Baildon bungalow's just grand! (From Advertiser Series)

Baildon bungalow's just grand!

5:35pm Wednesday 20th January 2010

By Sue Ward »

Jo Whittaker is a firm believer in keeping things in the family, because this charming detached bungalow in a quiet Baildon cul-de-sac was originally owned by her grandparents.

“They moved in during the 1950s, so my father and uncle spent much of their childhood here, and I in turn spent much of my childhood here playing in the garden,” says Jo.

“Now my son Freddie, who was born last April, sleeps in what was originally my bedroom when I used to stay over at the weekend.”

Nearly nine years ago, Jo and Robert were beginning to outgrow their flat.

“We started to look at houses in the area but couldn’t find anything we really liked,” says Jo.

“This house had been put on the market after my grandparents had died, and it sold quite quickly. Then the vendors changed their mind and my dad suggested we had a look. Initially we were unsure because of the amount of work that needed doing to make it feel like our home, but we soon realised that it was all cosmetic, so we jumped at the chance.

“The ‘wow’ factor for us was the garden. It’s really big and an unusual shape, with lots of mature trees around.”

Set in what would have been the grounds of Baildon Old Hall, which dates back to the 16th century, it was apparently built in the 1930s for a local builder and has a really long drive.

“We really feel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the village, but we have a bakery, small supermarket, post office and doctors’ surgery nearby.”

The couple redecorated most of the rooms before they moved in, since when they’ve expanded, modernised and landscaped until they were happy with the result.

“We stripped the floors in the lounge, hall and one bedroom, then had them varnished, re-carpeting the other two bedrooms and having the bathroom and WC tiled,” says Jo.

Underfloor heating was installed in the kitchen, dining room and conservatory, and a natural slate floor laid.

About three years ago, an oak kitchen was fitted, with integrated appliances, granite worktops and Aga Masterchef range cooker, as were a new bathroom and WC.

“All the double-glazed uPVC windows and doors have been fitted since we moved in.”

Now there is a hall, sun room, lounge, dining room which opens to the conservatory, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC. It’s a light and airy home, with many of the rooms having windows on two sides.

“At this time of year, my favourite room is definitely the lounge,” says Jo. “It’s a lovely room with large sofas and cast-iron, wood-burning stove, so we can forget about the ice and snow outside. In the summer, my favourite has to be the large conservatory which leads onto the private raised deck, which is lovely for barbecues.”

The couple have completely redesigned the garden: “It was pretty overgrown, so this is the area we’ve probably worked hardest on. It took a lot of time but we have managed to redesign it.

“At the front, we replanted the rockery, cleared the beds and replanted shrubs to make it easy maintenance. We also re-exposed the lovely old stone ornamental wall and gate, which were overgrown with ivy and shrubs.

“At the side, we took out a large overgrown hedge and exposed the old stone wall and paved and pebbled area, adding potted plants for colour and variety. Then at the back, we have added a large raised deck which adjoins the conservatory.”

It’s easy to see why the family love the garden. It took a lot of time and effort to get it right, but they’ve ended up with lots of private places where you can relax, enjoying the space.

There’s a pergola, wooden arch, raised planters and wooden swing seat, with new fencing so the garden is totally enclosed.

“With a massive cellar and a large loft, I’m going to miss the storage space, but most of all I’m going to miss the privacy of the garden and the fact that over the past nine years we’ve worked so hard on it and are only now really getting the chance to relax and enjoy it.”

This property in Hallfield Drive, Baildon, is on the market for £349,950 with Maxwells Residential, Baildon, telephone (01274) 809191.