Heritage Living Reimagined in a Prime Location

by | Feb 11, 2026 | Blog, Current Developments, Sales Information, Uncategorised, Updates

11

February, 2026

Heritage Living Reimagined in a Prime Location

The response to our King’s Gate, macclesfield development has been outstanding

Kings Gate, Macclesfield is a truly exceptional development where history, heritage and contemporary living come together seamlessly. Set in a prime location, this thoughtfully restored scheme has transformed the former King’s School into an elegant collection of homes that honour the past while embracing modern design.

A Development with History

The site, formerly known as King’s School, holds an important place in Macclesfield’s architectural heritage. Two substantial historic buildings have been carefully restored and converted into an exclusive range of mews homes and apartments, alongside the beautifully renovated Gatehouse at the entrance.

The Gateway of Remembrance – commissioned in memory of former pupils lost in the Second World War – have been restored and re-erected on the edge of the former cricket field creating a grand sense of arrival.

Every detail has been considered to preserve the character of the original structures while introducing high-quality finishes and contemporary layouts suited to modern lifestyles.

A Thriving New Community The response to King’s Gate has been outstanding. Phase I and II which featured a collection of newly built homes and beautifully restored heritage buildings have been completely sold, with homeowners now settled and enjoying life within this distinctive and character-rich setting. The final phase – comprising of six newly built energy-efficient mews homes and thirteen apartments – has also seen strong demand. With all but thee properties now reserved, the opportunity to join this exclusive development is quickly drawing to a close. This is now your final chance to secure a home within this prestigious development. Watch our twilight update video below

The Final Three Homes Available

Plot 102, Show Apartment – Priced at £374,950
A beautifully designed two bedroom first floor apartment featuring, private balcony, dual-aspect living/dining room with German engineered kitchen. This property also includes two parking spaces with EV charging.

Penthouse 302, Duplex Show Home – Priced at £599,950 An impressive three bedroom duplex penthouse offers exceptional space and specification including two private roof terraces, an expansive living/dining/family room with high-specification German engineered Nobilia kitchen. There are also three generous double bedrooms, two featuring en-suites. This property also includes two parking spaces with EV charging. Watch video tour below.
The Dobson, Mews Show Home – Priced at £549,950 An exceptional four bedroom, three storey energy efficient Mews home with dedicated parking for two vehicles and EV charging. This stunning property offers bright and spacious living/dining area, bespoke kitchen and flexible top floor space with roof terrace and utility room. Also includes private garden, solar panels, triple glazing and A-rated EPC. Watch video tour below
A Rare Opportunity With only three properties remaining, King’s Gate represents a rare opportunity to become part of an established and sought-after development in Macclesfield. The remaining properties include carpets, lighting and blinds*. Blending restored heritage architecture, new energy-efficient homes, premium German-engineered kitchens and a prime location, King’s Gate offers something truly special.
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Honouring The Past, Shaping The Future

by | Oct 13, 2025 | Blog, Community, Current Developments, News & Events, Uncategorised

10

October, 2025

Stories of Mental Health: Voices from the Past

Giving new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients in York

To mark World Mental Health Day, The Retreat York hosted two inspiring creative workshops that gave new life to the voices of three 19th-century psychiatric patients whose words have echoed across time.

Led by local artists in collaboration with the Borthwick Institute for Archives, the sessions invited participants to explore original poems and unsent letters written by patients at The Retreat. Funded by Mentally Fit York, these powerful documents became the catalyst for an afternoon of art-making, kite-building, and open conversation – connecting York’s past approaches to mental health care with the stories and experiences of today.

A Powerful Setting for Reflection

Heritage Events and Engagement Manager Lucy South described the workshops as “a fantastic event in the perfect setting to mark World Mental Health Day. Seeing archive items in the Recreation Hall where their stories began felt incredibly special – and watching the artworks take shape, alongside the conversations they sparked, was genuinely moving.”

From Archives to Art Collection

The creative outcomes from the workshops – including artworks and kites inspired by the historic writings – will now become part of the University of York Art Collection, ensuring these rediscovered voices continue to inspire reflection, empathy and understanding for generations to come.

By bringing together heritage, creativity, and community, The Retreat York continues to celebrate its remarkable history while fostering meaningful dialogue about mental health – past, present, and future.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events or about the first release of upcoming homes, register your interest and you’ll be added onto our mailing list.

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Yorkshire Philosophical Society Lecture

by | Oct 6, 2025 | Blog, Current Developments, News & Events, Uncategorised

06

October, 2025

Building The Retreat: the first 60 years

Yorkshire Philosophical Society (YPS) joined us for a lecture

Celebrating History and Community at The Retreat York

Last week, The Retreat York had the pleasure of welcoming 50 members of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society (YPS) for a captivating afternoon exploring the origins of one of York’s most significant historic sites.

The event featured an insightful lecture, Building The Retreat: the first 60 years (1794–1854), delivered by Dr Victoria Hopgood, architectural historian. Her talk delved into the remarkable early years of The Retreat’s creation, revealing the enduring Quaker values and visionary leadership of its founder, William Tuke, whose pioneering approach transformed mental health care across the world.

