Barn conversion delivers mod cons and traditional character

When the current owners bought The Barn, which was built in the late 1880's, it still had cows in it when they first checked it out, but they fell in love with the location and the amazing views.

"We knew we had a massive challenge on our hands, but we had five children, so it was brilliant that we were going to be able to provide everyone with their own bedroom.

"The renovation took around 20 months and we were fortunate that my cousin took us in for this period at her home in clayton."

The owners admit they were very lucky to have some very special tradesmen working on the project.

The building work covers a long list - hand made doors, hardwood staircase,oak wide plank flooring in the lounge. An insulated concrete block skin was built around the ground floor which provides additional insulation and ensures the walls are dry.

Ninety per cent of the window openings have oak heads above them, which were sourced from all over Yorkshire. On the outside each window is surrounded by stone mullions sourced and shaped from a local quarry.

When they had finished, they had a beautiful family home which is accessed by a private drive leading to breathtaking views. The Barn has five bedrooms, and there is no fighting over the bathroom, because there are four!

Reception rooms aren't in short supply either, with five, and there is also private ground floor guest accommodation with private access. And if you still want more living accommodation, then the attached garage could provide some.

Although the interior contains all the comforts of a modern home, there are plenty of character features which hint at the history of this charming home. There's a beam ceiling, lead and light window and door plus a stone flagged floor – and that's just in the entrance hall.

The living room features a beamed ceiling with a picture window overlooking the rear garden, with a cosy solid fuel fire in an Inglenook foreplace, and a solid oak floor. There are more beams in the lounge, and dining room, which has a wooden floor.

"Our favourite room is the farmhouse style kitchen with hand made units (made on site), with a four oven gas Aga and the original Yorkist Range along with Yorkshire flagged floor make a lovely space and one which we have enjoyed sharing as a family."

The kitchen is certain a fantastic space, with more beams, and an added bonus is the wet room, which is accessed from the kitchen. Also on the ground floor is a study and a utility room with a filed floor and built in storage,

Upstairs, the master bedroom was originally two, but could easily be converted back to two. With superb views over the surrounding countryside, the room has wood flooring, including dressing area and built in hand made wardrobe. The en-suite has a vanity wash basin, WV, tiled shower cubicle, beamed ceiling and a wood floor.

Outside the gardens were landscaped to include a nature pond, large lawned area and mature shrubs.

"The property is surrounded by more than 400 Yorkshire stone flags making up paths and patio areas. The 36ftx16ft(approx) garage/workshop provides the opportunity to put it to various uses as well as converting to residential use,subject to planning approval. There is a large block paved area providing parking for numerous vehicles.

"We use the outside seating areas and secluded garden throughout the seasons, enjoying the panoramic views over to both Ilkley and Baildon moors,Leeds/Bradford airport, which change with the seasons.

"What we will miss is everything about what has been a lovely family home but I guess the most will be the kitchen with all its features along with the outlook."