Northgate, Baildon
£345,000
Your Move, Baildon
Telephone 01274 591952

SINCE this four bedroom home was built in the late 1800s in the heart of Baildon, it’s been a corn mill, mouth organ shop, bakery and bed and breakfast, but now it is a charming and quirky home, full of character.

“Having previously lived off Station Road, I’d been in the lookout for something positioned more centrally in the village and close to the moors for my dog,” says Jonathan Smith, who has lived there since 1999.

Today it’s is home to Jonathan and Paul Weatherley who has lodged with Jonathan for many years and Jezz the very lovable German Shepherd/Husky cross

“For me the wow factor was the location, size and the fact that it is a bit quirky, for instance you can still see in the cellar where the kiln used to be.

“I could see a lot of potential in the property. It is one on its own and had previously been a bed and breakfast – known locally as The Tardis because people invariably seemed to think it’s bigger than they thought when inside. I have to confess when I moved in I did worry if it would all turn out how I’d hoped, and it’s quite daunting knowing that I am only the third person to have owned it as a private home.”

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When it comes to refurbishing his new home it would be easier to say what hadn’t been done – the list is so extensive. Every room needed work as Jonathan set about removing all traces of it having been a b&b. The kitchen was replaced, the dated vanity units in five of the six bedrooms were removed and one of the small rooms was turned into a dressing room.

The bathrooms were updated and the downstairs shower room was modified to be a cloakroom and to also house the washing machine and central heating boiler.

“About six years ago the whole exterior of the house had a face lift, being fully sandblasted and re-pointed as well as having a new roof laid and more insulation installed.”

“ In the last 12 months two of the original smaller bedrooms have been knocked into one and the cloakroom and master bedroom have both been updated too.

“In many ways my favourite room is the kitchen, as this was original designed for catering it’s a great size and has lots of character, with plenty of space for a comfy sofa as well as a dining table, it’s the room Jezz and I spend most of our time in.”

“The garden was designed to be pretty low maintenance and isn’t that big, which is great as it’s fair to say I’m not the most green-fingered though fortunately it’s quite easy to keep on top of, over the years there’ve been plenty of great barbeques enjoyed in it.

“It’s also fair to say this has proved to be quite a good party house over the years too, oh and with cupboards galore, a large cellar and part boarded loft there’s space a plenty for anyone with lots of stuff! With an enclosed garden and being so close to the moors it’s great for anyone with a dog, or who just enjoys walking.

“I’ll miss my neighbours too. There’s a lot be said for the friendly banter we exchange when we see each other, all of which helps to make a house a home.”