While only built in 1995, this detached home has the character more often seen in much older properties, such as plaster ceiling cornices and exposed brick walls.

Carol and Paul Brocklehurst, who have lived in their four bedroom home for the last 11 years, had always liked the idea of living in Shelf.

“We had visited friends and been to parties, and always thought that we would love to live here,” says Carol. “It was a really family-friendly home, so when it came up for sale we decided that we would buy it.”

It’s certainly big enough for a family to have their own space. On the ground floor is a dining hall with part stone-flagged floor, study with exposed brick on one wall and cloakroom with part-tiled floor.

The lounge, with two sets of French doors into the garden – allowing in plenty of light – is an elegant room with a marble fire surround with cast iron grate, and decorative plasterwork to the ceiling.

Exceptionally spacious, the kitchen measures nearly 27ft long. It has been fitted with a range of bespoke units with granite work surfaces and also has display shelving, limestone tiled floor, exposed brick surrounds and ceiling beams to continue the character feel.

There are lots of integrated appliances, including a double oven, microwave, range hob, dishwasher and fridge. This is another light and airy room, with windows overlooking the side and rear garden and French doors into the conservatory, which has windows on three sides, doors into the garden and a timber effect floor.

“We haven’t had to do much to the house except decorate,” admits Carol. “However, we did have the kitchen units restored by a French polisher, as they are hand-made. We also had new wall tiles and a Travertine floor put down. It made it look like a new kitchen.”

Also on the ground floor is a utility room with cloaks cupboard, timber effect floor and access to the double garage.

There’s a great view of the dining hall from the galleried landing, which houses a study area.

The master bedroom overlooks the garden and has a decorative wrought iron fire surround, exposed beams and open door into the en-suite, where there is a roll-top bath with shower over, part-tiled walls and two roof lights. There are three further bedrooms, one an L-shaped room with windows on two sides.

You could easily spend time soaking in the sunken bath in the family bathroom, which also has roof lights, spotlights and a tiled floor.

The family seems to have more than one favourite room.

“We love the living room with the French doors – we spend a lot of family time in there,” says Carol.

“I must say, though, that we love the dining hall, especially at Christmas when the whole family is sat around the table.

“We also love the garden, where we have lots of barbecues, and like the large drive, which is so good when we have lots of visitors.”

Access to the house is through electric gates across a private drive, which leads to a double garage past a manicured lawned garden which frames one side of the driveway.

At the rear of the property is another lawned area with block paved patio, mature bushes, shrubs, water feature and pond, all enclosed by drystone walling.

The Willows in Shelf Hall Lane, Shelf, is on the market for £495,000 with Charnock Bates, Halifax, tel (01422) 330633, web www.charnockbates.co.uk