From lessons to lots of family fun

Once it was alive with the sound of the school bell and children reciting their times tables.

Now Eldwick ’s old village school, which dates back to the 1880s, is a charming family home, blending period features with contemporary touches.

The Old School is currently home to a family of four. In place of a school playground, there is a trampoline and climbing frame in the garden, as well as a handy outdoor lavatory.

And over recent years the family has converted aspects of the property, not least transforming the school cellar into a home office and turning a decking area into a cosy ‘Garden Room’.

Nestled in a private setting within the pretty village, a short distance from nearby amenities and the market town of Bingley , the property’s location was a big plus point for the owners.

“We were first attracted to the house because of its location – it is close to the village shop and pub, and the countryside, and the area also meant that our two children were eligible for entry to the well-respected Eldwick Primary School,” says the vendor.

“The house itself was different due to the fact that it used to be the village school. The conversion was carried out to a very high standard and outside there was lots of useful space. The large lounge with its high ceilings and wood burner immediately caught our eye and the well-proportioned kitchen/diner is an excellent entertaining space.”

Light pours through double-glazed windows to both the side and rear of the striking dining kitchen, which has stylish fitted units, including an integral refrigerator and dishwasher, and an additional built-in seating area.

The comfortable Garden Room has a rustic charm, with exposed stone walls, and is flooded with light from stylish patio doors leading to the garden.

The owners were particularly impressed with the privacy of the plot. “A large hedge and drystone walls surround the property, which has been an important factor with the children,” says the vendor. “The large stable gate can be closed, completely enclosing the gardens.

“Although the property was already finished to a high standard when we moved here in 2005, we could see potential to turn the house into a very special home. Firstly, we converted the existing school cellar into a home office, benefitting from natural light.

“Next on the list came the front lawn, which was extended and re-laid. The rear lawn provides space for the trampoline, climbing frame and even a few chickens.”

He adds: “Finally, four years ago, we decided to do away with the large area of decking in the front garden and replace it with something more in keeping with the British weather.

“The Garden Room has a large red leather sofa, a multi-fuel stove and bi-folding doors. We have used this room a lot over the past few years – the weather doesn’t spoil our barbecues now! The outside toilet means that the house can be kept clean and tidy during such events.”

The family’s renovations have made the house more child-friendly.

“Above the Garden Room is a cabin-style play room we created for the children to have somewhere to play if the weather wasn’t good. Sebastien, seven, and Poppy, five, have spent many long hours in there, racing Scalextric and making dens.

“The house and gardens have a very relaxed feel. There are several sitting-out areas, including a breakfast balcony leading from our bedroom. And the garden has a mix of lawned and hard standing, which is useful for the children and their bikes.”