WHEN Hallcroft was built in 1908, Bradford was a city at the height of its prosperity – and the coal merchant who commissioned this imposing house with five/six bedrooms was determined that it should be the last word in modernity. So the ceilings are considerably lower than typical Victorian homes of the same scale, the windows are larger to let in the light, and the designs of some wonderful stained glass windows are very much influenced by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Fortunately, Alan Carling the present owner, who has lived there for 24 years with his partner Beryl Spink has very sympathetically renovated this exceptional property to ensure that it still combines the classic period features like the fireplaces and stained glass, with modern touches which include a family dining kitchen and a master bedroom with en-suite facilities.

”It has always looked and felt like my idea of a true house. It is grand in scale but beautifully proportioned, so that it does not feel overwhelming to live in,” says Alan. “When I was moving in, I came across my old Bayko building set which had a picture of a house on the lid of the box that looked just like Hallcroft. So perhaps it was some early memory that was triggered.

Built over three floors there is a hallway with impressive staircase off which is a dining room, drawing room, dining kitchen and a study. On the first floor are four bedrooms, family bathroom with separate WC, with two further bedrooms on the second floor.

“The first improvement I made was to have central heating installed –in place of ten coal fires – and opened out the kitchen. More recently we have installed an en-suite to the master bedroom, modernised the kitchen to take a range cooker, and turned the lower ground floor into a self-sufficient unit, with its own bathroom, kitchen with walk in larder, a very spacious living room, shower room, keeping cellar and a small storage cellar.

“For most of the time we have been here a friend or relative has lived in the downstairs accommodation. The size of the space is a real surprise, because it is build under a large area of the main house, but it still opens out onto the rear garden with its own access door.”

Set within the Heaton estates conservation area, the real appeal is the way in which the main rooms relate to each other. “They all have a slightly different character. The dining room is a favourite space, with its baronial fireplace and enormous bay window looking over towards Baildon Moor, but so is the farmhouse-style breakfast kitchen, where the family tends to gather. The fireplaces and the stained glass are original features that give the house a unique character, especially the window on the mezzanine landing, which is a special highlight.

“Outside we have extended and paved the south-facing terrace. It’s a terrific sun-trap, with doors leading out from both the main reception rooms. The fruit bushes have come on, including plums every three years. We make more jam than we can eat! And two oak trees have established themselves in the garden during our time here.

“This is a great family home which would suit either a smaller family who want room to expand, or an extended family who wish to live under one room. Because of the large downstairs flat which can be reached by internal stairs or from its own external door, the accommodation is very flexible and could be arranged to suit a large variety of different family needs.

“I have loved living here – the sense of space and ease, and I hope it will pass to new owners who will also cherish this beautiful place in their own way.”

Hallcroft, Wilmer Drive, Heaton

Guide price £500,000

William H Brown, Shipley

Telephone (01274) 531233