The imposing stone-built Victorian hall standing in its own splendid gardens is steeped in the history of the district it overlooks.

With its gorgeous mullion windows and other architectural features and original woodwork throughout the interior it is without doubt a home full of character.

And it’s also a terrific family home, having once been home to a family with 11 children in days gone by.

Littlebeck Hall started life as a more modest home in 1862, when John Preston bought two allotments on Gilstead Moor and built the hall with a flat roof. Over time, when he could, the hall was added to.

The Prestons are a well-known family in the area. John’s son – John Emmanuel – was a landscape artist and archaeologist, and his son became director of Cartwright Hall and Museum in Bradford.

The hall had a brief incarnation as a coffee house and garden to entice visitors at nearby Shipley Glen, before reverting to private ownership.

It’s a magnificent property with lots of interesting features and period details, but now with many modern comforts including double glazing, gas central heating and kitchen and bathroom fittings.

It was a case of ‘not what you know, but who you know’ for Pauline and Dr Archie Campbell when they bought the house 28 years ago.

“The hall belonged to friends and we always loved visiting,” says Pauline.

“When they told us they were selling, we decided immediately it was where we wanted to live. It was never officially on the market. Considering the age of the house, it was in very good condition. Money and time had been spent on it by the previous owners, and we have continued to maintain the house to a high standard.

“We’ve replaced the covered canopy access from the road, where the ladies, complete with hooped skirts and big hats, would have come to the hall in carriages. The hall has been re-pointed, kitchens and bathrooms replaced, and internal doors custom-made, to 19th century specifications.

“The company which built the kitchen in Canadian red maple was responsible for fitting out the Duke and Duchess of York’s first marital home.”

With its mullion windows, three reception rooms and four bedrooms, the hall has been a great family home.

It suited John Emmanuel Preston, who lived there with his 11 children. On the ground floor is an elegant reception hall with oak staircase, cloakroom, huge lounge with window seat and feature fire surround, dining room with stunning oak fire surround with intricate carving, kitchen with built-in appliances and Aga range, and utility area.

Off the galleried landing is the master bedroom, with beamed ceiling, fitted furniture and walk-in wardrobe, plus an en-suite dressing room, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and shower room.

“We were told that the staircase was originally the altar rail from Bingley Parish Church, which is possibly true as John Preston was a theologian,” Pauline adds.

“Apparently, the magnificent fireplace in the dining room was carved for a local merchant by a man called Acton Adams. The new owner didn’t like it, so John Preston bought it for £100, a lot of money in those days. We understand there is a similar fireplace in Temple Newsam.

“We love the whole house, but the dining room, with its large south-facing window and fireplace, makes a very grand room for family living and entertaining.”

Littlebeck Hall stands in mature and private gardens, with plenty of parking and a gated driveway with remote control access.

“The gardens have developed over the years and there is a millstone in the garden that has been there for more than 100 years. There is also an icehouse, which makes a great garden store, and a beck flowing underground, ending in a lovely pond with a visiting heron, which – while it is part of another home – is still in full view.

“We are going to miss the wonderful ambience of our home. It has a wonderful feeling of history about it. We’ve had some splendid, happy occasions here.”

  • Littlebeck Hall, Gilstead Lane, Gilstead, is on the market at £695,000 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Bingley.

Tel: (01274) 560421