Bring the outside in at Baildon home (From Advertiser Series)

Bring the outside in at Baildon home

1:07pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009

Some people say they have fairies at the bottom of their garden, while others have a shed or tree house.

Not so the Hellewells, who have a family at the bottom of theirs!

“We came across the house thanks to my dad – whose garden backs on to ours. He saw it advertised and urged us to see it,” says Jez Hellewell.

“An offer was accepted before we could decide what do, but that fell through and we pounced.”

That was ten years ago, and Jez and wife Sharon say this has been a great family home. They have brought up two children there – Jacob, nine, and five-year-old Rosie.

“When we first looked at it, the ‘wow’ factor was the large family garden – which is unusual for a new house – the size of the rooms and the large attached garage. It’s also just a snicket’s walk from the moors.”

Built in the 1980s, this four bedroom home not only has a large garden but also has panoramic views from both the front and back.

On the ground floor are an entrance hall, cloakroom, lounge, dining room, family room or study, breakfast kitchen and conservatory, while upstairs, the master bedroom has an en-suite and there is also a house bathroom. It also has all the mod-cons you expect from a modern home, including double glazing, gas-fired heating and cavity wall insulation, with each room flowing into the next.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to buy the house and live in our old one as we decorated and had new carpets put down, as well as new windows and doors,” says Jez.

“Over the years, we have steadily done quite a bit of work. The biggest – and most expensive – was the conservatory, as they had to build it up quite a bit. However, this is a fantastic addition to the house and offers great access to the garden. It also has amazing views across the valley.

“Two years ago, we had a bespoke kitchen fitted with granite work surfaces which my wife is loathe to leave behind. Windsor Kitchens in Guiseley designed and fitted it, and the work went extremely smoothly.

“Luckily, as my parents live just around the corner, we were able to have quite a few meals there while the work was carried out, which was a big help.”

Whoever the next owner is, they should enjoy cooking in this versatile space, which comes with a five-burner gas hob with electric oven and cooker hood, plus a built-in dishwasher.

“Our favourite room is undoubtedly the conservatory. It’s just so versatile,” says Jez. “In summer, it’s an extension of the garden. It’s great for reading in as it’s so light, and it’s great for entertaining as it adjoins the kitchen. It’s also good when muddy children come in, as it has a laminate floor.”

The garden is a particular feature of the house. “Our children love playing out in it. There’s a path that goes right round the back of the trees and then back up to the side of the house.

“Because it is so big, we have used a gardener from time to time. But, on the whole, my wife and I look after it.

“The conservatory opens on to a patio, which is great for barbecues and entertaining.”

The couple find it hard to decide if there is a single thing that has been the best thing about living here. “It is just a great family home in a great location near Baildon moors,” says Jez. “I’m a fell runner, and to be able to be up on Baildon moors in two minutes is pure nirvana for me.

“The size of the rooms is also a bonus. New houses aren’t usually so spacious, and it has a large garden to boot.

“We’ll miss my parents – the babysitters! – being just around the corner. In an ideal world, we would take this house with us to our next location.

“We know we’re going to miss nearly everything about it. Any house that you have had children in will always be special to you.”

This property at Alder Carr, Baildon, is on the market for £385,000 with Dacre, Son & Hartley, Baildon, tel (01274) 532323.