Large former village surgery is just what the doctor ordered

Nearly eight years ago the current owners of East View passed by the house every day and thought it would be a great place to live.

“Location was a massive factor - close to all the amenities with the ability to walk to school and shops, plus the outlook with established trees, a bowling green and a park.”

The house itself stood out as being a solid, impressive, individual property: “One I would feel proud to own. We were especially wowed by the size of space. The large rooms are laid out in a great way for entertaining while still retaining a homely feel.”

Briefly the interior includes four bedrooms with two en-suites, four reception rooms and a study – totalling more than 2,500 square feet.

Built in the early 1900s, as the village Doctor’s home and surgery it remained as such until the 1960s. Local residents remember visiting their doctors here up until a new health centre was built, around this time.

“While clearing out the roof space we found the odd medicine bottle and detailed instructions for administering the all new - in its day - Streptomycin.

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“We also found a copper door plate bearing the name of one of the former doctors. We had it framed and it will stay with the house as a reminder of its history.”

Over the last 40 years previous owners have added a couple of extensions, conservatory and opened up some of the interior space.

“We put thought into our renovations, aiming to bring it up to modern standards whilst retaining the classic quality that it deserves.

“A new tiled entrance way was created, all internal doors have been replaced with Victorian style panelled oak doors and the original oak balustrade has been stripped.

“In 2013 a new light oak kitchen with modern integrated appliances, including a range cooker, was installed.

The family enjoyed planning the dining room: “We use it every day. The original window has been replaced by French doors, light oak flooring was installed and an old fireplace replaced by an open flame gas fire.

“I’m a bit of a marble fiend and I indulged myself by choosing a rather grand marble fireplace for the lounge with an open flame gas fire. This is something I will be really sad to leave behind.”

In the guest bedroom an additional en-suite was created and the main house bathroom redesigned to include a large walk-in shower cubicle as well as a spa bath.

“Probably our favourite room is our conservatory as this large airy space attached to the kitchen is heated and in use all year round. It’s big enough to accommodate a variety of uses and is especially great for entertaining when there’s often eating, drinking, chatting and the odd game of pool taking place at the same time.”

The family room is also a favourite space. It’s a great place for ‘chilling’ especially for teenagers or children. It is at the hub of the house, not shut away, so you don’t miss anything that is going on!

Outside there’s plenty of space for children and pets to run about. “There is a tall wooden gate in the wall at the front of the property, which we don’t use, but to passing children it holds the promise of ‘the secret garden’.”

The family are going to miss the feeling of being part of a village community, and taking part in local activities of which there are many: “Christmas is celebrated in Birkenshaw in a fairly big way with the Village Association organising a fun event with the switch on of lights up and down Bradford Road.”