“ON a nice day,” Victoria Fearnley says, “this is just about the most idyllic spot you could ever imag- ine…”

This is not a nice day. It fact the sky is a threatening gun barrel grey and the drizzle is spreading a damp and dismal blanket over the surrounding countryside.

But, still, somehow, you can see what Victoria means… We are sat looking out through a long run of bi-folding doors at the end of a spacious lounge and, even on this dark day, the view is quite astonishing, spreading its way across and far into the distance.

You can see, beyond the stone flagged terrace outside those doors, the paddock fences and the stables and the long lawned gardens, the trees and woodlands roaming to one side and open fields to the other.

Just a glimmer of sunshine and this whole scene would be totally transformed.

But then, right now, despite the forbidding weather, we are safe and snug indoors, in one of a series of splendid rooms in this quite exceptional barn conversion on Langwith Lane, a mile or so beyond the village of Heslington.

Victoria and her partner Jason Woods came to this rural hideaway three years ago and were immedi- ately entranced.

A rider from the age of four, Vic- toria wanted paddocks and stabling for her horses and both she and Jason wanted a rural retreat – but one which was still within easy striking distance of commuting routes (they both had busy work lifestyles) and the centre of York.

They have two neighbours, but the sense of tranquility is unbro- ken.

And yet, along a country road, you are just 15 minutes from the centre of York.

“The absolute best of all worlds,” as Victoria puts it.

Or, as selling agents R M English put it: “A hidden rural gem, offering a fantastic opportunity to acquire a stunning country residence which enjoys peace and tranquility, yet is only five miles from the centre of York.”

Sycamore Barn will certainly ap- peal to equestrian types like Victo- ria, with its two large internal sta- bles within the barn, including hay storage area and tack room and an adjoining pony stable (and another barn which could potentially stable up to four more horses) and with its own extensive paddocks as well as easy access to local bridleways.

“It is just perfect for equine types,” Victoria says. “But it is also perfect for children – because there is a lot of garden, a lot of country- side to roam in and just lots and lots of outside space.”

Plenty of outside space – and plenty of room, inside, too...

And all of it a beautiful blend of contemporary comfort with retained original features including exposed beams and trusses.

“The man who did the conversions did this one knowing it was the one he was going to live in,” says Victo- ria. “And because it was going to be his own home he did everything to a very high standard – there is a lot of high quality craftsmanship on show and that really impressed us.”

Nowhere is this more obvious than in the bright and light recep- tion hallway and staircase, an impressive high and handsome space looking up to a galleried land- ing and which, along the way, has a set of French doors opening to the garden and terrace.

Off this hallway is the cosy and comfortable lounge with that long run of bi-folding doors and big sky views with a feature period style fireplace and engineered oak floor- ing adding to the character.

Moving on we find a breakfast kitchen with a series of cream- fronted base and wall units, a stun- ning preparation island and Indian slate flooring warmed by under- floor heating… a simply delightful spot that would be at the hub of any family lifestyle.

To the far side of the breakfast room there is a formal dining room, which runs over 18ft by 15ft, while there is also a utility room and cloakroom/shower room.

“It’s a very good house for enter- taining, the space is wonderful,”

Victoria says, adding, with a smile “and honestly, on a good day, it is really very light and bright.”

It is not to hard to agree with that image… Now it is upstairs, to look at the three bedrooms – all of them good- sized double rooms – and a smart house bathroom.

The master bedroom suite is su- perb, with its own shower room and walk-in wardrobe/dressing room.

The clothes are hanging ‘his and her’ style. Victoria shakes her head.

“Jason’s got more clothes than me – have to do something about that!”

A wonderful, spacious and stylish, house then, set in the most glorious surroundings and with excellent equine facilities.

So, what have Victoria and Jason enjoyed the most about living here?

“I love the rural side of living here, having space for the horses, enjoying the quiet. It was lovely, for both of us, to come back from work and just settle into the quiet – and then having a lot of living space has also been fantastic. It’s just been wonderful.”

 

Sycamore Barn, Langwith Lane, Heslington

Reception rooms: Three

Bedrooms: Three

Bathrooms: Three

Gardens: Stunning formal gardens with eight acres of paddocks and stabling.

Wow factor: Bright spacious house – in a stunning rural setting.

Price: Offers around £850,000.

Contact: R M English: 01904 697900.