Hoyle Ing House, Upper Hoyle Ing, Thornton. OIRO £299,995
Whitegates, Bradford. (01274) 306611

Off the beaten track in an idyllic little hamlet, Hoyle Ing House – one of the oldest properties in Bradford – offers the chance to own a piece of history.

Dating back to 1588, the house has a charming interior full of character features like exposed brickwork, beams and stonework, coupled with all the modern conveniences including central heating and double glazing.

Bearing the initial TL and EL, this possibly refers to the Leaventhorpe family or some predecessor of Toby Lawe, who had the misfortune of losing their estate and then having to buy it back.

Anthony de Luca’s parents fell in love with the house in 2000, living there with his three brothers. “Apart from my brothers moving on to different things, we have owned it since then. Sadly both my parents passed away by 2011.

“A property of this age is a true gem to both the local area and the country. It has a wealth of character and features which is impossible to find in modern-day construction.

“Although it was supposedly built in 1588, it has been pointed out by historians who have visited that areas in the kitchen are pre-1588. There are reports that it was used as a hideout for members of the royal family and that there was once an escape tunnel which led from the property to a place of safety.”

Since 2000 there have been electrical alterations, central heating fitted, the roof has been renovated and the external stonework restored as well as the installation of new bathrooms and a bespoke kitchen.

Walk into Hoyle Ing House and you can feel just how much the house has been loved and cared for with its stone mullion windows in the lounge and Yorkshire stone flooring, which extends into the kitchen diner with its solid wood units and access to the cellar.

There is a guest bedroom suite with bathroom on the ground floor, and the master bedroom with gallery snug/study mezzanine, further bedroom and family bathroom to the first floor, making three bedrooms overall. Open to the eaves on the second floor, Hoyle Ing House offers spacious living, and is being sold with no chain.

“A sociable family who love and appreciate characterful properties would feel right at home here, especially with the extensive kitchen and lounge area, which is ideal for socialising.”

Outside is a small kitchen garden, which Anthony enjoys on a summer’s day. “Being south-facing it has sunshine all day long – a real opportunity to enjoy a great cup of coffee and a newspaper in the morning, and a glass of wine and a magazine in the evening, while viewing the countryside and my neighbour’s beautiful garden.

“Sadly I’m having to put the property on the market because I have work commitments in the Middle East. I’ll certainly miss the peacefulness and the practicalities of having both Bradford and Halifax within 15-20 minutes’ drive. It’s not often you find a house in the country which is only 15 minutes from a city centre.”