Many people who say their ideal home would be a barn conversion realise that this is a dream they are unlikely to achieve because such conversions are, by their very nature, usually large properties that command a price beyond the reach of most of us.

Occasionally one comes along, like this unusual conversion in Thornton, that is unique – not too large, packed full of character and glowing wood, and all at less than £180,000.

Having lived in Thornton since 1972, the current owner of the Hugill Street property heard about a small development being planned for a courtyard at the end of a cul-de-sac in 1983.

“The plans were for a row of five stone-built town houses and one barn conversion which would adjoin two existing cottages,” he says.

“We decided to look at the architect’s plans for the barn conversion and immediately decided to buy.

“The design was so unusual with lots of character and features and, being a joiner, I could see potential for further alterations.

“When work began in late 1983, we watched the barn being demolished with the exception of the 2ft-thick rear wall which was partially demolished and re-built with the existing stonework.

“Everything else was a new-build and at this stage we decided to increase the height of the barn to accommodate a loft bedroom.

“We moved into the property in late 1984, and it’s hard to believe it now, but at that time the inside was just the stud walls and doors and casings – everything else we carried out ourselves.

The minstrel gallery bedroom was divided with a traditional spindle balustrade. “I decided to make it look more rustic by adding the kingpost roof-truss feature.

Very much the main feature of this conversion is the lounge, with stone fireplace amd living-flame gas fire, high ceilings and random stonework to the fireplace and the wall, where the staircase leads to the mezzanine bedroom.

This is a lovely, light bedroom with two double-glazed skylights.

The kitchen has a range of fitted wall and base units, sink with mix tap, electric cooker point and plumbing for an automatic washing machine.

There is also a well-fitted bathroom with a modern white three-piece suite that includes a panelled bath, low-level WC and vanity washbasin.

“You get to the second bedroom from the entrance hall and it includes fitted wardrobes which I designed and built myself. The loft bedroom, which has a skylight window, is accessed by a pull-down loft ladder, but I have drawn a design for a spiral staircase from the entrance hall to the loft bedroom which would add another ‘wow’ factor as you enter the hall.”

Outside, there is an integral single garage with up-and-over doors, which houses the gas central heating boiler.

At the front is a lawned garden which is easy to maintain. There is also a side patio garden which is virtually maintenance-free and is a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.

The owner has now made the difficult decision to leave the home that he put his heart and soul into when it came to designing the inside.

“I want to see more of my granddaughter, who lives on the East coast.

“I am going to miss my neighbours, who have always been very friendly, and also the village. Not only is it very attractive, it’s also centrally-placed for access to Bradford, Halifax and Brighouse.”

Hugill Street, Thornton, is on the market for £175,000 with Your Move, Bradford. Tel: (01274) 733644