Not many homes have a store cupboard with a sign that says ‘only two children allowed in at one time’; but this former school in Saltaire does.

For ten years, Sarah Nazran and her husband had strolled along Victoria Park while living in the village, dreaming of being able to live in one of the imposing large Victorian houses on the road.

Then one of those imposing buildings – Victoria Park Preparatory School – came on to the market, having closed down after the headmistress and owner retired.

“It was my late husband’s idea to look at the school as a potential new home for us and an opportunity for him to move out of a rented art studio and work from home,” says Sarah.

“To say you needed vision when we first viewed the school would be an understatement. It was just an empty building with all original features stripped away. There was hessian covering all the walls where the children would display work. All the pipe work was on the outside of walls, there was plastic-covered flooring, damp problems and fluorescent strip lighting everywhere.

“It was the imposing size of the rooms and the potential to breathe life and character back into it, while adding our style, which left us with no hesitation but to put in an offer.”

First the family had to get planning permission to turn the school back into a family home, but once that was granted they started the process of moving.

“It was December 14, 2004, and there was no kitchen, living room, bedrooms or bathroom – just empty classrooms. We bought the biggest Christmas tree we could find for our spacious hallway and planned where and how to start turning the school back into a home.”

First a damp proof course was installed, then a room with a wall down the middle housing five small toilets and one for staff was turned into the family bathroom. Two windows were replaced with the original stained glass, a freestanding bath and shower, twin wash basins and a slate floor installed.

Next, the 26ft-long arts and craft room was transformed into a dining kitchen, with the Belfast sink from the utility kept. When the windows were being replaced with wooden sash windows, they discovered the original wood shutters which had been sealed up.

“We also found other shutters in the hall. We had them all stripped and treated and re-hung,” Sarah recalls.

“I think the kitchen is my favourite room. It’s spacious and my daughter, our two dogs and 22-year-old cat spend most of their time in here, either sitting around the central island unit or watching TV. In summer the sun floods through and in winter we close the shutters to make it snug and warm.”

The second floor bedroom was completed so that Sarah’s daughter had her own room, then some of the roof loft area was opened to make a den. When roof lights were installed they realised what amazing views they had.

“We can see right over the village and Salts Mill to Baildon Moor and towards Bingley. Sunsets can be spectacular up there.”

At the same time the house was totally re-wired, all room re-plastered and the roof tiled.

The living room was the main challenge. Stripped of all character, it was the head teacher’s office.

“We had the fireplace knocked out and now have an amazing coal-burning fire. The pipe work was removed from the walls and a new central heating system installed.

“A friend replaced all the Victorian moulding and ceiling rose, and shutters were made for the bay window. As an artist, my husband had an incredible insight into which colours would work. I trusted his judgement on the bold red and it works so well. While being restored with original features, the house still has a warm, modern feel.

“The work has been ongoing since we moved in. Nothing was every straightforward and small jobs invariably turned into big ones.”

The last rooms to be completed were Sarah’s bedroom with en-suite – originally the music and RE room – and what is now her daughter’s bedroom, which was her late husbands art studio and prior to that a classroom.

“The whole thing has been a labour of love and I am so proud of our achievements to get it finished. We have kept the original school bell, the original school plaque and wooden hymn number plate.

“The garden at the front changes colour every month, attracting lots of birds and the occasional squirrel. I have left the original school playing ground at the back, with painted snakes and ladders and hopscotch. I felt that whatever I did may not be what someone else wants, so they can put their own stamp on it.

“I have loved my time here, and it is with a heavy heart that I have to leave. The neighbours are so friendly and helpful. Ultimately I will miss what we as a family created from a once run-down school in need of TLC.”

This property in Victoria Park, Saltaire, is on the market for £350,000 with Maxwells Residential, Saltaire, tel (01274) 592280, web ww.maxwellsresidential.com