After living in the small village of Helme for 17 years, Stuart and Cindy McLain are upping sticks and heading for the warmer climes of Turkey.
The couple have holidayed in Turkey for many years and have now made a decision to retire and live in the Mediterranean country on a permanent basis.
Stuart, who is semi-retired but still works as a photographer, said: “We just love it out there and have made many friends over the years. What we intend to do is to rent a property for a year while we look round and find either a suitable house or a plot of land to build on. If we weren’t going abroad, we would stay in Helme as we do love the area and surrounding countryside.’’
Their current home is The Barn, located in the centre of Helme village at Slades Lane.
The property was re-built about 20 years ago on the original footprint of an old barn belonging to the former farm next door, which has since been converted into several properties.
Stuart said: “We have been told that the old farm building was originally a candle factory and then it became Sycamore Farm. Our barn is quite unusual because it has two barn doors but these let in loads of light and make it feel very spacious and airy.’’
Situated in the heart of Helme, the barn sits in a conservation and Green Belt area. It is approached via a gravel driveway, which can accommodate several vehicles. Outside at the front is a double garage with mezzanine level, ideal for storage, stone wall boundaries and flower beds.
The main entrance is through one of the barn doors, which leads into an entrance hall with staircase to the upper level, a downstairs cloakroom, dining room, lounge with inglenook fireplace, multi-fuel stove and large window looking out over the rear garden,
There is also a breakfast kitchen with built-in appliances including a Neff double oven. Upstairs the property has three good sized bedrooms, all with walk-in wardrobes and exposed roof trusses. There is also the beautiful house bathroom with free-standing bath, spacious walk-in shower and Travertine tiling.
Throughout the house are beams, roof trusses, deep window sills and exposed stonework, which give the barn much character. Outside, the rear garden is private and includes a lawned area and two patios for enjoying the peace and quiet of the semi-rural surroundings.
Also in the rear garden is a useful utility room and garden store, which was more recently re-built in keeping with the conservation area.
This house has all the advantages of modern living with underfloor heating in both the kitchen and dining room, an alarm system and contemporary fittings. It sits on the edge of open countryside with rural walks just a few minutes away and shops in nearby Meltham.
Stuart said: “Cindy and I have loved living here, it’s just the pull of a new life in Turkey which is making us move away.
“Cindy works for a mail order company in nearby Manchester and catches the train in Marsden, which is very handy for anyone commuting.
“There is also a very highly regarded primary school in Helme just around the corner.’’
This barn is a super family home and ideal for anyone who wants a peaceful village life with quick access to countryside walks.
The property is being marketed by William H Brown estate agents 01484 687818.
PRICE: Offers In Region Of £425,000
