Woodbine House, Stone Street, Sandy Lane
£350,000
Dacre, Son & Hartley, Saltaire

Telephone 01274 581794

THEY say location, location, location is the main reason people choose a home, but in the case of Woodbine House in Sandy Lane, a substantial Victorian home with three bedrooms and three reception homes, it was a tree!

Eight years ago Jayne and Darren Farnsworth fell in love with the huge weeping willow in the centre of the garden and decided to make Woodbine House their home. A home they actually got married from some years ago.

“We have also had family and friends visit the garden to have their wedding pictures taken in the garden known by neighbours as the secret garden of Sandy Lane, because it’s so well hidden.”

Woodbine House was built in 1880 by the Sowdon family, who were the local mill owners, for the Mill Manager William Greenwood and there is a memorial stone in the church at the top of the road.

“You can tell it was an important home as there is a turning circle in the garden for the coaches.”

The owners have carried out a sympathetic renovation which is a credit to them with its impressive interior styling and beautiful views over the superb gardens.

“We have done tons of work to the house, including changing the cellars into a laundry room and a downstairs bathroom.

“We had a bespoke kitchen fitted from Manor Pine Barn in Skipton.”

With its white fronted units with complimentary wooden work surfaces, this space is very much the heart of the home with its white Aga giving it a cosy feel.

A great deal of attention was paid to the character features. “The high ceilings have beautiful mouldings. I have hand painted them which was a labour of love.”

It is certainly a commanding property, with the accommodation planned over three floors and retaining many of the character features we all associate with the Victorian period such as wood floors, high skirting, sash windows, an Aga, Belfast sink, quarry tiled floor and a fabulous wood staircase and bannister, yet offering modern family living.

On the lower ground floor is a lounge, dining room opening to the conservatory, breakfast kitchen, boot room, utility, study and WC.

Both with high ceilings, one of the bedrooms and the living room are on the ground floor, while on the first floor are two further bedrooms, a bathroom and dressing room.

“My favourite room in the house is our bedroom. It’s huge and airy and has a fantastic view of the garden and is so peaceful and quiet.”

Outside there are two garages to the side of the house with a gated access to parking and the garden – a wonderful feature of this home – with the weeping willow taking pride of place in the centre and being surrounded by mature and well cared for lawns, borders, trees and shrubs, with a seating area taking in the best of the views and sunshine in this tranquil place.

“The only reason we are moving is that we are relocating to Cumbria for work. My abiding memories of the house will be watching the willow tree through the changing seasons and the wildlife that visits the garden - too many birds to mention, foxes, squirrels, frogs hedgehogs to name a few.”

You can even watch deer in the field beyond.

“There is a real sense of community in Sandy Lane with villagers congregating at Christmas in the park for Carole services, and helping each other out when it snows.”