Allerton farmhouse in splendid isolation (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Allerton farmhouse in splendid isolation

5:40pm Wednesday 27th July 2011

Derek and Andrea Hall had a dream of living in a period property with peace and tranquillity, but it seemed a tall order for them to find such a place near to Bradford where they worked and their children went to school in the early Eighties.

The, after five years of searching as far as Skipton and beyond, they spotted this property for sale at the top of Long Lane, at the far end of Allerton Road.

“We drove down Long Lane to Upper Green, entering what we could only describe as a hidden valley only a stone’s throw from the centre of Bradford,” says Andrea. “Two-thirds of the way down the valley, we this five bedroom farmhouse which was built in 1753.

“It was like travelling back in time – an oasis surrounded by open fields and panoramic views down and across the valley.”

But most of all they were attracted by the quietness – “all you could hear was the birds singing”.

“When everyone sees this property, they say what a beautiful spot this is.”

Lower Pikeley Farm has large rooms with high ceilings. The building is stone-built with a grey slate roof, original beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplaces, with mullioned windows giving panoramic views in all directions.

“Over 25 years of living there, there has been considerable restoration to the property while at the same time keeping all its original features,” Andrea says.

Along with renovating the main house, they extended the property, adding a 30 foot south-facing sun lounge overlooking the valley, a large utility room, double-garage with workshop and games room or teenage flat above. This is all in stone with grey slate roofs, in keeping with the character of the property.

Each room has been renovated with a great deal of care and attention. In the lounge, an antique Victorian over-mantle fireplace with marble inset and hearth has been installed. The spacious kitchen has been renovated, creating a large dining area and kitchen with range cooker, plus a utility room with stable door opening to a herb patio.

The beamed sun lounge with double-glazed panoramic windows and grey slate roof has patio doors to the rear walled garden. Upstairs, the family bathroom and en-suite to the master bedroom have been renewed.

This is a versatile home that would suite a variety of families. The games room over the garage provides an ideal opportunity for anyone who wants separate space for a dependent relative or teenager seeking independence. At 20ft by 19ft, it is currently accessed by a staircase from the rear of the garage, and while it is perfect for its current use it has the scope to become a self-contained living room.

Lower Pikeley Farm has large gardens of three-quarters of an acre. The Halls have created a rose arbour and rockeries, walled rear garden which is ideal for young children to play in, and lawned, perennial flower beds with many fruit trees and vegetable patches.

The gardens are mature with a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, potting sheds, a greenhouse and woodshed, attracting an abundance of wildlife.

Andrea adds: “The house is ideal for entertaining, particularly clan gatherings as it is big enough for family and friends to stay over and accommodate the different generations. There’s the games room for the young and the sun lounge for the adults.

“The house is a wonderful, idyllic place to raise a young family in a safe and secure environment, having only one private road in and out. We have had many happy times living in such an ambience, waking up every morning to wonderful views and peace and tranquillity.

“Having had a wonderful life over the past 25 years, living and raising our three children, who have now moved on to live their own lives, it is with great reluctance that we feel the time has come to move on ourselves.”

Lower Pikeley Farm in Upper Green, Allerton, is on the market for £545,000 with Waite & Co, Bingley, tel (01274) 552081, web www.waiteandco.co.uk