Bolton: Horwich vacation rental is a nod to Loco Works history

A Horwich plumber’s lockdown project ended up becoming a nod to the town’s history.

Craig Parkinson, 60, is a bathroom supplier and installer at Lavisse bathes by trade, but when Covid interrupted his ability to work, he embarked on a lockdown project.

What started as plans to renovate and sell a property on Chorley New Road quickly turned into a labor of love.

The house, located just steps from Horwich Loco Works, is now a vacation rental with a quirky difference as you venture into the basement.

The Bolton News: The converted basement with vintage children's toys and gamesThe basement furnished with period toys and games for children (Photo: Craig Parkinson)

The ground floor is covered in railway memorabilia and decorations, with a ticket office, waiting room, baggage conveyor and even the cream and burgundy color scheme – a common color in railway history .

Craig said: “My grandfather actually worked at Loco Works as an engineer driller and I remember when I was a kid I used to play on the site with my friends so that has a lot of memories for me .

“When I bought the property it was really just something to keep me busy during lockdown. I couldn’t work and I’m not one to sit around doing nothing. My idea was to do it again and sell it.

The Bolton News: A cozy place for train staffA comfortable place for train staff (Photo: Craig Parkinson)

“It took about 12 months to do it. It was a real labor of love. I think that’s why I decided I didn’t want to sell it.

“I thought it would make a great Airbnb, but I wanted it to be a bit special and a bit more upscale.”

He says it was hard work finding all the souvenirs, which took him to various locations in the north of England, such as Leyland, Southport and Yorkshire.

He added: “I think it’s a shame there’s no longer an official museum on the site to document its history, so that’s my contribution.”

The Bolton News: Old Train SignOld train sign (Photo: Craig Parkinson)

The property has been listed on Airbnb for about six months and has already generated a lot of interest.

“I had people from all over. Texas, Australia, London, Japan,” Craig said. “Most of the time it’s people coming to visit their families, but I’ve had a few engineers and even people who have taken part in a fencing competition.

“Everyone seems to love it.”

There’s also a 70s theme running through the rest of the house, which Craig says matches the quirky nature of the place.

Craig’s property can be viewed and booked through Airbnb at – www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/564864923589895016.

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