Cop all those fantastic views

Aug 5 2008 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Cop all those fantastic views

WHEN Mark and Pam Sykes first laid eyes on their Slaithwaite home they knew that they had found a rare gem.

Nestled in a stunning countryside location, the picturesque Grade II listed barn conversion offered everything they wanted in a home.

“It was the peace and quiet of the location that really stood out for us”, said Mark, a chartered surveyor.

“Our last house was a converted farm in Fenay Bridge. While it had some nice views it still wasn’t in quite the right location for us; we wanted somewhere a little quieter with greenery all the way round.

“This house was in an absolutely glorious setting, despite only being 10 minutes from the M62.

“I’m originally from Helme, which is only a couple of miles away, so I was aware of this neck of the woods and how great it is. For me it was almost like coming home when we bought the house.”

The barn, believed to have been built in the 1800s, was once part of a working farm before it was converted into a home by a previous owner about 12 years ago.

Mark says: “It was once a working farm and part of the house was used as a barn for cattle; the big arched windows in the dining room mark where its entrance was.

“There are a few other original features still in the house – such as the beams and the mullioned stone windows – which are lovely as they all add to the character and ambience of the place.”

Seeing that the potential of the stunning property could be realised further the couple have made a few improvements, including adding a large side extension which has greatly increased the amount of living space.

Mark says: “We did all the usual things, like redecorating and adding a new kitchen and bathroom. But we also added a really lovely side extension, which is where we now spend most of our time, particularly in the summer.

“It’s got a big living room with a nice fuel-burning stove and two big picture windows. These are fantastic because they bring the garden inside and we get the great views from them. It’s also got a study, which I find really useful because I work from home.

“We didn’t have it built because we needed the space but we did want some sort of sun-room and we couldn’t have a conservatory because the house is in a conservation area.

“Having the extension has definitely made a big difference, there’s no question about it; having the extra space and amenities has been a real bonus.”

The extension also serves as a lovely contrast in terms of style to the original house. While the main part of the building is more traditional in keeping with the period features, the extension has a much more modern feel which compliments and blends beautifully the old and new styles together.

A big transformation can also be seen in the couple’s garden, which they have landscaped to perfection.

“It was a massive job, because it was so boggy you couldn’t even walk on it properly”, comments Mark. “We landscaped it and added a pond which has decking round it and it now looks fantastic.

“It’s a lovely place to sit out on and we get lots of wildlife, like herons and ducks.”

Without question, one of the property’s strongest selling points is its fantastic panoramic views over the Colne Valley.

Mar says: “It’s an absolutely glorious setting yet it’s so close to the motorway, so it’s in the perfect spot for commuting.

“It’s a really stunning location to live in; it’s very rustic and the views are quite striking. You can see Marsden in the distance and up on to the moorland. There’s some fantastic walks just on our doorstep, which my wife and I enjoy when we’re out walking our two dogs.

“You also get the sun all day, which, like the views, is absolutely glorious to enjoy when you’re sitting outside.

“It’s quite quiet around here and there’s not many other buildings, but Slaithwaite village is just 10 minutes away and the Rose and Crown pub at Cop Hill, which is very good, is just five minutes down the road.”

Having spent the last seven years in the house the couple have decided that it’s time a change of scenery as well as lifestyle. They are planning to sell their home to pay for two smaller properties, one in Huddersfield and a second home in France.

Mark says: “We have loved our house; it really is unique because of its tranquility and its fantastic position and views and we had got used to having all this space.

“It’s also a very versatile home.

“But we’ve decided that the time is right for a change; we’ve got the seven-year itch!

“Nothing’s concrete yet as we’ve still to sell this house, but we plan to look into buying a little place abroad, probably in the south of France as well as a small house over here, possibly back in the Kirkburton area where we lived before.

“Seeing all these property programmes about building a new life abroad really builds up your desire to move, so that’s exactly what we’ve decided to do.

“It’s time for a change of scenery!”

Mean Hey at Old Ground, Cop Hill, is on the market for £569,000. But the couple are willing to consider any reasonable offer. To arrange a viewing contact Ryder and Dutton estate agents on 01484 411060.