Rose Farm, The Balk, Walton, Wakefield

Living up to the fairytale imagery its name conjures, arrive at Rose Farm along a winding, wildflower-lined lane, edged by a wildflower fringed pond that basks beneath the shade of mature weeping willows, all set to a backdrop of open skies and fields. Leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind and step into another world, where nature takes the lead.

The gated driveway provides plenty of parking, with a detached triple garage with storage room and upstairs den brimming with the potential to convert into a home gym, or even annexe accommodation.

Country character

Believed to date back to the mid 17th century, Rose Farm makes its presence felt before you set foot through the solid oak door, nestled beneath a robust stone lintel. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a home only three families have occupied in the last 50 years, the current owners residing within its walls for a quarter of a century, Rose Farm is the kind of characterful country home whose embrace, once experienced, takes a hold of your heart.

Step through into the warmth and welcome of the sitting room, where exposed brick and ancient beams, span the walls and ceiling and over the inglenook stone fireplace The cottage-style window draws light in, framing views out to the garden.

OWNER QUOTE: "It just feels like home, the beams give it a cosy sense of character."

Wine and dine

Part of a 2007 extension, underfloor heating imbues the slate flooring with warmth in the contemporary yet country kitchen-dining room. A warm and inviting room, wooden cabinetry retains the classic heart of the home, providing plenty of storage, whilst the cosiness is amplified by the stylish royal blue, four-oven Aga, filling the room with comfort in wintertime, up to the tip of the beam laden vaulted ceiling, where Velux windows draw light down from above.

A room made for entertaining, a built-in wine fridge is on hand for evenings spent wining and dining, whilst French doors fitted with plantation shutters peel back to invite the birdsong in, providing instant access out to the garden for alfresco dining. A second staircase connects from this room up to the first floor above.

Returning to the sitting room, make your way into the dining room, through a traditional latched wooden door, where large strips of original plank flooring stretch out underfoot, and a log-burning stove nestles within a stone inglenook fireplace, creating the perfect ambience on special occasions and celebrations. Pause in the window seat and admire the views out over the landscaped garden and driveway.

The handy utility room, tucked off from the dining room resonates with character providing additional storage space.

Comfort beckons

To the right of the dining room, step through into the lounge, home to an array of characterful beams some possibly sourced from a centuries old ship. At the heart of the lounge, an open fire glows within a deep stone inglenook, casting flickers of warmth and welcome. Windows invite natural light, framing peaceful countryside views. A room made for gathering, the lounge takes on an especially magical ambience during the festive season. Naturally zoned, a space up two steps to the rear of the room makes for a quiet reading spot or music area.

Step up to the rear and into the peaceful study, the ideal space to slip away and read, relax or work from home, hidden away from the main flow of the rooms.

And so to bed...

Returning to the dining room, ascend the original stone staircase, a remarkable feature, and emerge on the first floor, where the master bedroom awaits on the left. Light and bright, robust beams span the high ceiling whilst exposed stone captures the history and heritage of this timelessly characterful home. Wake up to ever changing views out over nature in the fields framed by stone mullion windows to one side and a cottage-style window to another.

Storage is abundant, with solid wooden built-in wardrobes to one side of the bedroom alongside a large ensuite, furnished with twin wash basins and free-standing bath tub. There is Jack and Jill access from the ensuite to the landing.

Bedroom two is another sizeable bedroom, dressed in refreshing shades of soft blue, with high ceilings and built-in wardrobes. Wake up to verdant views out over the garden.

Accessed via bedroom two or from a second landing from the stairs off the kitchen, the third bedroom, bedecked in beams, again features built-in storage and a shower room, whilst steps lead down to the fourth bedroom, with exposed brickwork, where, through a low cottage window, pastoral views await out over the fields to the rear.

Installed in 2011, the family bathroom is a breath of fresh air, tiled in light tones around the large, centrally filling bath with shower wand attachment. Timeless and light, relax, unwind and soak in the serenity of the setting.

Outdoor oasis

Landscaped in 2010, the garden at Rose Farm is a true haven for nature. Alive with the sound of birdsong, spend hours soaking up the sunshine on the lawn or at one of the many different seating areas, watching as all manner of species visit the garden, from colourful jays to the telltale percussive tapping of woodpeckers.

Low box hedging provides crisp edging to the manicured lawn, with borders of colourful shrubs and flowers.

Dine alfresco on the patio or beneath the shelter and shade of the pergola. Electric sockets outside are helpful when mowing or working.

Out and about

Nestled on the fringe of Walton village, Rose Farm is rural, yet not remote, blending countryside calm with local convenience.

For a thirst-quencher, The New Inn is a short, scenic stroll away, while Newmillerdam's lakeside Capri and La Fortezza serve up Italian flair from their waterside surrounds. ****

Families are well placed, with a range of schools nearby, including Walton Primary Academy, while Silcoates School, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Wakefield Girls' High School are also accessible nearby.

Walking routes are endless here - from peaceful paths to Nostell Priory to the scenic wooded trails of Newmillerdam. A top-rated golf club and the acclaimed Waterton Park Hotel - complete with a gym, pool, and restaurant - are just a short stroll away. Wakefield's vibrant shops and strong rail links are also conveniently close.

A home with endless character, embraced by nature, and with the comfort of modern convenience, Rose Farm is a home ready to evolve and adapt to your needs.

Useful to know

Grade II listed building
Gas central heating
Mains water and drainage to septic tank
Freehold
Wakefield City Council
Council Tax Band G




Council Tax Band: G