Our heavenly hayloft

RURAL IDYLL: This sensational makeover is a result of one couple’s escape to the country from a town many would be happy to escape to. Sharon Dale reports. Pictures by Tony Johnson

OVING to Harrogate is an aspiration held by many buyers who long for a home that has Bettys, the Stray, great schools, shops and restaurants on the doorstep.

Carole Anne Cockayne had the same dream but after buying into the property hotspot that has just been judged “the happiest place in Britain”, she soon felt the need to escape to the country.

“I love Harrogate but it was too busy and noisy for me, plus we travel a lot for work and getting to and from the motorways seemed to take forever,” she says.

She and partner Martin found the peace and accessibility they were looking for in a tucked away spot near Topcliffe. Their riverside property is close to a converted mill and surrounded by beautiful countryside but it’s just five minutes’ drive to the A1/A19 and there are trains from nearby Thirsk.

The transport links have brought the area to the attention of buyers looking for value for money as its prices are lower than those in the golden triangle, between Leeds, Wetherby and York.

“We were looking at the villages outside Harrogate at first but the prices were so high and they were going up so we widened our search to this area. We spotted an advert for a converted hayloft and, although the pictures were not attractive, we went to view. It was really the setting and the garden that sold it to us,” says Carole Anne.

The property was converted and extended 25 years ago but Carole Anne has upgraded every aspect of it. Almost all the walls have been re-plastered and there are new internal doors and oak skirting boards. The oil boiler was replaced and underfloor heating installed. The dark slate floors were banished in favour of pale limestone tiles from Terzetto.

The kitchen and dining area is the heart of the house and it’s where Carole Anne spent a large part of her budget.

She invested £55,000 in beautiful handmade units, a large central island and bespoke fitted larder cupboards from Thirsk-based Treske.

The oak cabinets have pewter handles and are topped with granite. A red Aga adds a splash of colour to the room and

The kitchen was a big expense but it was worth every penny. I love it.

RECIPE FOR CHANGE:

Main picture right, the bespoke oak kitchen is by Thirsk-based Treske; above, the sitting room makeover includes a new Charnwood log-burning stove; far left, a big Aga cooker adds to the cosy feel of the kitchen; left, the old hayloft door is now...