St Paul’s House, Halifax Road, Denholme
£425,000
Dacre, Son & Hartley, Bingley
Tel 01274 560421

THE owners describe living their time at St Paul’s House as like living in a cross between The White House and Cartwright Hall: “The White House for its white columns and ornate balustrades and Cartwright Hall for its night time external halogen upward lighting.”

Steeped in history, St Paul’s House is the former Vicarage for the village of Denholme and the current owners, who have lived there for 15 years, had a number of reasons for falling in love with it.

“It’s a truly magnificent stone built detached family home, with impressive front and side elevation, set within its own grounds off the beaten track, and offering total privacy.”

According to the original architects working drawings, the former Vicarage was built on the same site as the original building.

These plans are dated 1950 and the owners assume that the property was built within a couple of years.

“Further back, copies of the Epitome of Title relating to Denholme Parsonage dates back to 1847 where the conveyance of the Parsonage and grounds were recorded adjacent to what was known at the time as the Halifax and Keighley Turnpike Road.

“Later renamed St Paul’s. needed updating and modernizing to our requirements.

“It has taken time as we wanted to do it properly and in keeping with this distinctive property.”

The changes are certainly a credit to the owners who have carefully altered and modernized the kitchen and family bathroom with a traditional twist which they feel goes with the age and stature of the property.

“The most recent addition was the purpose designed conservatory. We wanted a large, wonderful outdoor living experience brought inside.

“We believe the design proved to be out of this world, which included the bay window type area constructed to one side so we could take advantage of the decking and view the side lawn and garden.”

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They began the work as soon as they got the keys and it’s been a work in progress over the years – one which they enjoyed and loved as they made it their own.

The house lies on the edge of the village with excellent views.

Extremely well presented, there is a reception hall, lounge, dining room, conservatory, sitting room/games room, breakfast kitchen, utility, four bedrooms and bathroom, together with a beautiful landscaped garden, large driveway and parking.

The owners’ favourite room is the stunning conservatory. “It’s impressing, bright and airy. We absolutely adore this room as it is totally secluded. A place to relax and entertain family and friends in all weathers. It is great in the midst of summer and so festive when the snow is falling. It looks out onto the side and back garden, decking areas and the themed arches.

“That said, the lounge runs a very close second, especially in winter when we regularly have a roaring fire lit in the original stone cut fireplace on a cold Saturday evening.”

The owners love their garden, and it is easy to see why. There are plenty of seating areas in which to relax and take in the beauty of the gardens and house. “The shrubbery and borders pretty much look after themselves thanks to the nice micro climate the house sits in.

“The grounds surrounding the house were nothing more than a field when we moved in and we are pleased with how it has matured. Our friends children love running round happily exploring little nooks and crannies, describing it as their ‘little Forbidden Corner’.

“We love the total privacy and seclusion in a snug backwater. Once home and having locked the gates behind us, we are in our own little word. After a hard day at work it lovely to come home and recharge our batteries.

“We will certainly shed tears when we leave.”