Simon and Samantha Reynolds used to pass this house on their way to work, and always commented on how nice it was, so when it came on the market they just had to have a look.
“We both immediately fell in love with the house,” says Simon. “It ticked all our boxes – from the size of the rooms to the beautiful, private garden backing onto woodland at the rear. This was going to be the ideal place to raise the family, which we were looking forward to as we began our married life together.
“The location also appealed to us, due to the house’s proximity to the local primary school and the beauty of Baildon Moor, the village itself, the river and Leeds-Liverpool Canal, which are both visible from the upstairs windows to the rear.”
So, 12 years ago, they bought they first home together and moved in, just a couple of months before getting married. Since then, the family has grown to include 11-year-old Claudia and Emma, seven.
“Due to the high standard of decoration left by the previous owners, we were able to move in immediately and decorate the house to our own taste as and when time and budget allowed,” Simon says.
The house was built in 1972 and in 1993 a substantial extension was added, providing the house with a lounge and master bedroom which are 24ft-long, together with additional space to the second bedroom, which has its own en-suite facilities. A large conservatory was also erected around this time.
“In 2003, we decided to convert the garage into an additional reception room and utility area. The reception room could easily be adapted to suit the needs of a dependent relative or be a private area for a teenager, as en-suite facilities could be incorporated with the minimum of fuss.
“The works were undertaken in such a way that the garage could also be reinstated with the minimum of effort, should the need arise,” Simon adds.
“While this was happening, we found that by using the previous roof-space of the garage we could gain space in the third bedroom, which now provides our youngest daughter with an excellent play area in her room. In 2008 we also replaced and redecorated the main house bathroom.”
The end result was a spacious home with, on the ground floor, an entrance hall, lounge with window seat and play room which is open to the conservatory, where there is access into the garden.
There is also a family room, utility area with plumbing for a washing machine, cloakroom and kitchen with integrated fridge-freezer and tiled floor.
Upstairs is a large master bedroom with a range of fitted furniture and window seat overlooking the front garden, second bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a bathroom with shower over the bath.
“Our favourite room in the house is probably the conservatory, which was replaced six years ago. It’s where we all eat together while looking out over the garden and woodland, appreciating the varied wildlife which visit while we are dining,” Simon says.
“When the French doors between the lounge and dining area are open fully, we get a clear run of space in the region of 50 feet, which is fantastic when it comes to entertaining.
“When the weather is good, we spend all our time in the garden, and thanks to the raised deck which we had installed when the alterations were done in 2003, it’s a great area for socialising and barbecuing.”
He adds: “We have had a number of very happy years in this house and it will be a wrench to leave, but due to recent circumstances we feel the time is right for a change of scenery and hope that the future owners enjoy it as much as we have.”
This property in Hoyle Court Road, Baildon, is on the market for £289,950 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Baildon, tel (01274) 532323, web www.dacres.co.uk
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