Often characterised as a ‘small town with a village feel’, Poynton’s main shopping street transforms into something resembling an upscale Mediterranean promenade on a warm summer afternoon. This is the sentiment echoed by Paul, one of the town’s dedicated Council Support Community Officers, as he enthusiastically lists off the independent cafes, restaurants and bars that adorn the verdant Park Lane running through the town.

He says in summer it’s just like being in Spain. Together with his colleague, they serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ of Poynton, patrolling the streets and addressing issues such as graffiti, littering, dog fouling and more, all while helping to curb low-level crime and anti-social behaviour. Tucked away at the foot of the Peak District, Poynton is considered a perfect starting point for exploring the Cheshire countryside.

Lyme Park is just a short stroll away, and there’s also the Middlewood Way, a 16km traffic-free route that meanders through the idyllic surroundings, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite its unmistakably rural character, Poynton sits merely moments away from Stockport and a short 11 miles from Manchester, offering residents a swift 20-minute rail journey into the city for those seeking an ideal blend of urban and countryside living.

Beth Harris, a former marketing professional, launched The Greener Grocer – an independent grocery store and zero-waste establishment – in the town last Easter. Her shop stocks everything from organic produce and fresh juices to honey and blooming flowers, proving a hit with residents eager to purchase goods close to home.

The business owner, who resides nearby in Higher Poynton, chuckles as she recounts being told countless times that the area once boasted three greengrocers, noting this reflects both the local population and their enthusiasm for community-driven enterprises.

She said: “Since I’ve opened there have been even more independents joining the fold too, like the bakery La Chouquette down the road and, because of the development, there’s more families moving in and demand for what I do.

“It’s a nice high street, there’s pretty much one of everything. Quite a lot of people around here don’t travel too far, so a lot of residents are very Poynton-centric, which means they like to shop, eat and drink out here.”

In March 2020, a countywide Cheshire survey crowned it the finest town in the region for community wellbeing, examining factors including employment, healthcare, public amenities, cultural offerings and transportation links.

Paul Stewart, branch manager at estate agents Moore Homes, sits at his workstation overlooking the junction where Park Lane, London Road and Chester Road converge – part of the town’s innovative shared space initiative.

After the pandemic, Paul observed enormous appetite for properties in semi-rural settings. With evolving work patterns, city-dwelling professionals from places like Manchester and London opted to relocate nearer to rural areas, including Cheshire market towns such as Poynton and Adlington.

“The stamp duty holiday then created this increased desire to buy a home but also meant that the demand was far outstripping the supply, which forced prices up dramatically as you would have 15-20 people trying to buy the same property,” he explains.

“This carried on until the peak of July-August 2022 and then the disastrous ‘mini budget’ September 2022 when the mortgage market went into disarray.

“Poynton’s housing market did not suffer as much as many areas, due to factors like the five excellent primary schools, a good high school, having fantastic outdoor space such as Lyme Park, the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal on the doorstep, plus Poynton village centre where you can find a lovely array of cafes, restaurants, bars and independent shops.”

Near The Farmers Arms, a beloved local pub recently revamped by Robinsons, patrons bask in the sun with drinks in the beer garden, while Jan and her husband enjoy a leisurely browse through the village shops.

“We love it here,” she beams, her gaze sweeping down Park Lane, flanked by the likes of Waitrose and the upscale Panache.

“I think it’s the community, and there’s plenty of places to eat out and have a drink. I have eight grandchildren too and having places like the park means we have nice places to take them during the school holidays.”

Take a leisurely walk along the high street, where you’ll encounter vibrant live music spots such as The Acoustic Lounge, alongside chic boutiques, pet grooming parlours, and an array of cafes and eateries including The Snap Tin Bar, Fire and Ice, Flute and Firkin, culminating at The Cask Tavern, a gem in the Bollington Brewing family crown.

Behind the bar, assistant manager Sam is seen serving up a frothy pint to a local patron. “It’s got a strong community and that translates both out and about, but also on social media groups,” he says with a smile.

Basking in the sunshine are Debbie and her partner John, who hail from Manchester but relocated to Poynton four years ago to be closer to their son during the arrival of his baby.

“We wanted to be hands on and help, and now they have two children, so we’re definitely hands on,” Debbie chuckles, enjoying a glass of rosé.

After featuring on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and snapping up a property, the duo now divide their time between Spain and Cheshire.

“It’s wonderful here, we love it. It’s an amazing place to live. I know we don’t get much sunshine here, but on weeks like this when we do it’s so lovely to see everyone out, and even when shops close around here, it’s not long before someone snaps it up.

“On a Saturday you see the butchers are really busy, lots of people in the bars, and we’ll go to Fire and Ice for breakfast and that brings together lots of different age groups. The ice cream shop today is rammed too.

“Really it’s the people though, they’re so lovely and basically like family. I still love Manchester, but when I go back I just think something is missing,” she adds.

For many, retiring to Spain is the dream, but the couple say they’ve ‘got the best of both worlds between here and their second home abroad. And John, who appreciates the tranquillity and safety of Poynton, only has one complaint.

“The chippy closes at half past eight,” he chuckles, but beyond that, he says it’s a lovely place to live.