If walls could talk then this week’s Our House at Holt Head would have a real tale to tale.

This former farm has seen it all – from being an historical blacksmith’s forge when Holt Head Road was the main thoroughfare to Manchester to more recent times when it was full of peace, free love and flower power as a hippy commune in the 1970s.

Today it leads a much quieter life and is the lovely family home of property landlords Kevin and Janet Hirst who are now planning a move back to the village of Golcar.

Kevin said: “This house has a right story to tell. Originally it was two houses, the back section which dates back to the 1700s and which included the blacksmith’s forge. This was of real importance and the place where all the horses called to be shod on their way to Manchester. Originally the back section of the house was a farm property with just one basic room downstairs. This is now the kitchen and still includes the original range cooker.

“The front of the property was added in Victorian times and we understand it was designed for one of the directors of the local business Brook Dyeing. It has some period features including Victorian fireplaces, plate racks, original floorboards and a large cast iron radiator.

“We don’t know much about when the house was a hippy commune. People have told us a little about it but it sounds as if quite a lot of people lived here in the 1970s and 80s. We have heard one story about people sat outside naked playing guitars. Perhaps it’s as well we don’t know what went on!’’

Holt Laithe Farm, Holt Head Road, Slaithwaite, is a great family home with loads of outdoor space, a stream at the bottom of the garden and an adjoining field, measuring three-quarters of an acre which would be ideal for anyone with animals, horses etc. This is rented from the Dartmouth Estate.

Outside there is a large stone-built triple garage which could easily be converted into a separate annex for an elderly relative or an office for anyone wanting to work from home. It has attractive gardens with paths, lawns, fruit trees and bushes with an extra garden area beyond the garage leading down to Bridley Brook, which flows down into Slaithwaite.

Since moving to Holt Laithe Farm, Kevin and Janet have carried out work on the house and garden to put their own mark on the property. Kevin built the large garage which is an excellent addition to the house.

Downstairs a spacious hallway with original flagstones leads through to a square kitchen with a Belfast sink, modern range cooker as well as the traditional old range which is a real feature of this room. On the ground floor there is also a formal dining room with original fireplace, sash windows and a Victorian radiator as well as a sitting room with fireplace and stove which has far reaching views over Slaithwaite and Bolster Moor.

At the back of the property there is also a small conservatory.

Upstairs there are three large double bedrooms, two with fireplaces and some stripped pine. There is also the house bathroom with an original cast iron bath and a modern en-suite to the master bedroom with large shower.

In the basement there are vaulted cellars, ideal for wine or use as a laundry room.

Kevin said: “Holt Laithe Farm is a beautiful house and we are very lucky to have lived here. This area of Holt Head is a small hamlet tucked away from the main road.’’

The property is being sold privately and Kevin can be contacted on 07970 540315.

PRICE: £365,000 or nearest offer.

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