But in actual fact, they are just streets apart.

At £799,950, the five-bedroomed family home in Goughs Lane was - as the Knutsford Guardian went to press - the most expensive property for sale in town.

With four reception rooms, a full-fitted breakfast kitchen and a large well-stocked garden, the Crosby Home borders the renowned Legh Road conservation area.

The cheapest property in town - at £47,500 - was also on estate agent Meller Braggins' books.

The one-bedroomed flat in Chalfont Court, Hayfields, offers economy heating, ample parking and double glazing.

But the two properties both share a key selling point - Knutsford.

"I think there is an aura about Knutsford," said Stan Nagel, branch manager at estate agent Thornley Groves.

"It is next to Tatton Park and there is a lot of historical interest.Knutsford holds its values well and house prices have stayed up."

On Monday, Rodney Jennings, senior partner at Meller Braggins, said the rapid growth in house prices had slowed down over the past few months.

"The same thing happened in 1989 when it slowed and stopped and then we had a depression of five years in reductions," he said.

"It could happen again, but I don't think it will while interest rates stay down and we are in an election year."

Business was booming in Knutsford last year.

Demand outstripped supply and homes were selling even before their details had been printed.

Estate agent Gascoigne Halman recorded its best year for some time with interest in buying and selling up until December.

Speaking from the firm's Princess Street office this week, senior negotiator Jenni Ellis said trade had remained brisk in the New Year.

"Traditionally in January people make the decision to move and viewings they may have put off over Christmas start again so we have been rushed off our feet," she said.

"We have had an absolute glut of viewers and offers and I can say categorically that house prices won't be coming down."

Nationally the market has slowed down, and locally there was one factor that many feared would affect house prices.

But on Monday, Mr Nagel said he believed fears that flights from Manchester Airport's second runway would hit the market were unfounded.

"For every downside there is an upside and you have to look at the positive elements of the airport," he said.

"We have to live with aircraft and have got to accept they are not going away."