The instant that Joanne Hamilton and her partner walked into the front room of this property ten years ago, they knew it was the home for them.

But their dreams were almost dashed when they appeared to have lost out on the extended end terrace to a higher bidder.

“We were looking for our first home and wanted one in which we could grow, that had great transport links and excellent schools and amenities. This property had all that and more,” Joanne recalls.

“When we went to view the property, we knew instantly that we entered the front room that this was the house. It had a great family feel and lots of downstairs space and potential.”

The couple made an offer which was declined, and they were told the vendor had accepted a higher offer.

“Assuming we had lost our dream home, we continued to look, always comparing what we saw to Windermere Road. Despite being an end terrace, it offered more space then traditional semi-detached properties as it had been extended. Other houses just didn’t offer the same space and feel.”

Three months later, the estate agent rang to say the sale had fallen through and asked whether they were still interested.

“As first-time buyers, we were in an excellent position and got our dream home.”

The birth of their daughter in 2002 put plans for renovations on the back burner, but they soon started making significant changes to the house.

“My father is a joiner/builder by trade, so his help was invaluable – not only with ideas, but carrying out the work,” Joanne says.

The changes have been done gradually, with the bulk of building work done in the last five years, including completely gutting and modernising the kitchen.

“The kitchen is one of my favourite areas as it’s the hub of the home. It’s a fantastic space, and with a through diner offers a great area to entertain, from family dinners to romantic evenings and many a party. It also has access to the south-facing rear garden, which is a great sun trap and makes summers special as you can enjoy the garden until late into the evening.

“In addition to the kitchen, I’ve also revamped the bathroom, which is now a modern, relaxing room. I’ve also invested in a new central heating system which makes the home very cosy in winter, as well as a fantastic gas stove fire in the living room. This is wonderful feature of the room, and one I love. It’s so cosy in the living room on cold winter nights and gives the room a homely feel.”

Other works have been cosmetic, from fitted wardrobes, new windows, decking and fencing to the rear garden and general modernising/decorating to each room.

Joanne says the gardens make the property unique compared to other houses on Windermere Road, as it occupies a corner plot with its potential for extending.

“When we bought the house it was already extended to the ground floor to create a dining room area and garage. The previous owners also intended to extend to the first floor.

“The property offers a mass of potential to extend either upward to the current extension or to the side or back to create additional space. Even doing this would not compromise on garden space.”

The gardens have many established trees and shrubs, as well as three separate lawned areas. There is also a garage and driveway.

“I owe most of the ideas, time, love and effort taken to make these look their best to my mum, who is a fantastic help,” Joanne admits. “Gardening is one of her passions.

“This house is a true family home and that’s what I will miss the most. It’s a property that has looked after me and my family well, and one I’m proud of.

“I’m hoping with my next property that I’m able to get the same instant feeling I got when walking into this house ten years ago. I’ve improved the property as much as I’ve needed for my family, and it’s time for it to provide security and happiness to another lucky family.”

This property in Windermere Road, Horton Bank, BD7, is on the market for £164,950 with Hamilton Bower, Shipley, tel (01274) 588158, web hamiltonbower.co.uk