Ryecroft, Harden

Located on a quiet private country lane in the beautiful conservation hamlet of Ryecroft, originally comprising two workers’ cottages, Spring House was once the old quarry master’s residence and dates back to the 1800s. Having been lovingly renovated by the present owners, and retaining many quirky original features including stone-flagged flooring and oak beams, this versatile four-bedroom semi-detached home offers generous accommodation arranged over two floors. It is ideal for growing families and those seeking flexible living in a highly desirable semi-rural setting.

The property is approached via a charming front porch which leads directly into the impressive open-plan living and dining room. This substantial reception space, complete with oak flooring, forms the heart of the home and provides an excellent setting for both relaxing and entertaining. A striking central double-sided stone fireplace containing a wood burner creates a cosy focal point, offering warmth and character whilst cleverly dividing the living and dining areas without compromising the sense of openness. An original stone clay pipe oven provides a characterful feature within the dining area. The bespoke built-in dresser offers ample storage space for crockery, glassware and drinksware. Large feature windows benefit from the south-facing aspect, allowing natural light to flood the room.

Leading through from the main reception room and up a further level, the inner hallway provides access to the practical ground-floor amenities. Here you will find a useful stone-flagged utility/boot room, ideal for additional laundry and storage needs, along with a convenient downstairs WC. There is also access to the integral single garage/workshop, offering secure parking with a remote-controlled electric up-and-over door and potential for further conversion, subject to the necessary permissions.

To the rear of the property is the bespoke fitted farmhouse-style kitchen, featuring oak flooring and a range of units providing ample preparation and storage space. It also benefits from integrated appliances including a dishwasher, fridge and gas range with double electric oven. The kitchen enjoys far-reaching views across the Aire Valley and surrounding countryside, with direct access to the secure private rear garden, making it perfect for family living, outdoor entertaining or enjoying a morning coffee during the warmer months.

Passing the large feature arched window, the first floor offers four light and airy double bedrooms, all thoughtfully arranged around a central landing. The spacious principal bedroom benefits from bespoke fitted wardrobes and a beautifully appointed wood-panelled en-suite bathroom, featuring a separate rain shower enclosure, freestanding slipper bath with hand shower attachment, heated towel rail, wash basin and WC.

The remaining spacious bedrooms are served by a beautifully appointed family bathroom fitted with a large walk-in rain shower, wash basin, WC and heated towel rail. In addition, there is a separate office room offering excellent flexibility and equally suited for use as a study, nursery, hobby room or occasional guest space, depending on individual requirements. Further eaves and cupboard storage is also available.

Externally, the property continues to impress with its rural outlook across adjacent fields and a pleasant private rear garden designed for both enjoyment and relaxation. The garden benefits from far-reaching valley views and beautiful surrounding countryside. An oak-decked patio seating area provides the perfect setting for outdoor dining and entertaining, whilst the ornamental pond adds charm and tranquillity. The secure garden also benefits from direct access to the car port and garage, offering further practicality and convenience.

Breathtaking open countryside and Harden Moor are accessible directly from the doorstep, with lovely walks, Goit Stock Waterfall, local pubs and St Ives Golf Club all within minutes of this beautiful and little-known hamlet steeped in history. Nearby Harden is a highly regarded and desirable village on the outskirts of Bingley, offering an excellent balance of countryside surroundings and everyday convenience. Harden benefits from a range of local amenities including a well-regarded primary school, village shops, butcher’s, post office, country pubs, cafés and recreational facilities. The village of Haworth, the Worth Valley Steam Railway and Brontë Country are all within a ten-minute drive. The Five Rise Locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the renowned Hockney Gallery at Salts Mill, excellent rail and motorway links, and Leeds Bradford Airport are also within easy reach.

A little about Ryecroft

Nestled on a hillside above the village of Harden, and a couple of miles from Cullingworth, Ryecroft is a little-known rural hamlet designated by Bradford Metropolitan District Council as a conservation area. It comprises original quarry workers’ cottages, renovated barns, a Rievaulx Monastery schoolhouse and farmsteads arranged organically along a private country lane. Some date stones are inscribed with dates as early as 1693, and several listed properties remain within the neighbourhood. There is also a quaint village green where residents occasionally hold community gatherings including barbecues, Jubilee celebrations and carols around the village Christmas tree.
The private country lane is a no-through farm track leading to Harden Moor and the breathtaking countryside vistas enjoyed daily by the vendors. The skies are expansive, yet dark at night with very little light pollution. It is a beautiful and privileged location in which to live, surrounded by wildlife including buzzards, badgers, deer, sheep, alpacas, kestrels, foxes, squirrels, swallows, bats, owls, curlews, cuckoos and woodpeckers. What’s not to like? This is not simply the purchase of a house, but a lifestyle opportunity. Properties within this area rarely come to market.