Discover Cotton Meadows: Sustainable Luxury New Build Homes in Lancashire
Nestled in Barnoldswick, Cotton Meadows is more than just a housing development—it’s the start of a new lifestyle. This exclusive collection of 30 three and four-bedroom sustainable new build homes blends traditional craftsmanship with modern luxury, all set in one of Lancashire’s most desirable locations.
A Development Worth Waiting For
Surrounded by Lancashire’s rolling countryside, Cotton Meadows reflects the rich heritage of Barnoldswick while embracing contemporary living. Each home is built with premium materials, offering a perfect balance of style, comfort, and energy efficiency. Locally sourced coursed natural stone, slate roofs, and elegant Painswick Grey sash windows create a timeless exterior, while inside, every detail has been meticulously designed for modern living.
High-specification finishes define these homes. SieMatic kitchens feature Bosch appliances, while bathrooms boast premium Duravit and Hansgrohe fixtures. Underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and market-leading solar panel systems ensure year-round efficiency. Thoughtful touches like luxury vinyl tile flooring, plush carpets, LED lighting, and integrated smart home technology elevate these homes to a new standard of living.
Why Choose a New Home in Lancashire?
Beyond the doors of Cotton Meadows lies Barnoldswick, a town filled with charm, history, and a strong community spirit. With its rich mill heritage, cobbled streets, and stunning Victorian architecture, this Lancashire gem offers a unique blend of tradition and modern convenience.
For outdoor lovers, Barnoldswick is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes. Explore the Yorkshire Dales, cycle through the Forest of Bowland, or take a scenic walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Whether hiking up Pendle Hill or enjoying a peaceful countryside picnic, there are endless ways to embrace nature.
A Thriving Community with Modern Conveniences
Barnoldswick isn’t just about scenic beauty—it’s a vibrant town with independent boutiques, cosy cafés, and award-winning restaurants. Whether enjoying brunch, shopping for artisan goods, or dining at a local favourite, there’s a welcoming community atmosphere that makes Barnoldswick feel like home.
Despite its peaceful surroundings, Barnoldswick offers excellent transport links to Leeds, Manchester, and Preston, making it an ideal location for commuters who want countryside living with urban accessibility.
Buy a Luxury New Build Home at Cotton Meadows
Your next chapter starts at Cotton Meadows. With outstanding schools, a strong community, and homes designed for quality and sustainability, it’s set to be one of Lancashire’s most sought-after developments.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, searching for a statement home, or looking for a tranquil escape in the Lancashire countryside, Cotton Meadows is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
New Year, New Home: Discover your Dream Hurstwood Home in 2025
As we embrace the new year, there's no better time to make a fresh start by moving into a home that suits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you're looking to upsize, downsize, or simply find a home that fits your vision of the future, 2025 offers a unique window of opportunity. With favourable market conditions, lower mortgage rates, and impending changes to stamp duty, now is the ideal time to make a move—and there's no better place to find your dream home than with Hurstwood Homes.
Wanting to Make a Change?
Making the decision to move is a significant one—emotionally and financially. Whether your family is growing, your needs are shifting, or you're simply looking for something new, it’s important to consider the right time to act. If you've been finding yourself browsing properties or feeling like it's time for a change, you're not alone. At Hurstwood Homes, we understand the importance of making a home that works for you. Here are some signs it might be time to make the move:
You Need More Space For families growing or those welcoming guests over the holidays, a lack of space can feel overwhelming. If you're constantly struggling for storage or fighting for bathroom time, it might be time to move. Hurstwood’s generously proportioned homes, like the Willow with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, can ensure everyone has their own space.
You Want a Layout That Works for You We’ve all experienced the frustration of a home that doesn’t quite fit our needs. Perhaps you’re looking for an open-plan space or more privacy for work and relaxation. Whether it's a spacious kitchen, family room, or the addition of a home office, Hurstwood Homes offers a variety of layouts to suit your preferences. Our Chestnut four-bedroom home, for example, has an open-plan kitchen and dining space perfect for family gatherings.
Your Circumstances Have Changed Whether you’re moving in with a partner or need to relocate for work, changing life circumstances can make it clear that it’s time to look for a new home. Many of our homes come with flexible spaces—such as extra bedrooms or additional reception rooms for home offices —to adapt to your changing needs.
You Want to Redress the Work/Life Balance If you’ve started working remotely, or simply want to reduce your commute, moving closer to work or to a more peaceful environment could improve your life balance. Our developments are strategically located to offer easy access to transport links while providing a tranquil environment to call home. Read our article on why Rawtenstall, the home of Newchurch Meadows, is ideal for commuters.
