The 34-acres of mature woodland is bordered by fields and rolling hillside which create a naturalists’ dream.

While some of the ancient trees were planted by Lord Sherborne to create a splendid Victorian arboretum we have been planting new specimens since we acquired the site and they are helping create new and added interest.

Eric Grabham and his landscape team have been on site with us at the Standish pretty much full time since we started redevelopment three years ago and he knows every inch of the extensive grounds.

Eric recalls: “The NHS had basically abandoned the grounds without maintenance for years so most areas became overgrown with brambles and the thickets of shrubs and trees needed pruning and maintenance.

“There are some wonderful specimens here, including the rare Cork Oak Tree, with a number of other species of oak and other veteran trees that were retained

“We wanted to create all year interest and the winter flowering cherries we planted created a wonderful display this year. Those trees will continue to grow & develop along with dozens of other new trees planted

“Green Walk is truly a hidden gem. As you drive up the lane leading to the entrance you catch a glimpse of the development, with new build houses sitting alongside renovated and adapted existing.

“As you turn off the lane and drive towards the heart of the site you would not believe there is a little village up there set in 32 acres.

“I walked around the Westridge this week reviewing jobs to be carried out, I reflected on what a lovely area it is to live. It was an early spring day with sunshine, warm, blue sky, the birds were singing and the trees were awakening after their winter dormancy

The soaring oak trusses of the original building at King’s School in Macclesfield have been restored and will form the centrepiece of a unique £1m mews home.

The vast open plan space will boast a bespoke kitchen, seating/entertainment area and will even have its own internal winter garden with giant olive and lemon trees.

At the other end of the room a glazed archway opens onto steps to a large formal courtyard with a private path leading to a wild garden area.

The bedrooms are on the ground floor with a large principal suite, a self- contained guest suite, and a third double bedroom. There is also a large study opening to the winter garden.

As well as being transformed inside, the outside of the Grade 2 listed building’s structure is also being lovingly brought back to its original glory. Stonemasons have skilfully replaced and repaired the original window openings and door frames and the original doors are being restored and will be re-used.

Group sales manager Gavin Pearce said: “There is such a historic legacy at King’s – imagine the doorway to your new home having been originally carved in 1844! Not many new homes can boast that.

“It really does give you tingles when you step through the entrance and walk up into the space.

“Right now, we are at a position where a prospective purchaser could help shape the space, maybe turning the study into an amazing walk-in dressing room or another bedroom or a nursery.

“The kitchen layout could be tweaked and there could even be a bar area if the client wanted. Really it is such a large and unique space the potential is endless.”