THE orphans and patients could never have known their homes would become Warrington's property hotspot.

Their experience of Newchurch Hospital, built in 1903, would have been very different to that of the professional young families living in the same buildings today.

Their former workhouses and wards are now the homes that give Stoneyhurst Crescent in Culcheth the highest average house prices sales in Warrington over the past two years.

The 14 identical buildings were converted to houses in 1992 after residents successfully blocked a plan to demolish them to make way for new housing by successfully campaigning for tree preservation orders.

A property website ranks them number one for average sales in Warrington at £446,571, but recent sales have been nearer the £600,000 mark - they were selling for £160,000 when Redrow first converted them.

Residents value them for their character and spaciousness - everything is that bit bigger and sturdier than in a normal house.

"There's nowhere whatsoever like them. They are unique," said resident Heather Mennot.

The homes are semi-detached but a central doorway and thick walls mean they feel detached.

Period details include galleried landings and two en-suite bathrooms where the fomer orphans' bedrooms would have been, while Victorian Street lights run around the crescent

They are mostly home to families in their 30s with young children. Occupations included several accountants, a pharmacist, businessmen and a sales manager and the proximity of the village means essential amenities are only two minutes drive away.

And the homes are also secluded enough for parents to know that their children are safe while being perfectly placed for commuting.