During the English Civil War, one occupant of Prospect House was jailed for refusing to pledge allegiance to the monarch, King Charles I!

No such fate awaits the current owner of this charming Grade II listed property, which dates back to 1638. The five bedroom home oozes character, having mullion windows with shutters, ornate plasterwork, beamed ceilings and wrought iron banisters.

The current owner, who first saw it 19 years ago, recalls: “The previous owners had emigrated and the house was empty. Looking through the windows, we could see it would be ideal... it had size, character and was versatile thanks to the large rooms. The garden was large and enclosed, making it great for our family.

“We found it advertised in the T&A. We put in an offer, agreed a price and moved in within six weeks of finding it.”

Originally built as a farmhouse, the property was split many years ago and extended, probably in the early 19th century, to give a welcoming hallway, four large downstairs rooms and utility room – which was probably the farm dairy – cloakroom and arched cellar.

Upstairs are five double bedrooms, all but one with fitted wardrobes, two walk-in storage cupboards and a house bathroom.

“We presume that it was during the 19th century that much of the ornate plasterwork was added, along with panelled doors and window shutters, the mullion windows having been enlarged to maximise natural light,” the owner says.

“One of the drawers in a fitted cupboard opens into a desk, which we believe was used when the room was an office of the old Low Moor Iron Works.

“Prospect House has also been a small school run by two sisters, and had even been used by travelling Methodist preachers. It is rumoured to have heard the works of John Wesley.”

Since moving in, the family has renovated wherever possible. Parts of the wiring, heating and plumbing have been upgraded, as well as the toilets, bathroom, utility room and kitchen.

They have also replaced some windows, with sealed unit doubled glazing fitted into the timber frames, and the loft was re-insulated this year.

“We have made sure to keep each and every feature that gives the house its special warmth and great character,” the owner says.

There’s plenty of character outside as well.

“We’ve devoted a lot of care and time to the garden. There are mature trees, lawns, flower beds and shrubs, along with a fruit and vegetable garden, greenhouse, a pump above a well, ponds and sheds.

“The garden is a magnet for wildlife. Birds and other creatures find it a haven, as do we. It has been shared with many pets, not least the hens we kept.”

Prospect House is in a private location at the end of an unmade road. A detached garage block is large enough for one or two cars, has its own toilet and could make an ideal workshop.

“At one time it was a stable and housed a cart or carriage, along with the horse. There is also a cast iron range, so it may well have been lived in at one time. Subject to planning permission, this would make a lovely cottage.”

At the top of the driveway is enough hardstanding for at least six cars.

The owner says the family is going to miss living in Prospect House.

“It has been an outstanding home to bring up a family – its space, character, quirkiness and individuality. The size makes hospitality so easy and its situation, along a quiet road yet close to the M62, means that family have often used is as a meeting place.”

Prospect House in Terry Road, Low Moor, is on the market for £350,000 with William H Brown, Bradford, tel (01274) 309795, web www.sequencehome.co.uk