The traditional exterior of this Thirties three bedroom Baildon home hides a decidedly 21st century interior, with a stunning living, dining and kitchen extension.
The Wrays – Alison and Mark – have lived in their semi-detached home for the last 15 years.
“When we bought the house it was in need of modernisation,” says Alison. “We knew we could make it a perfect home for us to start our family.
“Although it was built in the 1930s, and was the former show house, we are only the second family to own the house, which is in a very popular area of Baildon, especially for families.”
Alison and husband Mark, who is a builder, have given their home a distinctly modern feel.
“We have completely modernised the house over the years we have lived here,” she says.
The extensive list of works includes a new roof, new windows, re-plastering and decorating throughout.
“We also installed a stone fire surround and wood burning stove in the living room, which is a lovely, cosy focal point,” Alison says.
But what separates this house from many others of similar ilk is the last piece of work they undertook – the huge extension to form a new kitchen-diner and living area.
“We lived in the house while the extension was being built,” Alison recalls. “We managed to keep the old kitchen up and running in the existing part of the house until the new kitchen was in place in the extension.
“It was hard work at the time, and we did eat out quite a bit and had more takeaways than I like to admit, but it was all well worth it in the end. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
And they’re entitled to be, because this is an amazing space, which at nearly 20ft by 18ft is more than large enough to fit in some comfortable seating and a dining table, while still having room for a spacious kitchen area.
As well as granite work surfaces, a high gloss tiled floor with under-floor heating, kickboard lighting and a stainless steel cooker hood, there are two large roof windows which flood the vaulted space with natural light.
“We designed it ourselves and feel we really achieved the look we were wanting,” she says. “The kitchen-diner would have to be our favourite room because it’s where we spend most of our time as a family; it is a room we put our heart and soul into getting just right.”
As well as this magnificent space, there is an attractive entrance hall with polished wood floor, a good size lounge with bay window and log-burning stove, family bathroom, plus three spacious bedrooms – with the master bedroom having a range of quality fitted furniture.
Turning their attention to the garden at the same time as building the extension was also a massive undertaking, as the outside space is larger than you would expect.
“We excavated around 100 tons of earth to create a very private space, with a blocked paved area and wall lights,” Alison adds.
“The garden is easy to maintain and makes a perfect area for sitting out on a summer evening.”
As well as the rear garden, there is a raised low maintenance front garden.
“We have loved living and bringing up our children here. It holds lots of fantastic memories for us.
“It’s been a perfect home and, while we will certainly miss living here, we are looking forward to finding a new house which we can make into a new project. It’s what we enjoy doing most; making a house into a home.”
This property in Strathallan Drive, Baildon, is on the market for £187,500 with Your Move, Baildon, telephone (01274) 591952.
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