2025 is shaping up to be a promising year for the housing market, and there are several reasons why it’s the perfect time to make your move:
Lock in Savings Before Stamp Duty Relief Ends The current stamp duty relief ends on 31 March 2025, which could mean higher costs for buyers later in the year. By acting now, you can save thousands and secure your new home before the stamp duty changes. Plus, purchasing from Hurstwood Homes means you’ll benefit from a smooth process with no upward chain, speeding up your move and maximising your savings.
Take Advantage of Low Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have stabilised after their highs in 2022, and many experts predict that they will continue to fall in early 2025. Lower rates make it easier to secure a manageable monthly payment, so it’s an excellent time to lock in a competitive rate. Plus, Hurstwood Homes offers tailored mortgage options, including our exclusive Own New Rate Reducer scheme, making homeownership more affordable. Act now to secure a competitive interest rate and potentially lower your monthly mortgage payments.
Beat the Spring Rush The property market tends to heat up after the holiday season, and prices are expected to rise by 2%-4% in 2025. By starting your home search now, you can avoid the competitive spring market and secure your dream home at a better price before demand pushes costs higher. This also means your home’s value is also likely to increase once you own it!
Make the Move to a Hurstwood Home
Choosing to move into a Hurstwood Home means choosing a lifestyle of luxury, comfort, and sustainability. Our homes are designed not only for modern living but also for long-term savings and environmental responsibility.
What Makes a Hurstwood Home Special?
Luxury Designer Kitchens and Bathrooms: With SieMatic kitchens and Hansgrohe and Duravit bathrooms featuring cutting-edge design and high-quality materials, your spaces will be as stylish as they are functional.
Log Burners & Underfloor Heating: Enjoy cosy warmth during winter months with log burners and efficient underfloor heating that enhances comfort throughout your home.
Sustainable Features: From air source heat pumps to solar panels, our homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. By choosing energy-efficient features, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. This means you can save money on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
High-Quality Construction: Our homes are built with the latest in energy-efficient technology and high-quality materials, ensuring a durable and long-lasting home.
Spacious, Open-Plan Living: Enjoy bright, airy spaces with modern layouts that foster a sense of community and togetherness, while also providing quiet spaces for relaxation and work.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points: Future-proof your home with dedicated electric vehicle charging points, ensuring you're ready for the eco-friendly future.
Exceptional Customer Service: Experience the Hurstwood Homes difference with our commitment to providing an exceptional customer journey from initial enquiry to aftercare.
Make it your dream home: With Hurstwood Homes, you have the choice to make your home yours. Decide on own kitchen, flooring and bathroom tiles so you can move into the home you have truly been dreaming of.
Ways You'll Save in a Hurstwood Home One of the major benefits of choosing a Hurstwood Home is the money you'll save over time. Our homes are built with the latest in energy-efficient technology, from high-quality insulation to solar panels and air source heat pumps in our newest developments. This reduces your energy costs and ensures your home stays comfortable all year round.
Start Your Search Today
2025 offers a perfect opportunity to secure your dream home with Hurstwood Homes. With an ideal combination of lower mortgage rates, favourable stamp duty relief, and a growing housing market, now is the time to make your move.
By choosing a Hurstwood Home, you're not just investing in a house—you're investing in a better way to live. With modern features, energy efficiency, and a design that suits your lifestyle, there’s no better time to find your perfect home.
Start your search with Hurstwood Homes today. Make 2025 the year you move into the home you have always wanted!
Contact us today to schedule a viewing and discover your perfect Hurstwood Home.
Commuting from Rawtenstall: The Perfect Balance of Country and City Life
In recent years, the UK property market has undergone a significant transformation. More and more homebuyers and investors are turning their attention away from traditional urban hotspots and focusing on regional and suburban areas. This shift is largely driven by evolving work patterns, affordability concerns, and a desire for a better work-life balance. The rise of hybrid working, combined with a growing demand for more space and proximity to nature, has led many buyers to consider towns like Rawtenstall in the Rossendale Valley as the ideal location for their next home.
Rawtenstall is the commuter town you should choose for the perfect balance of convenience, affordability, and quality of life. Located just a short drive from Manchester, it offers easy access to the city’s bustling job market and cultural amenities while allowing you to escape the high living costs and hectic pace of urban life.
The Shift to Suburban Living: The Rise of Hybrid Working
The COVID-19 pandemic was a game-changer for the world of work. The sudden rise of remote and hybrid working has allowed many employees to reconsider where they live. With the daily commute no longer a necessity for most, buyers are now prioritising space, affordability, and lifestyle over proximity to city offices. This newfound flexibility has opened up the opportunity to move to quieter, more spacious towns and villages that offer more for your money.
