Open-plan living for free-flowing house

Tony Proverbs's home blends perfectly with the environment.

Sitting on an incline, the four-bedroom house built of recovered mill stone, forms part of a small development on what was a former smallholding in the village of Eldwick.

From the rear of the property, far-reaching views towards Shipley Glen add to its light, airy feel. "The openness and the light are two things that we love about the house," says Tony, who with his wife Sue is hoping to downsize.

Built three-and-a half years ago, the house had a basic design, which Tony and Sue changed to suit their tastes and lifestyle. "All the windows are as large as they can possibly be, we moved the conservatory to become part of the house and incorporated double thick, beams with special glass," says Tony. "We made it free-flowing and open plan. There are no walls between the lounge, dining room, conservatory and kitchen, and the stairs are open plan."

Granite work surfaces and an integrated Siemens oven and dishwasher feature in the luxury fitted kitchen, as well as a separate dresser unit, centre island and breakfast bar, again with granite worktops. "There are many luxury items in the house, right down to the door furniture," says Tony.

One special feature of the house is a large games/entertainment room with integrated audio/video fittings. With exposed beams, it doubles up as an office. "We have his and hers desks," says Tony, a retired director of an insurance broking business. "The room has a great sound system and integrated 60-inch TV." The room - which has moor views over a Juliet balcony - also contains a fitted sauna.

The spacious master with oak flooring and fitted wardrobes is very spacious, with a luxury en-suite bathroom. "We invested a huge amount of thought in the ensuite and main bathroom, which we designed ourselves," says Tony.

The couple, who both grew up in Bradford, spend half the year in Tenerife at a villa they built , so are looking to relocate to somewhere smaller within easy walking distance of a town.

Outside the property enjoys level gardens to the front and rear, with a wide driveway in front of the garage allowing ample additional parking. To the rear there is a well-tended garden and paved sun trap patio.

"The location of the house is great," adds Tony, "I cycle a lot off-road and you can go off in any direction."