Shopping for a perfect property

4:58pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

It came as something of a surprise when Joanne and Iain Scott went to an exhibition a year ago about the history of Cullingworth. Because there on the wall were pictures of their home in Church Street; only it wasn't a cottage, it was a general store.

"It was bizarre," says Joanne. "The pictures were dated 1818 and we had no idea it had ever been anything other than a home."

In fact the couple later discovered that in its more recent past the cottage had been the village launderette.

It was five years ago that Joanne and Iain were looking for a home, and chanced on this one in an agent's window.

"I really didn't think it would be suitable because it looks so small from the outside," Joanne recalls. "Then we opened the door and I fell in love with it. I got the shock of my life because we couldn't believe the size; it was like the Tardis. It was large enough to have two reception rooms, a study, dining kitchen and three bedrooms.

"I just loved the character. It was full of nooks and crannies and features. There's no doubt that it's a period house, but it's a cool' house that appeals to the younger generation."

Their home was originally two back-to-back cottages which were later knocked into one, which is why it may look small from the outside. But inside the rooms are all of a generous size.

Joanne says guests are always impressed and surprised by just how big the house is on the inside.

"The previous owner had carried out most of the ground work to modernise the cottage. The only thing was that the interior decor wasn't to our taste. We wanted a much lighter feel," she says.

The cottage is in the oldest part of Cullingworth and is surrounded by other homes from a similar era. It was just what Joanne and her husband were looking for as the couple both worked in Bradford but wanted to live in the country.

With a degree in fashion design, Joanne brought all her skills to bear to give this home the look she wanted.

"I really wanted modern things and thought that going around antique shops was a bit weird. Now I sit in a study where my desk is an old Singer sewing machine table, and there are old pieces scattered throughout the house. We always go for it now and I cannot imagine ever living in a modern home.

"We spent a lot of time choosing colours and fabrics and it was great fun going round Haworth, where there are some fantastic shops full of all sorts of things."

The interior styling is simple and clean, allowing the character features and pieces of furniture to take pride of place. There are cottage style beams in the lounge, exposed stone work and detailing on the first floor landing area, a charming window seat in the second bedroom and panelling in the bathroom.

"The kitchen certainly has a contemporary look when it comes to fixtures and fitting, like the island bar with gas hob, but it still has character with an exposed stone wall and tongue and grooved floor boards.

"The bedroom is my pride and joy. It really has the wow' factor - a little bit Bohemian, a little bit Parisian boudoir," she laughs. "I wanted a fantastic room and I have it.

"It's hard to decide which is my favourite room, but on balance I think it's the bedroom. On the other hand I also love the living room. It has an Inglenook style fireplace with a multi-fuel stove, so on a cold winter's night when you light it up it's just so cosy. And it looks lovely at Christmas."

Taking pride of place on the landing is a framed copy of a newspaper dated November 1880. "The previous owner found it in the chimney and left it for us, and we intend to leave it for the next owner."

Outside there is a small sun-trap patio, where the family enjoy sitting out on summer evenings.

"There's another cottage at the back and what used to be a right of way, long blocked off. Many years ago the owners of that cottage and ours turned it into a garden which they shared, although obviously it doesn't appear on any deeds - it's an informal arrangement.

"When the cottage at the back was for sale for a while we kept the garden tidy and then when a young family moved in they were only too happy to share it with us. It's very serene and peaceful there, almost like having a secret garden.

"The village atmosphere is fantastic. I love it here, and I'm going to miss it, but I'm expecting my second child and we want to move back to Newcastle to be near my family.

"There's no one thing about the house I'm going to miss. I'm going to miss it all - the area, the cottage and how unusual it is, and fabulous friends.

"We definitely want to live in another village. There's a lovely feeling of serenity about our home, and we'd like to try and get that again. We're surrounded by country, yet it's so handy for Bingley and Bradford. I'm really sad to leave, because it's a love- ly house for children to grow up in."

On Saturday, Joanne and Iain are hosting an open day between 2pm and 3pm, when interested parties can take a look around their home.

This property in Church Street, Cullingworth, is on the market for £184,950 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Bingley, telephone 01274 560421.

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