Grade II listed Applegate Barn is a stunning example of how conversions of agricultural buildings should be done.

Dating from the late 17th century, it was converted regardless of expense, retaining a host of character features including pitch pine beams, exposed stone walls and round-headed vent window openings on the gable end.

Mark and Joy Wilcock certainly appreciate their home of the last four years, which it took them two years to find.

“As soon as we pulled up to the gates, we were smitten,” says Joy. “It’s a beautiful building, enclosed and private.

“When we stepped through the front door, we were even more impressed. We have similar tastes regarding style and how we wanted our new home to be – we were both nodding enthusiastically.

“We can’t take much credit for the conversion as it had already been carried out. However, we have re-decorated and replaced the en-suite bathroom in the guest room as well as retiling some of the other bath/shower rooms. Mark has also fitted new units in the utility area.”

The principal living rooms are on the upper floor, which has a galleried landing. There’s a lounge featuring a semi-circular stone fireplace, dining room, extensively fitted kitchen with Smallbone units, pantry and two bedrooms – one the master – with en-suite dressing rooms and bathrooms.

On the ground floor is a reception hall with stone staircase, study, three further bedrooms, utility area and shower room with sauna.

Part of the lower ground floor could be turned into a granny flat, and across the courtyard is a double garage or annexe ideal as a games room and office. The latter could become a guest suite as it has a kitchen and shower room.

“We’ve been told that at one time the barn was a weaving shed, and we know that a business called Astley Yarns operated from here,” says Joy.

“Having the first floor as the main living area was probably to make the most of the views, although we know that at one time during the original conversion the south wing was a separate flat with its own front door.”

Mark and Joy say they love living here. “It’s big, and the beautiful vaulted ceilings throughout are very different to any house we have lived in before. The lovely curved stone staircase and exposed stone walls make us feel like we live in a castle – maybe we have delusions of grandeur!

“We love our bedroom with its vaulted ceiling, dressing room and lovely en-suite. It’s a fantastic place to relax and wake up in; we’ll miss this room a lot.

“It’s a fabulous place to entertain in. It’s big enough for people to mill around in and not feel too cramped. Funnily enough, though, everyone always seems to migrate to the kitchen.”

Applegate Barn stands in a beautiful garden with a large stone flagged patio, rockery and lawn with floodlighting, security system and electronic gates.

The garden is split-level with a cherry tree in the middle of the lawn and a small summer house. The couple say that on a clear day it is possible to see the mast on Emley Moor, some 18 miles away. Stone steps lead down to the patio, the bottom of which is guarded by two stone statues of severe-looking monks.

“We love the peace and quiet here,” Joy adds. “In spring it’s lovely to see the lambs in the fields, and we often wake up to the call of a pheasant. We feel like we’re living in the country but we’re just ten minutes away from Keighley and Bingley.

“The house is big and roomy, but it feels homely and cosy. It is always a source of pleasure to us when people who haven’t visited before, walk in and say ‘wow’.

“The house has never lost its appeal. After four years, we still get that same feeling of excitement which we got when we first visited. It will make an amazing family home.”

Applegate Barn in Street Lane, West Morton, is on the market for £695,000 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Bingley, tel (01274) 560421, www.dacres.co.uk