area. The tennis courts were absorbed by gardens of adjoining Chorltonville houses, and the recreation area became a private football ground, currently owned by West Didsbury and Chorlton Football Club. Traffic calming measures have been taken on Claude Road. Characteristics of the estate Inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, the builders attempted to make Chorltonville like a rural village using various techniques: Curved, winding streets, emulating country lanes. Grass verges beside the roadways. Numerous trees (currently there are about 360 in the public areas). Diverse house styles. Each pair of semi-detached houses mirror each other, but are slightly different from other pairs in the same street. Use of interesting architectural details: bay windows, tile decals on gable ends and under windows, stained glass, exposed beams. Two "village green" areas. Most of these features survive to the current day. Virtually all the original houses are still standing, although many have lost their stained glass. A programme of tree replacement ensures that the trees on the estate are healthy and new planting ensures their long-term well being. Management of the estate Chorltonville is a private estate, owned in common by all its home owners. A committee drawn from volunteers among the owners is responsible for maintaining: Roadways and footpaths Grass verges Trees Drainage gullies Lamp posts and street furniture To fund this work, all residents are liable for a levy (£155 in 2008) above the council tax paid to Manchester City Council. Cultural associations In May 1964, Granada Television broadcast Blues and Gospel Train, a programme featuring Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and other musicians touring with the American Folk Blues Festival, at a railway station called "Chorltonville". The programme was in fact filmed at the nearby disused Wilbraham Road railway station. In 2008 the estate was used in location filming for the BBC drama series Survivors, as the home of Abby and David Grant. South Drive was also the location of Fitz's family home, in the ITV drama Cracker. References External links Chorltonville website Areas of Manchester