Former 18th century pub serves up perfect converted home in market town of Pateley Bridge

The couple bought it five years ago, and immediately embarked on a major transformation programme on the terraced house that is set over four floors.

Mr Walton says: “The property was built as a pub in the 18th century. No one is sure of the original name, but later it became the Cricketers’ Arms, then the Shoulder of Mutton and finally the Cross Keys.

"The pub closed in 1957 and the building was converted into private houses. We actually rented one of the properties for three years in the 1960s and have always loved the central position just off the High Street.

“When this one came up for sale five years ago, we jumped at the chance to buy it, and set about making a number of substantial changes.

“Originally the house had a tiny galley kitchen and we knew we wanted a larger open plan kitchen.

“We decided to convert what was the original bar that had become a living room, into our stunning new open-plan kitchen/diner.”

The couple also created a hobby room in the old cellar, uncovering the original 250-year-old cellar steps in the process.

Mr Walton adds: “We fully tanked the cellar out, installed new central heating throughout, rewired the whole property and took out several walls to open up the space inside, creating a lovely light home.

"We also incorporated a fantastic, raised area towards the front of the new living room, which we moved to the first floor so we can sit and enjoy the sunshine in the bay window. Realigning the whole house has made everything flow so well.”

1 The Cross Keys now has living space on the lower ground floor, an open plan kitchen/diner on the ground floor, a living room and bathroom on the first floor and two bedrooms and a shower room on the second floor. Outside there is a private parking area and log store.

Mr Walton added: “We installed modern fixtures and fittings whilst preserving all of the character features including the fireplace in the kitchen, which has a log burning stove, exposed beams and the stone staircase.”

Cross Keys, Pateley Bridge, £335,000, www.dacres.co.uk