Pop Idol Gareth Gates has splashed out more than £500,000 on a secluded rural farmhouse in the Morton area for his family.

The expanse of green fields that surrounds the luxurious home is a far cry from parents Paul and Wendy's inner-city three-bedroom terrace home in East Bowling, Bradford, which they only finished decorating last year.

The teenage star moved fast to snap up the Yorkshire stone, 18th-century Grade II-listed property after its sale fell through, according to the estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley, which handled the transaction.

The farmhouse (pictured right) sits in 2.4 acres of ground, including a paddock, and is surrounded by dry stone walls with panoramic valley views. Inside, there are six bedrooms, a breakfast style kitchen, a study and a utility room.

Three reception rooms include a lounge with window seat, beamed ceiling, Delft rack and double doors through to the dining room with slate floor and a cross-beamed ceiling.

There's also a sitting room with polished oak floor, stone recess fireplace and chimney breast with log effect cast iron stove, cross-beamed ceiling and window seat.

But the family's privacy is guarded by electronic gates which protect a sweeping drive to get to the front door.

The arrival of the Gates family has caused something of a stir.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, whose ward covers the area, said he hoped Mr and Mrs Gates and their children, who include 18-year-old pop star wannabe Nicola, would enjoy village life.

He said: "It's a boost for the area having a celebrity choose to relocate his family here.

"I hope they won't be recluses and that they'll enjoy rural life and all that goes on in the community."

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said it was great that Gareth hadn't forgotten his roots.

She said: "It shows dedication to his family and to his home district that he's bought this house. I hope they'll be very happy there."