Fourteen years ago we were living in Queensbury, and wanted to get down out of the clouds,” says Sue Hayton, who together with her partner John Murphy, swapped living in a village which lays claim to being one of the highest parishes in England – for something quite literally more down to earth.

“We were look for a large detached house and this was one of a few houses we looked at in Thornton. It wasn’t the sort of house we thought we would buy, but when we saw how private it was, we just had to have a look at it.”

The couple were charmed by the interior space, especially the sitting room, which with windows on three sides, is flooded with light. “Even on a winter’s day,” says Sue. “The thrilling views were also a main feature, looking over to Thornton moor in the west, and on a clear day, as far as Selby to the east. Bizarrely, when we moved in the garden was surrounded by a tall hedge and it was only when we trimmed this down that we realised there was another fantastic view over the village, city and moors beyond.

“The house was pretty neglected and hadn’t been updated since the 1980s, but we could really see the potential in this lovely house tucked away in the hills, but close enough to feel part of the village and walk to the shops.

“It was the week before Christmas when we moved in, and it was like being in a holiday home with all the space and the beautiful views in the snow.”

Built in the 1960s, the interior had a distinct Tyrolean vibe going on – with pine cladding in every room, heavy flock wallpaper and a stone feature fireplace. “Our first task was to get rid of all the cladding – we could have built another house with all the timber we removed.

“We stripped the beautiful cedar floorboards that are in the sitting room, so their golden timber added to the light feel of the space. We have also rebuilt the fireplace with a contemporary living gas fire and decorated the house throughout.”

The “grotty” bathroom was gutted and refitted with porcelain wall and floor tiles, underfloor heating to keep it cosy, and a large shower and bath. Downstairs there was only one room and a narrow staircase with a void space under half the house.

Entering the void by a small hole in the wall they discovered a room-sized space that was completely undeveloped. The space was incorporated, and by replanning the bottom floor and upstairs hall, the space was opened up. “This has created a second sitting room and a new master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. We opened up the hall with a timber half-turn staircase, which also gives a lovely double height light well.”

At the end of all their hard work there was a sitting room, double bedroom and en-suite bathroom on the ground floor, with a triple-aspect lounge, fitted kitchen, family bathrooms and three bedrooms on the first floor.

At the entrance to the property was a rickety set of steps and a scruffy garage. “After moving three skips of rubbish, we realised what a great space the garage was, with room for two cars and a workshop. When we had the roof replaced we raised the height so we could fit in our camper van. A new concrete floor, power, water and electric doors make it the perfect man-cave.”

The front garden has been completely landscaped, replacing the concrete and brick steps and sun terrace with York stone quarried locally. “It’s a lovely place to sit and catch the evening sun. The final thing we did was to deck the existing balcony.

“Now the garden is a great space for summer parties, and the balcony has been an impromptu stage, playing host to bands of musician friends giving ad-hoc performances.

“The sitting room is our favourite – flooded with sun all day all year round. We’ve spent many hours over meals looking out over the garden and the view beyond, watching the birds and other wildlife that enjoy the garden. Even in winter, the views of snow covered hills, and of mists rising from the valley offer an ever-changing view.”

The couple also completely landscaped the garden, which was one large, rough lawn, with a patio bordered by concrete block walling. Sue, who has trained as a garden designer, redesigned the space to incorporate herbaceous beds, shrubs and fruit and decorative trees. “There are many places to sit so you can follow the sun or the shade through the day.”

This is an ideal family home and the downstairs bedrooms would make a perfect teenager’s den, with self-contained bathroom and sitting room.

“The house has lots of space between it and the surrounding houses, making it feel really private, so when John has his band practice here, the noise doesn’t disturb the neighbours.

“After 14 years we still feel as if we are on holiday when we are here.We’re away from it all, but still within walking distance of everything we need in Thornton.”