Sue and I have wanted to build our own home for about as long as we've been together (18 years).
 
To be honest we'd almost given up on the idea, having struggled for years to find anything suitable that we could afford.

In recent years we've spent many weekends looking at plots that were either too small, too expensive or just in the wrong area.

In 2002 we did think of buying an old Chapel Hall to convert into a dwelling. After spending a good deal of money having structural surveys and valuations undertaken, the vendor changed his mind about selling his property and it remained empty until very recently.

We subscribed to several 'plot database' web sites and in March 2004 saw an advert for a collection of agricultural buildings for sale. The location is Old Sharlston in Wakefield.

I nearly didn't go and look at the plot as when I mentioned it's location to several friends, they were negative to say the least.
 
Am I ever glad I decided to find out for myself!!
 
The plot is accessed over a delightful village green and stands in an elevated position in one of the oldest farms in the area.

The village has it's own Manor house as well as a very pretty duckpond.
 
The building consists of a large Brick built barn, parts of which date back to the early 18th century along with a newer stable building, another barn and also a collection of outbuildings.

We aim to complete on the deal by mid July and then await final detailed Planing consent to begin work, converting it into a very large 4 bedroomed dwelling.