THE owners of this large family house in Shipley had to turn it from a house of multiple occupancy back to a single home before they could move in.

“Back in 1991 we wanted a big home, and this was certainly that, and it still had most of its original features such as the cornices and elaborate stained glass windows. It was also cheap, as it was seven bedsits.

“The downside was that we had to restore it back to a single dwelling in order to get a mortgage. So out came seven kitchen sinks, seven Baby Belling cookers and in came one kitchen and a bathroom. We also had it completely re-wired in three weeks to make it habitable.

The first person to live at the house when it was built in1900 was a surgeon at BRI. He had gas fires installed, which were removed by the second owner, as being ‘potentially unsafe’. By the time it went on the market in 1981 there were six bedsits and one basement flat.

A year after they moved in the partial central heating was upgraded. “The kitchen and bathroom have since been remodelled and over the years we divided the huge first floor landing to create a single bedroom. Then large front bedroom was divided to create a walk in wardrobe and an en-suite.”

The owners extended the basement back cellar to form a garage. “Uniquely around here we not only have a garage but also off road parking for four cars.”

The front cellar has been a workshop which was needed, as the owners have done almost all of the work. The small porch became a conservatory – a great place in spring and autumn and there is a utility room in the basement which can dry all the clothes “Some of the windows have been replaced so they match others on the outside but leaving alone the beautiful windows.”

After all the work was carried out they had a substantial period family home that sits superbly on the edge of Saltaire, Shipley and Nab Wood with superb views towards Baildon.

“Inside there is a spacious entrance hall with feature turned staircase rising to the first floor, an impressive lounge, dual aspect living dining room with pleasant views to the rear and a modern, well appointed breakfast style kitchen. On the first floor is a modern house bathroom with a four piece suite, three good sized bedrooms including a spacious master bedroom with en-suite shower-room and dressing room, while the second floor offers four more good sized bedrooms.

“Having the big area at the back which we flagged it became the place for lots of children to play – on their bikes or playing football using the garage door as goal. “One of our favourite rooms is the living room, which has a new fire place which fits in with the period, and a beautiful ceiling. With its fine painted windows and the original oak floor we have had some wonderful family Christmases and celebrations.

“The dining room, again with an oak floor, has my special dining table and great views across the moors, as does the conservatory and back bedroom.

“The house gave us so much space that the children able to have their own rooms on the top floor and make them their own. It’s the home that we created and loved – full of memories of hard work and determination.”