Tales of gunpowder and secret tunnels surround this week’s Our House, a semi-detached cottage in the popular village of Highburton.
The house, at Slant Gate, is built on the site of the former Old Hall, where the Lords of Burton lived in the Middle Ages.
Home owner Beverley Dyrlaga, who is only moving next door to live with her mother, has researched a history of the area and turned up many interesting facts.
She said: “Above the door of the semi-detached cottage next door is a triangular lintel stone which names the house as Old Hall.
“There is speculation that the window lintels of both houses, which are decorated with various markings, are symbolic and contain a message. There has also been a rumour that a secret tunnel ran from Old Hall and houses on Hall Fold, possibly to an old church or Gothic chapel which was attached to the old hall.
“Some people claim it was used to carry gunpowder, an escape route from the chapel or to carry water from the Holy Well on Garner Lane.
“Seeing as quarrying was carried out in the local area, it’s entirely possible that gunpowder was moved about as it would be needed for blasting the stone.’’
Whatever it’s history, the house is today a mix of traditional and contemporary features providing a cosy cottage home.
The addition of a single garage and off-road parking is ideal, due to its situation among older, characterful properties on the narrow Slant Gate — not a problem obviously when the house was original built in the 1800s.
The house is situated in a conservation area and in a cluster of cottages, all of a similar age. To the front however is a pretty lawned garden, edged with traditional dry stone walls and with views towards the village of Lepton. To the side is an additional gravelled garden area.
Downstairs this cottage is entered via a porch which leads into an open plan kitchen and living room which includes Shaker style green wall and base units, a central island unit and a space for dining.
The living area has a multi-fuel stove in a tiled surround and is a cosy and welcoming space. It includes a modern mood lighting system to
provide character and atmosphere.
Upstairs the cottage has two bedrooms and a bathroom with a white suite and bath with
shower over. The main bedroom has a bank of fitted wardrobes and looks out over the front
garden and to the view beyond.
Beverley, who works in a Halifax care home, said: “When I began to research the old hall story, I found out all kinds of interesting information, with history spanning many centuries. I just wish we knew if there was a message in the lintels of the house which are very unusual and quite a feature.’’
This house is a pretty cottage with a nice garden, close to the village centre of Highburton, local schools in Highburton and Kirkburton, a local store and village life. It is also within minutes of rural walks and pretty countryside in the Woodsome Valley and Lepton Great Wood.
The property is being marketed by Cornerstone estate agents 01484 607711.
PRICE: £149,999.
