IT is a Victorian house the Stockfords wish they could stay in for years to come.

But with their children now grown-up, Diana and Dick Stockford have found themselves rattling around the home they have described as ‘simply beautiful’.

The house, at Cooper Lane in Holmfirth, is as private as it is picturesque.

But it’s part of a thriving little community which is ready to welcome a new family.

A former gentleman’s residence, the 1842 Victorian property is located in the heart of Holmfirth and has elevated and panoramic views of the village and Holme Valley.

Set in mature grounds, it boasts many period features including high ceilings, deep skirting, panelled doors, period fireplaces, detail to the ceilings, panelling to walls as well as an Aga range in the fabulous dining kitchen.

It has five double bedrooms, two of which are a self-contained attic.

There is a sitting room and the Stockfords have lovingly restored its original wooden floor, a formal dining room and a drawing room.

Diana explained: “We’ve lived here for six years now – I was walking the dog one day and saw the For Sale sign and fell in love with it.

“I just knew the inside would be as beautiful as the outside.”

They couple moved in with their children, who have since fled the family nest.

It’s left the couple with a large family home and they now want to downsize.

Diana added; “It’s very private but it is part of a great little community of neighbours.

“We held the Big Lunch here last year where everyone got together.

“There is a very sunny yet private Victorian garden and at the back a lovely orchard and two greenhouses – one of them Victorian.

“The house itself has still got many of its original features – the three reception rooms are in keeping with the house’s simplicity.

“There is plenty of storage, a utility room and a beautiful big window on the landing which has a lovely view.”

The house’s credentials as a gentlemen’s residence (a term generally thought to refer literally to the home of the local landowner or gentry) has a wine cellar as well as two other cellars.

Diana added: “The kitchen is a good size and has an Aga. It overlooks the gardens and I can look out and see green.

“There is a lovely sitting area outside too.

“I believe it is one of Yorkshire’s finest properties.

“We’d continue to have many more happy years here, but we’re downsizing.

“It’s been a wonderful family home.”

The family has worked sympathetically with the house’s original features, maintaining all of its original charm.

But they have sanded the original Victorian sitting room floor and carried out repairs to its chimney over the years.

“We haven’t messed about with it, we’ve kept it how it should be – it has all the simplicity of a Victorian home.

“It’s very beautiful and will be hard to leave behind.”