Building conservation charity The Landmark Trust announces the opening of its first property in Greater Manchester, The Station Agent’s House on Liverpool Road in Castlefield.
Partnering with the Science and Industry Museum to provide an innovative new use for the building, Landmark has restored the Grade I-listed Station Agent’s House into vibrant self-catering holiday accommodation for up to eight guests. The sensitive adaptation includes accessibility features and the latest environmental measures. Breaks cost from just £24.38 per person per night.
The Station Agent’s House is located at the original hub of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, part of what is now the Science and Industry Museum’s globally significant site, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city. The Station Agent’s House was built in 1808 for Castlefield dyemaster John Rothwell. It is one of Manchester’s oldest houses and is situated on the corner of Liverpool Road and Water Street. The Liverpool Manchester Railway directors acquired the house for the Manchester terminus of the world’s first purpose-built passenger line at Liverpool Road Station (now the site of the museum), and it became the home to the Station Agents working there. In the 20th century, the house was converted into a shop selling sausages and later car parts; after the railway line was closed in 1975, it was altered again into office use for the museum.
Today the rejuvenated house becomes accessible to the public for the first time – and enjoyed as a residence for the first time in 100 years – welcoming everyone for short stays plus regular free public open days. Landmark’s revival has seen extensive external repair, including re-roofing and repointing the original brickwork with traditional lime mortar. Internally, step-free access has been introduced and there are fully accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, with a lift to the spacious first floor living area. Hot water and heating are now supplied by air source heat pumps. Modern gypsum plaster has been replaced with sheep’s wool insulation and lime plaster with added cork for improved thermal insulation. Ill-fitting 1980s single-glazed sash windows have been replaced with bespoke double-glazed sash frames and chipboard floors have been replaced with parquet flooring. At the heart of the house, a specially made oval skylight to a period design enhances the original staircase. Furnishings combine the best of the Arts & Crafts ethos with a touch of the 1930s Jazz Age, when rail travel was in its heyday.
Dr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust says:
‘The Landmark Trust is proud to be able to give a new future to this grade-1 listed building, part of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station. Its extensive repair and renovation has been a labour of love, made possible by many generous donations. It is our first building in Manchester and will make a wonderful base from which to explore this peerless industrial city.’
