1,651 in the 2021 census, it has a beautiful country manor house, two churches, two pubs, a primary school, a scout hall, a park, a village hall, two woodlands and a community shop.

And if you’re into the origins of names, it was recorded as ‘Goveshurde’ in the Domesday book due to its extensive woodland and enclosures for oxen. It was also once home to the Dark Lady in Shakespeare’s sonnets. Plus, England’s last professional jester, the eighteenth-century dramatist Samuel “Maggotty” Johnson is buried in Maggoty Wood.

What’s on offer?

The picturesque church, St James’, stands by a small lake, behind which is the impressive black and white Tudor Manor House – Gawsworth Hall. Still lived in by the Richards Family, this is a far cry from some of the stuffy, stately homes but instead a much-loved family home.

The site makes an idyllic setting for weddings, hosts vintage car rallies and is famous for its open air garden theatre. Here you’ll find a varied programme of events, including music, drama, comedy, and opera. In fact, many people make a real occasion of it with picnics, gazebos and candelabra.

The village has an excellent community spirit as demonstrated by the Gawsworth Hub, a shop, cafe and meeting place, owned by the community and run by volunteers. So, whether it’s your daily newspaper, fresh local produce or something from the deli, you’ll be well served.

What about properties?

In this rural idyll of leafy lanes and scattered cottages, you’ll find plenty of variety. The average

price for a property in Gawsworth on Rightmove is £451, 286. For a three-bedroom semi-detached house with a private enclosed garden, you’d be looking at around £335,000. 

A detached bungalow with two bedrooms, a good-sized garden and excellent views, with scope for development, has an asking price of £415,000. While a four-bedroom detached house with three bathrooms and an open field, jointly owned by residents, is listed at £769,950. And a converted period school house with lots of character and a coach house is featured at £795,000. Further up the scale, you have a four-bedroom country house with equestrian facilities and garaging plus beautiful landscaped garden grounds and a paddock at £1,995,000.

Enjoy your house hunting in the wonderful sought-after village of Gawsworth. 

Prestbury 

Prestbury village strikes a good balance of being an enchanting, rural setting with plenty going on at the same time. Its name comes from Preôsta burh, originally meaning priest’s fortified enclosure. And according to the 2021 census, it has a population of 4,397 people.

Just 1.5 miles north of Macclesfield, it forms part of the Cheshire Golden Triangle with Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, making it one of the most desirable locations in the area. It has good road connections, so is an ideal spot for commuting into Manchester and also has its own railway station. Plus, it’s easy to get to the airport if you’re travelling further afield.   

While Prestbury is well known for being the home of a number of famous footballers and celebrities, they tend to keep a low profile. And you’re just as likely to find yourself driving behind a tractor as a Range Rover or Lamborghini. There’s a vibrant community feel. Once people move in, they tend to stay for many years, so you’ll get to know your neighbours well. 

The village is surrounded by beautiful scenery, whatever direction you choose to wander in. Walk by the river along the Bollin Valley or take one of the pretty footpaths across the golf course. Bluebell season, in particular, is stunning.

In the middle of the high street, you’ll come across the picturesque black and white, timber-framed Priest’s House, dating back to the 16th century. This was once a vicarage, a row of cottages, and a National Westminster bank. Almost opposite is St. Peter’s church, a Grade 1 listed building with a Norman chapel in the churchyard. There’s also a Methodist church which was built in 2001.

What’s on offer?

Whether you’re a family, professional or retiree, there’s a wide range of amenities to suit your needs. The village primary school has an excellent reputation, plus there are a number of good secondary schools close by. You’ll find the main street is buzzing with independent businesses including a pre-loved fashion boutique, a bespoke men’s clothing shop and a physio.

You won’t be short of somewhere to eat out either. There’s a wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants covering Italian, tapas, pizza and Indian. Or you could call in for refreshment at one the village’s two stylish hotels or its historic 18th century pub. 

Plus, if you’re into sport, there are various clubs including cricket, bowls, tennis. Squash and several riding stables.

What about properties?

True, Prestbury has its millionaires’ mansions with swimming pools and acres of land. Many quite large, existing houses were bought and replaced by vast residences in the last decade or so.

For example, you’ll find a listing for a stunning five-bedroom detached property with six bathrooms and a spa pool and sauna at £3,300,000. Or a five-bedroom detached house with four bath/shower rooms, triple garage and south facing private gardens with a terrace at £2,475,000.

However, there are more modest houses available. According to Rightmove, the average house price in Prestbury over the last year is £817,189. The majority of sales are detached houses, with an average price of £977,827. Flats are the least expensive property type, with an average price of £445,700 and semi-detached properties go for around £333,750.

Estates, such as Packsaddle Park, were built in the 1970s to cater for the many commuters. And you’ll still find clusters of historic little cottages in the village or houses made into appealing apartments. 

Take time to visit and soak up the atmosphere to see what might suit your circumstances.