"If you weren’t from the area, you wouldn’t know these houses were here,” says Les Pearson of the home in Baildon where he has lived with his wife Debbie for ten years.

This double-fronted back-to-back cottage is certainly tucked away, with the feeling of privacy only enhanced by the wooded aspect which makes for an appealing backdrop.

The couple were in the pub trade in the South before deciding to go in a different direction.

“We were up here on holiday with Debbie’s family from Otley. It was the last day of our holiday when we went to see Oak Cottage,” Les says.

“It was such a peaceful location that it won us over right away. Then we went inside, and that was it.

“It was September, late at night and cold, and when we walked into the lounge the first thing we saw was the rustic brick wall and fireplace with its stone mantle. The fire was a multi-fuel stove with double opening doors, and it was so warm and welcoming.

“Within six weeks, we were up here with new jobs and living in the cottage.”

Les doesn’t know much about the history of this row of houses, but believes they were built in the 1870s or 1880s for the navvies who were working on the Leeds-Liverpool canal.

“Later, some were taken over by the Denby family of Tong Park, who were manufacturers.

“Tong Park dam is next door, and then we’ve got all those moors. It’s a fabulous place to live if you like your privacy.”

When they moved in, the house required very little work. “The previous owners had looked after it very well. These are great, solidly-built properties and cost next to nothing to run.”

The cottage has had some additions; apart from double glazing and central heating, there’s a lovely stone porch which leads into the good-sized lounge.

It’s a very symmetrical house, with the lounge on one side and the dining kitchen on the other. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms with the bathroom in between.

Stone fireplaces can sometimes dominate a room but, thanks to the height of the ceiling and the size of the window, it looks completely suited to its environment.

“We’re lucky enough to have a good-sized kitchen with a range of base and wall units. It’s certainly large enough at Christmas when we have had the whole family round the table, which could be up to ten people,” says Les.

“My favourite room is the lounge, because in winter, no matter how cold and dark it is outside, it’s warm and cosy inside. I love the original brick behind the fire. I also like watching the birds and listening for the owls at night.”

An open staircase from the lounge leads to a landing which is large enough to be home to a sizeable bookcase. With a little work it would make a nice study area or just a place to sit and enjoy a good book.

Off the landing are the two bedrooms overlooking the front garden, and the family bathroom, which has a four-piece suite with corner bath.

The enclosed garden is at the front of the house and includes a patio, lawn and flower borders.

“Half the garden is patio and the other half is lawn, so it takes about half-an-hour to keep it looking neat,” Les adds. “We also have lots of flowers and shrubs in pots so that you can change them whenever the mood takes you.

“There’s a shed in the garden, and on the other side of the path we have a further bit of land – that’s where I keep my other shed.

“We’re going to miss the peace and quiet we’ve found here. Tucked out of the way with lovely neighbours and not overlooked, it’s been a joy. We’re just five minutes walk from the station and 15 minutes from the village, so it’s really convenient.”

Oak Cottage in Oak Place, Baildon, is on the market for £147,950 with Halifax, Baildon, tel (01274) 591952