COSY charm, country living and convenience - this Grade II listed cottage in the village of Yearby, outside Redcar, has it all, its owners reckon.
"It’s a two minute drive to Redcar, five minutes to Guisborough," says Malcolm Thompson, who lives there with his wife Anita. "Yet about 10 yards from our garage there’s a stile. It’s just 20 seconds over the stile, through a field and we can be in the woods." Parts of the character property date back to 1660, Malcolm adds. Originally it was three different cottages, which were renovated into one home. Malcolm and Anita have lived in the house for the past five-and-a-half years and have made numerous improvements. In fact, several years ago the house was featured in a national interior design magazine, with "before" and "after" pictures, as an example of a successful renovation. The focal point of the cottage is the spacious lounge/dining room. Features of the handsome room include a high, beamed ceiling, a built-in bookcase, oak flooring and an oil-burning stove. "We have five children and six grandchildren so there’s lots of room when the family comes round," says Malcolm. "It’s a big lounge and we certainly use it. You can have a party with 60 people here." Adjoining this room is a conservatory, which he adds is often useful for the younger generation. "We can banish the children there with their toys when the adults are in the lounge," he laughs. "We also like to sit in there ourselves and have coffee." The kitchen has a range of units, and a large Rangemaster cooker with two ovens, since Anita is a keen cook. Off the kitchen there is also a useful pantry. "It’s large enough for us to keep a washer, fridge freezer, and various spices, pasta and rice on a storage unit in there," says Anita. The house has two bedrooms and an updated bathroom. This has a corner bath and a generous-sized shower cubicle, with a seat and several shower attachments. "It’s a cracker of a shower," Malcolm says. "It’s the best one I’ve ever used." Outside there is a good-sized, established front and side garden, which has country views, a variety of shrubs and plants, a plum tree and a pleasant patio where they have enjoyed sitting out and having barbecues. However, Malcolm’s favourite part of the house is the workshop, which he has renovated and extended. Both it and the single garage have power, lighting and water supply. "I’m retired, but I was a cabinetmaker-cum- joiner by trade and I still make things. I love it out there," he adds. "I think this house would be ideal for someone who likes to do things. "If I was a younger man in my 30s, a house that has a workshop like this would be ideal." However, they are moving because his wife wants to be nearer to their grandchildren. "We’ve enjoyed it, though, because it’s close to town and yet it’s in a country setting." The character cottage, on Yearby Road, Yearby, is on the market priced at £285,000. For more details call Halifax Estate Agents in Guisborough on 01287 636474. | 
Find a Home | New Home Developments | Property Pricecheck | New Homes Search | Classified Property Search | Commercial Property
