Downstairs, in the basement of the Baker family?s home, an old cast iron range cooker stands proud and intact. It reminds the family of what their double-fronted Victorian house in Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire must have been like in its heyday. Much has changed since then, but the old-time charm remains. ?I’ve always loved houses from […]

Downstairs, in the basement of the Baker family?s home, an old cast iron range cooker stands proud and intact. It reminds the family of what their double-fronted Victorian house in Burley-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire must have been like in its heyday. Much has changed since then, but the old-time charm remains. ?I’ve always loved houses from that era for their large rooms, high ceilings, and period features,? Sandra Baker says. Sandra and her husband Chris, both lawyers, have lived in their historic four-story house for five years, transforming it bit by bit into the forever-home of their dreams and the perfect place to raise their two daughters, Kitty and Polly. The couple never actually intended to house hunt in the area where they now live. ?The picture of the exterior of the house on the estate agent’s website intrigued me enough to book a viewing,? Sandra explains. ?It wasn’t a slow burn — as soon as we walked through the front door we were smitten! It had a happy feeling. I even shed a tear!?
Sandra, who calls herself a frustrated creative given her career choice, was excited to have a fi...