Settle house with hidden charms also offers the chance to self-build

MANY of those who live in Settle have failed to spot this property’s hidden charms, though they were quite apparent to Sarah and Giles Spencer, who bought the house in 1930.

It was half of the town’s former vicarage and its spacious interior appealed to the couple who were trading up after living above their famous cafe and bakery Ye Olde Naked Man.

But what really sold it to them was the secluded yard, outbuildings and land at the rear, which is barely visible to passers-by.

The couple converted one of the buildings into a bakehouse, where Mr Spencer made pies, cakes and bread before carrying them to the nearby cafe in wooden crates. During the war he even made ice-cream “out back”, branding his sideline as Spencer’s Northern Dairies.

Their daughter Joan and her husband Jack Hemingway later took over the business and the house and, after shifting the baking operation, they converted the bakehouse into a stable.

Jack adored horses and livestock and at one point even had a racehorse on the land, which is tucked away just off the market square.

“He was quite a character and he loved horses and going to the races. He also kept sheep, goats and hens over the years,” says his daughter, Sue Jarrom, who grew up at 1 Constitution Hill.

“It’s a surprisingly big plot at the back and it’s very peaceful and private considering it is bang in the centre of Settle.”

The land is now for sale as a building plot with planning permission for a three-bedroom home to be built with stone from the outbuildings, and the grade two listed house is on the market for £315,000

“My parents have passed away and that’s why we are selling but it is a wrench as it has been in the family for all those years and I have very happy memories of it.”

The house is grade two listed with period features including mullion windows, original fireplaces and exposed beams.

On the ground floor, there are two bright, front reception room, a kitchen to the rear and two large cellar rooms. The cellar rooms have been used for storage in the past but could be converted into further living accommodation if required. Upstairs, there are three large double bedrooms and a house bathroom. The property needs some modernisation, including upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, central heating and re-decoration through out.

Outside to the front, there is a small cottage-style patio garden enclosed by iron railings. The rear garden is yet to be landscaped but offers a large walled garden and patio area with a feature well that was recently uncovered. There is ample parking to the rear with vehicle access from the side.

“Ideally whoever buys the house might want the plot, which they could build on or keep as a large garden,” says Sue.