A Living Connection to York’s Past

Among the audience was Emma Darbyshire, a history student from York St John University, who is currently writing her dissertation on The Retreat’s history. We’re delighted to be supporting her research as it develops – a testament to our ongoing commitment to education, heritage, and community engagement.

It was wonderful to see such genuine enthusiasm for the story of this extraordinary place. The event also sparked great interest in The Retreat’s evolving heritage programme – with ten guests joining our Heritage mailing list and several more taking away information about our current restoration and development work.

Looking Ahead: A Hub for Knowledge and Culture.

This inaugural lecture was run as a pilot in partnership with the YPS, and the response could not have been more positive. Plans are already underway to host a series of future lectures and events exploring themes across natural and social sciences – bringing fresh opportunities for conversation, learning, and discovery within the walls of this historic landmark.

We’re thrilled to see The Retreat once again becoming a vibrant part of York’s cultural and intellectual life, connecting its rich past with a dynamic future.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us – we look forward to welcoming you back soon for more inspiring events.

If you’d like to hear about upcoming events or about the first release of upcoming homes, register your interest and you’ll be added onto our mailing list.

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From York Unlocked to 120 Heritage Homes

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Blog, Community, Current Developments, Featured, New Properties, News & Events, P J Livesey News

01

September, 2025

Opening the doors to The Retreat, York

In August we welcomed more than 850 visitors as part of the city-wide York Unlocked heritage event

For the first time in its long history, the public were able to explore this extraordinary site – a place that has overlooked the city for more than two centuries. With 37 acres of landscaped grounds, a peaceful atmosphere, and views stretching to York Minster, it was a rare opportunity to step behind the walls and discover one of York’s hidden landmarks.

A Day of Discovery

The event, organised and promoted by York Unlocked, proved so popular that additional ticket allocations had to be released to meet demand. Visitors followed self-guided routes around the extensive grounds, with information points highlighting the site’s unique heritage and significance.

Many also stepped inside the former Recreation Hall to glimpse its remarkable interiors – a space rarely seen by the public before.

Heritage and Personal Stories

What made the day so special were the personal stories shared by former staff and families connected to The Retreat. Their memories added warmth and depth to the experience, reminding us of the human history woven into every part of this remarkable place.

Looking Ahead

We were delighted to host York Unlocked at The Retreat and are grateful to the volunteers who made the day possible. While this event was part of the city’s wider programme, we are planning our own series of heritage and engagement events, curated by our Events & Engagement Officer, Lucy South, to continue opening up the site to the community.

As development progresses, more areas of The Retreat will be revealed, offering new opportunities to explore and connect with its story.

The Future of The Retreat

The Retreat is now undergoing a transformation. The estate is being sensitively reshaped into a community of 120 characterful heritage homes, steeped in history and retaining many original features. Alongside these, a number of sustainably designed new homes will be created to sit perfectly within their historic surroundings – ensuring this unique site continues to play a role in York’s story for generations to come.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

Our next event will be the October Exclusive VIP Property Preview, offering a first look at this exciting new chapter for The Retreat, York.

👉 Register here to secure your place

You can also sign up to hear about future heritage and community events, so you don’t miss the chance to explore more of this remarkable site.

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Demand soars as 40% of homes are snapped up

by | Jul 24, 2025 | Blog, Current Developments, Sales Information, Uncategorised

24

July, 2025

Demand soars at The Retreat, Parbold

With 40% of its unique homes already sold off-plan

The main heritage building, Lancaster House, is currently being sensitively refurbished and repurposed into five grand character properties.

The Ainscough is an exquisite four bedroom centrepiece heritage home entered via the grand facade and final property available situated within the iconic conversion of Lancaster House.

Due to it’s exceptional ornate staircase, stain glass window and stunning architecture it is being dressed as a show home, due to open it’s doors to the public at the end of September, 2025.

Phase 2 of our heritage homes will include the conversion of The Coach House into five unique homes.

Alongside these beautiful pieces of history will sit a limited collection of distinctive energy efficient newly built houses, starting from £499,950.

These homes are built to the highest energy-efficiency ratings designed for lower running costs and year-round comfort. Features like solar panels and triple glazing keep your bills down, while underfloor heating and mechanical ventilation systems ensure a consistently pleasant environment.

The extensive walled gardens are a major selling point. Mature trees, hedged walkways, quiet seating spots and tranquil formal gardens surround the properties, with re-opened pathways creating a new trail for people to soak up the surrounding nature – hence the name, The Retreat

Heads of sales, Sue and Gavin, have been guiding buyers through the vision for The Retreat and are encouraging anyone interested in the remaining properties to get in touch. A trip to the marketing suite allows guests to view detailed floor plans, images of what the homes will look like, and examples of the kitchen and bathroom finishes.

Sue, head of sales at The Retreat, said:

“The response has been fantastic. Buyers are captivated by the unique blend of local history and modern, sustainable living. With 40% of homes now sold, a wonderful community is already taking shape. We encourage anyone curious to come and see for themselves why these homes are selling so quickly.”

The marketing suite on Lancaster Lane, Parbold (WN8 7HT) is open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm.

With high demand for the remaining homes, we highly recommend booking a private viewing to avoid disappointment. To secure your appointment, call our team on 0800 151 0960 or email sales@theretreat-parbold.co.uk.

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