Located in the heart of Castlefield in central Manchester, this sophisticated two-bedroom penthouse apartment is set on the fourth floor of Emery Warehouse in the Urban Splash Britannia Mills project. It has undergone a creative renovation by Scott Donald Architecture in collaboration with the current owner, which respects the original essence while rendering it perfect for modern life. The main living areas are filled with a beautiful quality of light, which highlights the textural exposed brick and Dinesen timber flooring. Oversized windows frame far-reaching views across the urban skyline, surrounding waterways, and what was once a heavily industrial area since transformed into a creative hub with excellent bars, cafes and restaurants. The 19^th-century former industrial space has secure underground parking.

The Project

Britannia Mills is a collection of unique warehouse-style apartments situated across six distinct buildings adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal. Completed in 2000, this Urban Splash project has received numerous awards for its design, which pays homage to the area’s industrious history. The development seamlessly blends the old with the new, preserving the imposing façades of elaborate red brickwork while incorporating large glazed openings.

One of the standout features of Britannia Mills is the strong sense of community it fosters. The shared thoroughfares and landscaped courtyards create a quiet haven amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Throughout the year, residents have ample opportunities to connect and gather in these inviting spaces.

Beyond its community impact, the Britannia Mills project played a crucial role in the extensive regeneration of the area. By revitalising and repurposing previously overlooked buildings, it inspired others to undertake similar refurbishment projects, breathing new life into this neglected quarter.

The Architect

In 2011, Scott Donald founded his Cheshire-based practice, which has since earned acclaim and recognition for its outstanding work. Before this venture, Scott gained valuable experience in Dundee, Glasgow, and Manchester. Throughout his career, Scott’s true passion has been in residential architecture, as he sees it as an opportunity for unparalleled creative expression. His focus lies in crafting unique spatial designs and impeccable attention to detail.

The practice’s dedication to excellence has been rewarded with numerous awards and commendations. Among these accolades is a notable shortlist for The Sunday Times British Homes Awards in the ‘Home Extension of the Year category.’ Additionally, the practice received high commendation for the ‘House of the Year (over 2,500 sqft)’ at the British Homes Awards. Scott Donald’s journey in architecture has been marked by a commitment to pushing creative boundaries in the residential realm, resulting in well-deserved recognition and success.

The Tour

Perched atop the magnificent four-storey Emery Warehouse, this penthouse apartment is defined by its dark red brick monolithic façade rising above the bustling streets below. Concealed within these walls are spacious communal areas thoughtfully designed to pay homage to the mill’s rich heritage. Remarkably executed, these areas showcase dramatic full-height volumes and expose the steel structural elements that add character to the space. There is a concierge, as well as underground parking, with two spaces allocated to this apartment.

The apartment can be accessed via both lift and stairs, leading to internal communal walkways that are bathed in natural light, care of the overhead glazed roof. These open to a welcoming entrance, where beautiful wide Dinesen floorboards create an inviting ambience. Neatly positioned recessed cupboards create plenty of storage space for coats, shoes, and daily essentials.

Beyond, the main living spaces unfold. Light pours through expansive warehouse windows, casting a warm glow on the carefully curated material palette. The backdrop of exposed brick walls, cast-iron columns, and girders harmoniously contrasts with planar partition walls and glazed screens. The space’s open-plan design allows for various layouts, ensuring plenty of space for separate living, dining, and seating areas. A pair of glazed doors open up to a Juliet balcony, offering a glimpse of the embracing urban scapes softened by verdant courtyards and surrounding waterways.

Set on the corner, the minimal galley kitchen has been executed to an impeccable standard. The abundant storage, like the apartment as a whole, has been cleverly conceived to suit the practicalities of everyday life, and the open-plan nature of the space ensures it perfectly suits entertaining while cooking.

The same sense of flow and thoughtfully considered detailing permeates the rest of the apartment. A square-edged straight flight staircase ascends to the mezzanine level. The mezzanine is a bright and beautiful space with walls of built-in bespoke cabinetry, including concealed cupboards for storage and open shelving for displaying belongings. From this vantage point, it is possible to overlook the living area below, creating the perfect spot for work, study, and reading. Seamlessly connected to this area is a generously proportioned yet intimate retreat for sleeping. Adjacent to it, an en suite shower room finished in mottled sepia-hued tiling, shielded from the rest of the space by a sandblasted glass pane.

Tucked in a corner on the lower level, a sliding glazed screen demarcates the second sleeping area. It has long, slim windows that invite a subtle, soothing light into the space. Cleverly integrated built-in cupboards provide ample storage.

The thoughtful layout of the apartment is completed with an additional shower room with a generous walk-in shower, along with deep, under-stairs cupboards for added practicality.

The building has an on-site manager four days a week, a well-equipped gym (membership of which is covered by the service charge) and a secure area for bicycle storage. Two underground gated car parking spaces are allocated to this apartment.

Outdoor Space

The Britannia Mills warehouses have a network of expansive communal terraces, courtyards, and gardens that seamlessly interweave, creating serene sanctuaries and lots of places for alfresco daytime coffees and evening drinks. Each area has ample space for a table and chairs, and these sheltered spots are protected from the elements while still feeling connected to the world outside. From here, captivating views of the towpaths, canals, and the surrounding metropolitan landscape unfold.

The Area

Britannia Mills is set by the canal in the once-industrial area of Castlefield. A walk through its web of canals brings you to the dynamic arts and cultural scene that has propelled Manchester to global notoriety. Over the canal, across the landmark Woden Street Footbridge, grab coffee and locally sourced pastries from MQ Coffee & Kitchen. The popular bars and restaurants in Castle Street and the Castlefield Viaduct are a 12-minute stroll away.

The centre of Manchester is characterised by its grand civic architecture, both old and new. The intricate towers of the city’s neo-gothic town hall, designed by Alfred Waterhouse in1868, rise above the surrounding streetscape. It is joined by the beautiful Johny Rylands Library and the Royal Exchange, now a renowned theatre. The Manchester Central Reference Library, built in 1930 drawing inspiration from the Pantheon, was innovatively refurbished in 2014 and is a wonderful resource for the city. These focal points are balanced by the lively streets full of independent bars and restaurants.

To the northeast of the city centre is the bustling Norther Quarter, its old warehouses revitalised by independent galleries, shops and cafes. Local highlights include Mackie Mayor, Takk, Cottonopolis, Foundationand the Manchester Craft & Design Centre. The area is also renowned for its excellent music scene.

Primary and secondary schools, currently rated Outstanding by Ofsted, are in the vicinity, as well as the independent Abbey College.

Motorway access is good via the M56, M60 and M62. Manchester International Airport is a 25-minute drive. The journey time by train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston is 2 hours fifteen minutes.

Tenure: Leasehold
Lease Length: approx. 974 years remaining
Service Charge: approx. £2,940 per annum
Ground Rent: approx. £100 per annum
Council Tax Band: F

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.