A private housing estate in North Yorkshire has grown into one of the largest in the UK – with more than 23,000 residents.
Ingleby Barwick was built in the 1970s as a residential estate on land that has been occupied since ancient times, with relics found from as far back as the Stone Age.
Nowadays it is a vibrant, sprawling area on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, perfectly situated to attract people from all walks of life.
It was once reported to be the biggest housing estate in the UK – and at one point believed to be the largest private residential housing estate in Europe according to local paper TeessideLive. It is located in Stockton, Teesside, which is in the ceremonical country of North Yorkshire.
Local Councillor Stefan Barnes told the Express.co.uk that his area boasts housing for everyone.
He said: “It is a really special area and there is housing for everybody, from large six bedroom houses to apartments for young couples.
“In recent years, we have worked hard to provide local amenities and now there is a dedicated cycle network, pond wildlife, three churches, walking routes and five playgrounds.
“We have brought in £52 million worth of investment into the area in recent years and even managed to build a £19 million leisure centre.”
Sitting just seven miles from the town of Middlesbrough, the housing estate offers its residents the beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors and is within driving range of big cities such as Newcastle, Durham, York and Leeds.
Its close proximity to the stunning countryside provides the quaint town with a landscape dotted with rolling hills, lush forests, and tranquil rivers.
The tranquilty extends into the way of life enjoyed by those who call the place home – although there are no recent figures on if proud locals can officially claim to be living on the UK’s largest private residential estate.
Mr Barnes said: “We have very low-levels of anti-social behaviour and crime rates are some of the lowest in Cleveland. We are just very proud of where we live.”
The area is one of Britain’s premier historical sites, with roots traced back to the time of the Roman conquest and beyond, allowing the perfect setting for history enthusiasts to glimpse through the window of yesterday.
The preparatory work for the building of the site in the 1970s instigated the discovery of one of the northernmost Roman Villas in the Roman Empire, Quarry Farm.
The farm was so extravagant in Roman times that it contained underfloor heating, a rare find in most Roman villas with the technology largely being used in bath houses or steam rooms.
The site is known to have been inhabited from as early as 1500BC but could possibly have been established even earlier.