Vivienne and Stephen Wilson have neighbours to thank for the purchase of their farm cottage six years ago.

“An ex-neighbour had bought the site and another neighbour told us about it so we contacted him and bought it off him,” says Vivienne.

“We loved the rural location, yet it’s only 20 minutes into Keighley, Bingley and Bradford, and just five minutes from Haworth, plus an easy commute to Leeds.

“We also loved the privacy. It’s a small hamlet with only two neighbours and ours is the last property before the field, so it feels as though we live alone.

“The views are to die for and there is so much wildlife – cows, sheep, a wandering deer, rabbits, red-legged partridges and woodpeckers, to name but a few.

“It took a year, but we sat in the fields and watched it being renovated from scratch.”

Built in the 18th century, the cottage enjoys some lovely views, so it’s easy to see why the couple fell in love with the location.

To make it liveable it was virtually gutted, but the inherent character was restored wherever possible, with exposed stonework, beams, wooden doors, stone staircase and an oak floor on the ground floor. The conveniences haven’t been forgotten either, with double glazing, underfloor heating and a burglar alarm.

“The old kitchen which housed a Much Wenlock coal-burning fire before, became the new dining room and the fire was moved from the kitchen to the lounge.

“In the kitchen, a stone wall was built to house the Falcon cooker, then new oak fitted units were put in, together with an integral sliding cupboard, granite work tops, American-style fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, fitted oven and an oak floor. The hallway was created with a wrought-iron banister and wine rack. There is also a stone feature wall in the lounge, and the dining room has a lovely vaulted ceiling.”

Also on the ground floor, there is a conservatory with oak block floor, utility room and a cloakroom, while upstairs there are twin landings, off which are a master bedroom with en-suite fully-tiled shower room, two further bedrooms – one with a walk-in dressing room – and a tiled shower room with walk-in double shower.

The kitchen is Vivienne’s favourite room. “It’s the hub of the house – warm, inviting and comfortable. When we have guests, we spend most of the time talking around the island unit – it’s that kind of kitchen.”

Outside there are gardens on three sides, extending to around 0.8 acre, including a small paddock.

“We have a close friend who actually likes to cut the grass. He brings his boxer dog with him, and I think the dog likes it as much as our friend does.

“Under the kitchen window is a new herb garden, and the whole area is very open.

“It’s lovely to just sit and watch the snow, rain, wind or sun across the fields.

“Spring brings the frogs and tadpoles in the pond, and it’s nice to get out in the garden at weekends to enjoy the gentle therapy of hoeing, or heavier digging, if you feel so inclined.

“It takes just an hour to keep the front garden in trim, and you can spend as much time as your want in the back garden, because there is always more to do.

“You could use a couple of sheep to keep the grass short in the paddock, which is fenced in.

“It’s been lovely living here – the security, privacy, the rural outlook, yet close to all the amenities. Then there’s the ambience of the cottage itself in any season.

“We’re going to miss everything about living here. It’s so homely with a lovely character, welcoming, modern and peaceful.”

Lower Shay Clough Farm Cottage, Long Causeway, Denholme, is up for sale at £310,000 with Charles Walker, Queensbury. Tel: (01274) 814348