IN a city where there are lots of anonymous apartments it is wonderful to find a gem like this on Canal Street.
We also replaced both bathrooms, replaced the kitchen and installed a wood burning stove. The flat was featured in 25 Beautiful Homes.
It’s owned by a professional couple, Helen, who is originally from just outside Glasgow but has lived in the Manchester area for 26 years, and London born Howard, who moved to the North West more than 30 years ago.
They got together in 1998 and moved to Manchester city centre which was just beginning its re-incarnation.
Let's allow Helen to describe this wonderful living space.
“When we started looking for flats we were surprised how small many of them were. Our first buy was Flat 6 on the fourth floor at 10 Canal Street because we loved the space and the large rooms.
“However, we always admired the two flats on the top floor, mainly because of the natural light and both had balconies. One was occupied by a northern reporter for the Financial Times and the other by Paul Abbot of Shameless fame. Paul used it to house his small production/writing team.
Lounge
“We initially bought Flat 8, nine years ago which consisted of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan sitting room, dining room and kitchen. We (or should I say Howard) extended the balcony to run the full length of the building, created a mezzanine floor which contained our wardrobe and additional storages space and laid solid oak floor throughout. We also replaced both bathrooms, replaced the kitchen and installed a wood burning stove. The flat was featured in 25 Beautiful Homes.
“Approximately five years ago we bought Flat 7 as we wanted to create a free flowing space specifically for us that would cover the whole top floor of 10 Canal Street. We had an idea of what we wanted.
“However, when we took down the walls we discovered that the previous developer had covered up the original steel columns and brick work. Where possible we have left these exposed along with some of the brickwork.
“We were not interested in creating lots of bedrooms as most of the time it is only us in the flat and most bedrooms are un-used, dead spaces. So instead of having four bedrooms, we created one huge bedroom for us with a walk in wardrobe and a wet room, and a guest bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.
Kitchen
“Howard is a fantastic cook and loves cooking, therefore, the old living room, dining room and kitchen in Flat 7 became our new kitchen. We installed a bespoke Bulthaup kitchen which is based on a carpenter’s workshop. This is the space we probably spend most of our time in with friends and, in the summer, when the doors are fully open, the kitchen extends on to the balcony. We also converted the mezzanine spaces into a small gym and an office.
“We replaced all the windows and installed remote controlled windows in the ceilings. Recognising the need to be more green, we installed an air source heat pump to provide the heating and air conditioning and solar heating to provide our hot water. There are cat5 cables throughout the flat and we have a built in sound system in all the rooms. The majority of furniture is from Roche Bobois on Great Ancoats Street. We also like large paintings, so it is good having large walls to hang them on."
Lounge once more
So given all this work and affection why are the couple moving?
“We have also have a beautiful home in Palma, Mallorca,” says Helen.
“Howard retired two years ago and has been spending more and more of his time there. Just after Christmas we adopted a rescue dog from one of the dog homes in Mallorca and then got a boxer puppy (I now realise why I didn’t have children). This has given us a reason to make a permanent move.
“We will miss Manchester. We have absolutely loved living in Canal Street and having spent 14 years there demonstrates this. We are so central that it is possible to walk everywhere. We used to have two cars, but we’ve have not had a car for 8 years. City centre living allows you to be spontaneous, you can decide to go out at the last minute to catch a film or live performance, you can go for a meal and a drink without worrying how you are going to get home or who will drive. When you do need a car, the City Car Club meets most of our needs.”
The apartment is for sale for £695,000 through Thornley Groves - 0161 245 1111 (it’s a tortuous system but basically just hit 4 then 1 and hope for the best!) Or speak to the efficient Angela Heaton on 0161 245 2117
