Mill Lane, Kearby, North Yorkshire

At first sight, this five-bedroom barn conversion set against a backdrop of the Wharfedale Valley makes a bold, contemporary contribution to the landscape. Confident in scale and execution, this building has placed sustainability and eco-efficiency at the heart of its construction, and received a rarely achieved A grade energy efficiency score as a result. The interior fittings reflect a refined, minimalist aesthetic with swathes of glazing framing the house's bucolic surroundings.

The Tour

The house, recently completed by Andas Homes, is set on a large, private plot behind electric gates. A dramatic double-height hallway with soaring panes of glazing floods the main entrance with natural light, with another entrance through the integrated double garage past the handy boot room. There are large format porcelain tiles lining the floor throughout, with underfloor heating.

On the ground floor there is an expansive living space facing out towards the striking countryside, with corner glazing creating a perfect vignette of the surroundings. A bespoke kitchen by Studio Nest is finished with integrated appliances and a focus on tactile materials. The clean, neutral palette of creams, browns and blacks create harmony within the area, which flows through to a separate pantry and laundry room. The room has been carefully arranged into demarcated zones, with a contemporary bioethanol fireplace finished in polished plaster offering an intimate area to relax in. There is also a WC and home gym on this floor.

Ascending to the first floor and the main bedroom has an en suite and a generous dressing room as well as three additional bedrooms, one with an en suite shower, and the family bathroom. Replete with a free-standing bath and walk-in shower, the plaster finished walls invite a sense of calm.

True fibre ‘gigabit’ internet has been installed to ensure a high-speed connection.

Outside Space

Designed by Rob Hardy & Co, the garden has been beautifully conceived within a biophilic philosophy to increase the connectivity between the natural environment and the building. Set behind a gated entrance, a winding gravelled driveway passes by a verdant lawn, trees and hedgerows. Porcelain paving borders the house and contrasts with the black timber and decking. Overlooking the rolling hills of the Wharfedale valley, the planting scheme of ferns, shrubbery and wildflowers will flourish in the years to come.

There is also an electric car charging station inside the double garage, an air source pump with mains pressure hot water tank and solar photovoltaic generation.

The Area

The house is situated in the sought-after parish of Kearby which appeared in the Doomsday book in 1086. Close by is the market town of Wetherby, home to the the Grade-II listed Wetherby Bridge, recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Listed in the 2018 Sunday Times as the Best Place to Live in Northern England, there are plenty of excellent independent shops and restaurants to discover, local favourites include Kofi & Co, North Deli and The Mews.

Leeds is under half an hour by train or car. Street food stalls tempt at Kirkgate Market and Trinity Kitchen, with more traditional fare available at Whitelock’s Ale House. For an avant garde experience try Michael O’Hare’s new Psycho Sandbar for dining that’s sure to be headed for a Michelin star. Coffee and cake can be enjoyed at Layne’s Espresso and North Star. Belgrave, Headrow House, and The Domino Club are all excellent for an evening of music.

Nine miles north is the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, often crowned the happiest place to live in England. It has an excellent selection of pubs, restaurants and independent and chain shops. It is home to famed Betty’s Café and Tea Room and the more contemporary Balterzen's Scandinavian Cafe. Cimmermann furniture shop is a wonderful place for modern furniture and lighting. Nearby RHS Harlow Carr Garden is the perfect place to potter and absorb the natural environment, and a full day of activities can be enjoyed at Harewood House, which is only an 11-minute drive away.

There are excellent schooling options nearby including Sicklinghall Primary, Kirkby Overblow Primary School and Wetherby High School. Ashville College and Leeds Grammar School are also close by, as is the highly respected King James’ School in Knaresborough.

There is a train station at Pannal 11-minutes away runs services to York and Leeds. From Leeds, London can be reached in around two and a quarter hours. The A1 is nearby in Wetherby and leads on to the M1 and the National Motorway network.  Leeds Bradford Airport is under 30 minutes away for international connections.

Council Tax Band: TBC