Grove Road, Ilkley, LS29

Staveley is a handsome late Victorian home with the scale, ceiling heights and proportions that make houses of this period so appealing. Its elevated position creates wonderfully light accommodation, while the setting is a particularly special one: peaceful and private, surrounded by established gardens, yet within easy walking distance of central Ilkley.

Set back from Grove Road, the house has an immediate sense of presence. Large windows make the most of the outlook and natural light, while original features sit comfortably alongside the improvements made by the current owners.

A covered stone porch opens into the entrance vestibule, with original mosaic flooring and a stained-glass timber door leading through to an impressive reception hall. Walnut parquet flooring, timber panelling, deep skirtings and the original staircase introduce much of the character found throughout the house.

The drawing room is a beautifully proportioned reception space, with a broad bay window and window seat overlooking the front gardens and beyond. An open fireplace, original ceiling plasterwork, picture rails and deep skirtings give the room a more formal feel, complementing the relaxed family space elsewhere on the ground floor.

The living dining kitchen is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Staveley. At almost 30ft in length, it has been created by the current owners as a room to genuinely live in, and is where they spend much of their day. The scale allows distinct kitchen, dining and seating areas without the room ever feeling divided.

The hand-painted kitchen is centred around a substantial island with quartz work surfaces and seating, complemented by an Everhot range and integrated appliances. Original ceiling mouldings and the former servants' bell board have been retained, while a log-burning stove sits within the living area. With windows to three aspects, the room is exceptionally light, enjoying views across the valley to the front and towards the south-facing garden at the rear.

A separate boot room and pantry provide valuable everyday storage, with a stable door opening directly onto the garden. A cloakroom completes the ground-floor accommodation.

The lower ground floor is equally practical, providing a dedicated laundry and utility room together with excellent additional storage and pantry space.

The sense of proportion continues upstairs. The first floor has three generous double bedrooms, all with period character, together with two substantial bathrooms. The principal bedroom occupies the front of the house, with a corner bay making the most of the elevated outlook.

Three further bedrooms occupy the second floor. Two are comfortable doubles, while the sixth incorporates a separate study area. This gives the upper floors considerable flexibility, whether used as six bedrooms or configured to provide guest rooms, children's space and generous home offices. A small balcony from the upper landing provides another vantage point over the surrounding area.

The gardens are established, plentiful and an important part of the setting. To the front, landscaped tiers rise towards the house with mature planting, clipped hedging and pathways, together with a Japanese-inspired garden with pond and arbour.

To the rear is a particularly private, sunken terrace enjoying a southerly aspect and providing an excellent space for outdoor dining and entertaining. Further landscaped areas, rockery planting and decking create different places to sit and enjoy the garden throughout the day.

Stone steps lead to the private gated driveway, discreetly accessed from Parish Ghyll Drive. There is generous parking together with a detached stone-built double garage with power, water and additional storage.

Perhaps Staveley's greatest strength is the combination of peace and convenience. Grove Road feels leafy, established and removed from the activity of the town centre, yet Ilkley's station, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, schools and everyday amenities are all within walking distance. It is a rare balance: a substantial period family home with privacy, gardens and space, without giving up the advantages of living in central Ilkley.