Towns in the North West, including Rawtenstall, are now particularly attractive to homebuyers who want more square footage, access to nature, and the convenience of nearby cities without the high costs of living in urban centres. In addition to offering larger homes, these areas are seeing substantial growth in property values, making them hotspots for both homebuyers and investors. Read more about the changing property market here.
Affordability
Regional markets like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds have seen an influx of buyers due to their more affordable property prices and high potential for future capital growth. The North West, in particular, has seen significant house price growth in the last few years, making it a hotspot for property investment. With ongoing regeneration projects, improving transport links, and thriving local economies, these areas are poised for continued growth in both property values and rental yields.
Hurstwood Homes offers an array of beautifully designed new-build homes in Rawtenstall in our Newchurch Meadows development. These energy-efficient homes are not only affordable but are designed with modern living in mind. For example, at Newchurch Meadows, you can enjoy the benefits of low utility bills thanks to the energy-saving features of the homes. Find out how you can Save on Your Bills With a New Build Hurstwood Home. Additionally, ourOwn New Rate Reducer scheme offers hundreds of pounds off your mortgage every month, making homeownership in Rawtenstall an even more attractive prospect.
Why Rawtenstall Is the Perfect Location
Located in the heart of the beautiful Rossendale Valley, Rawtenstall offers an unbeatable balance of countryside living and access to urban amenities. For those who need to commute to Manchester or other nearby urban hubs, Rawtenstall’s excellent transport links make it an ideal choice.
Convenient Road Links
One of the major benefits of living in Rawtenstall is its proximity to major road networks. The A56 connects directly to the M66 motorway, providing a fast route into Manchester. The drive +into the city centre takes around 30–40 minutes, making it a manageable commute for those who need to travel for work. For further destinations, the M65 links Rawtenstall to towns such as Preston and other parts of Lancashire, offering easy travel options both north and south. With flexible working patterns, many homeowners in the area find they can avoid peak traffic hours, making the commute even more efficient.
Public Transport Options
In addition to convenient road links, Rawtenstall also boasts reliable public transport. The Witchway X43 bus service runs directly to Manchester, with regular journeys throughout the day, providing a stress-free and eco-friendly alternative for commuters who prefer not to drive. For those who enjoy cycling, Rawtenstall’s surrounding areas feature dedicated cycling routes, making it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle while commuting.
A Perfect Blend of Country and City Life
The appeal of commuter towns like Rawtenstall lies in their ability to offer the best of both worlds. Suburban areas surrounding major cities like Manchester are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as more buyers seek a balanced lifestyle. These towns offer the convenience of proximity to the city, combined with the tranquillity and space that rural living provides.
Rawtenstall is particularly well-suited to families and professionals who desire more living space, better schools, and a greater sense of community—all while remaining within easy reach of Manchester’s cultural and economic opportunities. The town’s proximity to green spaces, including local parks and hiking trails, makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without venturing too far from home.
For those living in Rawtenstall, the workday doesn’t have to end when you leave the office. Residents can return to their homes, surrounded by nature, open countryside, and fresh air. The slower pace of life and the scenic beauty of the area offer a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of city living, providing the perfect environment for relaxation and leisure.
Rawtenstall: A Hub for Leisure and Lifestyle
While Rawtenstall’s rural setting is a major draw, the town also offers plenty of local amenities. With a variety of cafes, independent shops, and community spaces, it’s easy to unwind and enjoy the charm of small-town life. The East Lancashire Railway, which offers scenic train journeys through the picturesque countryside, is another popular local attraction, perfect for weekend outings.
For those looking for weekend adventures, Rawtenstall’s location within the Rossendale Valley means that outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and family picnics are just a short drive away. Whether you're exploring the stunning countryside or enjoying the local village atmosphere, Rawtenstall offers a high-quality lifestyle for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
Make Rawtenstall Your Home
The trend of moving away from major cities in favour of suburban living shows no signs of slowing down. As hybrid working becomes more entrenched, many experts predict that demand for homes in commuter towns like Rawtenstall will continue to rise. These areas, especially those undergoing regeneration and infrastructure improvements, are likely to see ongoing capital growth, making them great choices for both homebuyers and investors.
In Rawtenstall, buyers can expect not only a better quality of life but also long-term value. As infrastructure improves and local economies continue to thrive, early movers in the area are likely to benefit from rising property values.
Rawtenstall offers the perfect blend of rural charm and city convenience, making it an ideal location for those seeking a better work-life balance. With excellent road and public transport links, a high quality of life, and affordable luxury housing options from Hurstwood Homes, it’s easy to see why more and more people are making the move to towns like Rawtenstall.
