What the doctor ordered! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

What the doctor ordered!

10:20am Thursday 9th July 2009

Say ‘aaahhh’... Nether Hall, built in 1905 for a doctor, was used as both his own private home as well as his surgery.

“The property has two main entrances,” says owner Peter Leadbeater. “One was designed for the patients and the other for private visitors, so the grander of the two leads directly into the main reception hall.

“We believe from previous owners that it may have also been used as a children’s home. The last owners lived in the house for more than 40 years, and raised their own family there, before looking for a home that was more suited to their retirement.

“Five years ago, we were delighted to have the opportunity to buy such a fine home, and embarked upon a extensive modernisation programme which took three years to turn it into what is today. “We still think that there is scope for further work, so any future owner could stamp their mark on the property. However, there is a covenant on the property to ensure that the integrity of the building is retained and that it remains in use as a private house, rather than it being converted for some other purpose or, perish the thought, demolished and used as building land.”

It’s easy to see why Peter would not like to see Nether Hall demolished. Constructed in the distinctive Arts and Crafts style as an antidote to the industrial mass production of the Victorian era, the movement promoted innovative types of building style and the use of natural materials.

Nether Hall has a number of features typical of this type of architecture, such as the red, clay-tile roof which overhangs the gable end, tall stone chimney stacks, transomed windows and the use of timber and paint details to the gable and under the eaves.

Architects who designed homes in this style loved their windows, so virtually all Arts and Crafts houses are flooded with light, making them ideal family homes. They also loved fireplaces, so the majority of the rooms have the original cast-iron fireplaces.

Nether Hall is no exception – it’s a substantial home with four reception rooms, dining kitchen, seven bedrooms including two attic rooms, good-sized gardens, garaging for two cars and outhouses, as well as something you don’t often get these days – a linen room on the galleried landing, and an outside wash house, which could be converted into a garden room, subject to building regulations.

This is a very important building, and not only was it was the first property to be included within the conservation area boundary on the north side of Station Road in Baildon, it is the only one of its type to be included in the conservation area, and is said by Bradford Council to be a key unlisted building.

Once the house was theirs, the family carried out a great deal of work.

“There was plastering, electrics, new plumbing, including putting in an efficient central heating system. Putting in the kitchen was a major job because we had to knock through in to a pantry area and open up the chimney breast so we could get a range in.

“As always happens, it cost a lot more than we thought it would, and took 18 months longer than we expected. But we feel that all the hard work was justified, and we’ve been proud to be able to live in such an impressive traditional Yorkshire home.”

Every room has features and details created more than 100 years ago by true craftsmen, all complemented by modern fixtures and fittings, including a period-style bathroom installed in the en-suite to the master bedroom.

Outside there are two driveways, the original ornate metal gate providing entry via a gravel driveway to the formal entrance, with a wooden remote-controlled gated entrance providing day-to-day access.

“Our favourite room is the formal lounge where even now, five years after moving in to the property, we are so impressed at the ceiling detailing and the craftsmanship of the original builders in 1905.”

“Of course we will miss all the character and space which is available, and the fact that children can play in other parts of the house and simply not be heard.”

Nether Hall, Station Road, Baildon, BD17 6NW is up for sale at £650,000 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Baildon. Tel: (01274) 560421.