When Caroline and Steve Batson went for a walk on a snowy winter day in 1996, they had no idea they would find the home they have happily lived in for the past 14 years.

“We’d just walked up from the waterfalls at Ellar Carr Beck when we stumbled across this gem of a Grade II listed cottage at Hallas Hall and fell in love with it straight away,” says Steve.

“We couldn’t get it out of our minds. From the outset we received such a warm welcome – everyone was so friendly we felt we had to buy it.

“The ‘wow’ factor was a combination of the connection with its history, the stone carvings and original timberwork. Then there was the sense of community and dramatic views over Ellar Carr Beck, woodland and rising moorland beyond.

“We felt it offered the best of both worlds, being close to the station, within walking distance of schools, shops and country pubs, yet surrounded by stunning scenery.”

As architects, the couple were fascinated by the history of the old hall and the area. The name ‘Hallas’ derives from ‘Hallowes’, named after hallowed ground.

Over time, the house and land has transferred from monastic to farm to a residential hamlet. When the Batsons came across it, Hallas Hall Farm was being redeveloped into cottages and barn conversions.

“We had the vision to see that it would be a lovely place to live in and bring up a family. It was a blank canvas and had been empty for more than 18 months,” Steve says.

Because of the condition of the cottage, they had to start on building work straight away.

“We lived through all the building renovations – moving around the house like a child’s sliding picture puzzle,” he recalls. “We even lived for nine months without a kitchen.”

The downstairs rooms were the first to receive attention. They removed layers of plaster, back to the original structure, wherever possible retaining original features.

By accident, while altering the open plan kitchen/dining area they discovered a hidden parlour semi-basement and unusual stone plinths.

“Now the feature ceiling picks up the sunset, changing from hues of pink to orange,” Steve adds.

“In the lounge, we discovered the fireplace and a hole in the ground. I started to believe the tale that we had found the legendary monastic tunnel from the house – a tale told by a lovely elderly neighbour. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the fireplace hearth vent sump pit!”

Over the years, they have altered the first floor, reinstating a window seat and repositioning the bathroom to form a walk-in en-suite and walk-in wardrobe with glass screen doors and top lights.

They’ve carried out most of the work themselves – from relaying floors to restoring stone mullions and timber work, a new kitchen and bathrooms.

“Some elements of the work replicates the age of the building, as Caroline has used reclaimed oak to form internal doors and window seats. Other elements have been designed and constructed as modern interventions.

“In 2000 we decided to convert the empty loft into two bedrooms as Caroline was expecting. It was a mammoth task, which included putting in an oak and glass stairway, but we finished a week before Bethan was born.

Three years later, Aaron came along, making our dream home complete.

“It was worth the effort of constructing the attic rooms, with a floating floor construction with lots of insulation for acoustics.”

When it comes to what is their favourite room, there’s a difference of opinion.

Steve says: “My favourite room is the lounge, with the old timber door and stone flag floor. The door was rescued from a farm in Derbyshire and lovingly restored with gallons of linseed oil. The stone flag floor was buried when we bought the house, and has subsequently been relayed and restored.”

For Caroline, it is the en-suite bathroom attached to their bedroom, which she says is “a tranquil oasis” with a sunken spa bath.

The cottage garden opens out to the farm courtyard. “We grow grapes, which get converted into wine by our neighbour,” says Steve.

“We are going to miss the house and our neighbours deeply, as we have had many happy years at Hallas Hall. We will miss its history but cherish our memories there and the part we played in creating the latest chapter in its history. We have always felt that when we travel up the lane home, we have escaped to another time and place.”

This property at Hallas Hall Farm Cottages, Hallas Lane, Cullingworth, is on the market for £325,000 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Bingley, tel (01274) 560421, website www.dacres.co.uk