The UK housing market is showing signs of a strong comeback, and there are several factors that suggest now could be a good time to buy a home. The housing market has had ongoing positivity, prices surging, interest rate dropping and therefore there is growth in house sales year on year. With our incentives and the opportunity for mortgage rate reductions, now is the perfect time to buy at Newchurch Meadows whilst you still have the chance.
Rising house prices and buyer confidence
House prices are on the rise again, with the fastest growth in two years. Average property prices are higher than a year ago in every region of England. The largest annual rise is in the North West, at 4.6%.This trend is expected to continue, driven by factors like:
Lower mortgage rates: The Bank of England's recent interest rate cut and falling mortgage rates have made homeownership more affordable for many buyers. The Bank of England has confirmed that mortgage approval rates are at a two-year high.
Strong wage growth: Rising wages are improving affordability. Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Halifax, said “This has boosted confidence among potential buyers, with the number of mortgages agreed up over 40% in the last year and now at their highest level since July 2022.”
Increased demand: House sales are up significantly compared to last year, indicating a healthy demand in the market. “Data from Rightmove shows that the number of agreed sales is up by 25% on this point last year” says Richard Harrison, head of mortgages at Atom Bank
Rent prices continue to grow: Rent prices are increasing due to increased demand, owning a property shields you from soaring rental prices making homeownership a more attractive option for long-term financial stability.
Upcoming Change to Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty, officially called Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), is a tax you pay when you buy property or land in England and Northern Ireland. If you want to learn more about Stamp Duty, read here. In September 2022, the Government announced a temporary increase to the thresholds above which SDLT must be paid. This meant that more people fit into a band in which they would pay less SDLT, or none at all. The temporary threshold increase is due to end on 31 March 2025, meaning that any transaction which completes thereafter will be subject to the increased rates of Stamp Duty.
On 31 March 2025:
The nil rate threshold which is currently £250,000 will return to the previous level of £125,000.
The nil rate threshold for first time buyers which is currently £425,000 will return to the previous level of £300,000.
The maximum purchase price for which First-Time Buyers Relief can be claimed is currently £625,000 and will return to the previous level of £500,000.
Buying before April 2025 therefore means you may have the opportunity to pay less Stamp Duty and more relief if you are a first-time buyer.
Homebuyer incentives with Own New
With Own New Rate Reducer available with Newchurch Meadows properties, mortgage rates below 1.63% are available. For example, you could now save up to £805* per month on mortgage payments available with Own New Rate Reducer on a Newchurch Meadows Home. Eliot Darcy, founder of Own New explains that “Monthly cost is a big issue for people, not just when interest rates are high, as it doesn’t look like rates are going to go down to where they used to be. It’s a problem for people and people want lower monthly payments, and ultimately, that’s what Rate Reducer does”. Read more about Own New’s Rate Reducer here and make your dream home a reality!
*This is an example based on market interest rates, with an example Newchurch Meadows home price of £595,000 and an average mortgage term of 35 years. Assumes a 5% homebuilder incentive and a 2 year fix, with 75% LTV mortgage. Rates valid as of 15-10-2024
Now is a great time to buy a home for many reasons, including the final wave of Newchurch Meadows properties becoming available. With rising house prices, favourable mortgage rates, and the upcoming changes to Stamp Duty, now is an ideal time to invest in a Newchurch Meadows home. Take advantage of the current Stamp Duty rates and the Own New Rate Reducer program to reduce your overall costs and you can benefit from owning a home now in such strong market conditions. And if you buy a home now, you still have time to move in by Christmas!
If you need any more reasons to grab your home at our ideal Newchurch Meadows location whilst you can, read here!
While the market shows positive signs, it's crucial to do your own research and consider your individual circumstances before making a decision. Consulting a financial advisor can be helpful in making an informed choice.
Rawtenstall Market Redevelopment Plans Approved
Planning permission has been granted for the £4.2 million upgrade of Rawtenstall Market. This refurbishment will play a key role in Rossendale Borough Council’s plan to regenerate the town centre. The redevelopment will address traffic and infrastructure issues, and Rossendale County Council promises to make the market a safer, warmer, and more inviting space for everyone who uses it.
Work on the redevelopment is expected to begin in March 2025. To minimize disruptions, market vendors will continue trading from the town centre. This project is a major step forward for Rawtenstall and is expected to positively impact the town centre, local residents, and anyone considering moving to Rawtenstall.
With the market improvements on the horizon, now is the perfect time to consider a Newchurch Meadows home—just a short walk from Rawtenstall Market!
Established in 1906, Rawtenstall Market, Newchurch Rd BB4 7QX is a characterful Market Hall with a partly covered outdoor marketplace.
Market days are Thursday and Saturday 9am - 4pm all year round, with special events throughout the year – Keep an eye on our social media platforms for what's coming up at Rawtenstall Market.
