Renovated 17th-century Cheshire cottage marries modernity with country rustic

Annabelle Tugby Architects masterfully renovated this 17th-century Cheshire cottage, marrying its rustic character with a modern plan – and adding a home studio in its tranquil garden,

Norcliffe Hall Drive sits in the village of Styal, Cheshire, around 30 minutes outside of Manchester. Styal was a prominent mill-town during the Industrial Revolution. The cottage sits along a long, private driveway leading to Norcliffe Hall, where the mill’s owners lived, surrounded by fields and protected woodland.

Annabelle Tugby Architects has embraced the cottage’s historic feeling while adapting its spatial flow for modern living. At its heart is the redesigned kitchen and dining room where Crittall glass looks onto the garden and an outdoor summer terrace. Anchoring the space is a huge central island, and the kitchen skirts between old and new through exposed brickwork, ply-lined walls, handmade cabinets, and slate flooring that runs underfoot.

A reception, music room snug, and a soaring double-height games room with timber beams, round out this floor. For the adults, there’s also a sun-soaked glasshouse or garden room.

Bucolic country views are celebrated from every room — Photography: The Modern House

Four bedrooms are located on the cottage’s first floor, which is accessed by two staircases. Rooms have handmade, built-in storage and en suites and rural views. A separate one-bedroom garden annexe, currently used as a home studio, offers further guest accommodation.

The Modern House is listing the award-winning Cheshire home for £1.7m. It comes with planning for an architect-designed oak-framed double garage, with annexe space above.