HAVING lived out of a suitcase for many years, Heidi Waring was looking for somewhere to unpack for good.

The mum-of-one had travelled all over the place, experiencing everything from life in an African village to London’s fast-paced life.

She explains: “I’ve been everywhere. I grew up in West Africa and was 14 when I moved back to England.

“I spent a period in France and more recently lived in Kent and London before settling in this lovely part of the country.”

Heidi started looking for a more permanent base three years ago.

For her the biggest draw was the rolling hills of the countryside and, after scouring several rural locations, she found a perfect spot in the small village of Thurstonland.

Says Heidi, a Lepton-based client relationship manager: “I was desperate to get into the countryside and be somewhere more rural.

“The village where I grew up in Sierra Leone was six miles out of the capital and wasn’t really that rural and I definitely wanted a different environment to central London.

“I spent a couple of years looking for the right location before finding this area which was so beautiful and peaceful.

“And then I saw this house and wanted to move in straight away.”

Heidi had fallen in love with a quaint two bedroom weaver’s cottage.

Built around the 18th century, the Grade II listed cottage is believed to be one of the oldest in the village.

Heidi added: “The cottages around here are very old and have some lovely histories attached to them.

“In my kitchen there’s a window where originally the door was and in there was a mangle.

“It was the only house in the village to have one and all the women would come up and bring their washing.

“I find the history really fascinating. Another cottage had a secret well where children would come and throw money while making a wish.

“Most of the people living in the village have been there all their life so all these stories get passed on.”

As well as being fascinated by stories of her home’s past, Heidi loved the fact that many of the original features had been kept, including the mullion windows, exposed ceiling beams and fireplace.

The previous owner had sympathetically renovated the cottage, making the most of its wealth of character while adding a contemporary twist.

Says Heidi: “There are so many new properties out there so I feel that when you’ve got something that’s so unique you have to work with the house to keep that character.

“The work on this house was beautifully done. The balance was just right and I didn’t have to do anything to it at all.”

Quirky features like the different levels sit beautifully with revamped spaces like the kitchen, where cream country-style units blend effortlessly with the surroundings.

Heidi has complemented the look further by furnishing the rooms with chunky wooden and hand-crafted pieces.

“It has a really lovely feel to it,” she added. “But for me the best room is the bathroom because I can sit in the bath looking out across the fabulous views.”

The views surrounding the cottage are really special and a real treat for Heidi and her three-year-old son Connor.

“It’s so idyllic and the village I lived in before certainly didn’t have views like these. It’s fields for miles and you can see sheep on the hills which my son absolutely loves.

“The village is also fantastic and has this great community feel to it which is wonderful to be a part of.”

Heidi has decided to sell her home to be closer to her mum, who lives in Wakefield.

She says: “The location is just perfect and it’s been a great place to live.

“I will really miss the house – if I could pick it up and move it I would.”

This cottage at The Village, Thurstonland, is on the market with Cornerstone estate agents. Call 01484 607711 to arrange a viewing.