Fine & Country Feature Property - Relaxation Without Isolation

Summer Edition (July / August 2007)

Liz and Paul Cornish made the move from London to West Yorkshire in 1997. They decided upon Adel – a rural area to the north of Leeds, situated near the site of an ancient Roman fort, with the old road from Tadcaster to Ilkley passing nearby. Now, after ten very happy years at Victoria House – part of a popular property development of Adel Mill – the time has come to move on.

“This location has the relaxation of country living without any of the isolation,” explains Paul. “When we were house hunting a decade ago, we loved the idea of life in a rural area - but didn’t want to have to drive miles just to get a pint of milk!”

In this respect, Victoria House has proved to be perfectly placed. The property backs onto a farm, but is less than half a mile from the nearest shops and within 15 minutes drive of Leeds city centre. It’s surrounded by beautiful scenic countryside, and yet getting to Leeds / Bradford International airport involves a car journey of just ten minutes, and both the M1 and M62 are less than 20 minutes away.

“We loved the fact that it was a substantial property, built from Yorkshire stone,” Paul continues. “It has elegant Victorian proportions, with high ceilings and plenty of storage in two large cellars, one with its original stone larder slab.  That sort of space was something we certainly never had in London!

“We were also taken by the stunning countryside in which the house is set. This is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there’s lots of wildlife around here – we quite often see deer and kingfishers from our bedroom window.”

The house has been completely refurbished over the last ten years.  “When we first arrived, we could see its potential quite clearly,” says Paul.  “We’ve added a new kitchen – complete with Aga – and an additional utility room.  We’ve also modernised both bathrooms, and redecorated throughout.

“I particularly love the living room, which is south facing and is very light and airy. It’s surrounded by countryside and feels miles away from the daily urban grind.   The kitchen is also somewhere people gravitate to – with the Aga going, it’s lovely and warm on cold winter days. And the main bedroom has some spectacular views, with the luxury of under floor heating beneath the tiles of the en-suite and main bathrooms, which feels lovely in bare feet.

“Outside, there’s a south-facing ‘L’-shaped garden. It gets the sun until very late in the evening, and is a great place for a barbeque when friends pop round for a drink.  We’re quite often still sitting out there until 10pm on warm mid-summer nights, with the housemartins swooping around us.”

For sports enthusiasts, Victoria House has Headingley - the oldest golf club in Leeds quite literally on its doorstep. “I can see the course from our bedroom window and can drive there in around a sixty seconds,” says Paul. “We’re also just a matter of minutes away from two very good shopping centres – including Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer. And for schools, there’s St John the Baptist Primary School and Adel Primary school not far away, as well as Leeds Boys’ Grammar at the end of Alwoodley Lane.

“Above all, this is a very relaxed, house with plenty of character. Every house on this development is different – and from the moment that I come through the front door each day, I instantly feel that I’m home. Plus we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside which is full of wildlife - including kingfishers, sheep and lambs in the field near the little beck nearby.

“But it was my 12 year old daughter who probably summed up best what we’re going to remember about living here. ‘When we go, I’m going to miss looking out of the window at the horses, running around in the field with the wind in their manes,’ she said. And she’s right.”

 

To view the full sales particulars for the property please click here.