ALL nine of the new luxury homes which have been created within the historic Smithills Coaching House site have been sold.

Last month, developer Jones Homes invited people to bid for the two, three and four bedroom lodges which have been developed within the restored 17th Century Grade II listed coach house.

The bidding process was sealed and prices ranged between £315,000 and £600,000.

The deadline for bids was on February 6 and the developer has now announced that all of the new properties are now ‘under offer’ — meaning they have been sold, subject to contracts being finalised and signed.

It has also been revealed that property magnate Peter Jones, chairman of the Emerson Group — of which Jones Homes is a subsidiary — personally opened all of the offer letters himself.

Andrew Cardwell of Cardwells estate agents, said there had been “countless people” coming to view the properties over recent weeks.

He said: “The development and regeneration of Smithills Coaching House has created a wonderful setting where historical charm meets modern day luxury, and with Smithills Country Park practically on the doorstep, they are set in the heart of the countryside.

“It was no wonder that there was so much interest and curiosity in the nine individual lodges.

“We are delighted to report that all nine of the properties are now under offer.

“Over the coming weeks and months the development of the site will continue to progress and in due course new build town houses and apartments will be released to the market too, these will enhance and the already impressive development.”

The new town houses and apartments represent the more controversial aspect of the overall development plan.

There continues to be strong opposition to the building of more than 20 houses on green belt land near to the coaching house.

Jones Homes says the building a sale of these homes was necessary to fund the expensive conversion that has taken place at the coaching house.

Smithills councillor Roger Hayes, while satisfied with the coaching house development, described the green belt development as a “tragedy”.

He added: “This development is destroying the natural beauty of the area and sets a very dangerous precedent.”