This self-build is now a top holiday let near Leyburn

Turning a self-build into a holiday cottage ensured that Claire and Andrew Partridge’s house continues to make happy memories
The open-plan living space is family-friendlyThe open-plan living space is family-friendly
The open-plan living space is family-friendly

Built by her parents in 1984, the Feathered Nest in Harmby, near Leyburn, has enormous sentimental value for Clare Partridge, so keeping it in the family has always been a priority.

When her parents moved out of the property in 2001, she and her husband Andrew bought it and lived there before spotting the potential to turn part of the garden into a self-build plot for a new family home.

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“We built our own house and my parents moved back into the Feathered Nest, where we were on hand to care for them when they needed it. It worked out really well,” says Clare.

The views are spectacularThe views are spectacular
The views are spectacular

When they passed away, she and Andrew came up with a plan that has ensured that the much-loved home is still occupied and is still creating happy memories.

“We decided to modernise it and let it for holidays and the long-term plan is that we may eventually downsize back into it when our sons, Scott, 19, and Tom, 17, leave home,” says Clare, who has enjoyed putting her hospitality skills to good use.

A retired restaurateur and former owner of Giovanni’s in Leyburn, she makes sure that, along with essentials such as milk, juice and eggs, guests have homemade cake. Meeting and greeting those who have booked a stay and informing them about the area is also a pleasure, though they can see how glorious Wensleydale is from the windows.

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The house sits halfway down a hill and has outstanding views of historic Middleham, Penhill and Witton Fell. Turning the property into a holiday home meant modernising it first, though Clare and Andrew went much further than they initially planned. They completely redesigned the interior and decided to go all out in pursuit of a five-star gold rating from Visit England.

No expense was spared on the kitchenNo expense was spared on the kitchen
No expense was spared on the kitchen

“We, or should I say our son, Scott, took down almost every internal wall,” says Andrew, a financial adviser. There was nothing left apart from the four external walls and the conservatory. We spent a considerable amount of time working on the layout. An extra metre or two here and there wouldn’t have come amiss but you have to work with what you have got and we did pretty well.”

They also moved the staircase, raised all the floors so they could install underfloor heating, rewired, replumbed and put in new windows and doors. “We had several visits from the Visit England award assessors during the rebuild, which gave us a feel for the standard needed to get the five stars and when we got them, it made all the hard work worth it,” says Andrew.

The layout now includes a hall with a new bespoke glass and oak staircase from Stairbox.com leading to a galleried landing above. The ground floor has an open living space with sitting/dining and kitchen areas. The kitchen, with granite worktops and a centre island in a Zoffany blue paint, is from Deansbury Kitchens in Northallerton. The appliances are by top brands including Neff, Siemens and Fisher and Paykel.

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“We adhere to the ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ ethos so we spent more on them knowing they will last longer,” says Clare.

Contemporary and cosyContemporary and cosy
Contemporary and cosy

The sitting area has a cosy wood-burning stove and sofas from Barker & Stonehouse. There’s also a utility room, cloakroom and a conservatory with views across the Dales and a wraparound balcony that leads to the garden. A ground-floor bedroom with ensuite is ideal for those with mobility problems. Upstairs, there are two more ensuite bedrooms and a small study area.

The quality of the finish was down to choosing good tradespeople, and the Partridges used their friends, who included a builder and a joiner, and employed a great electrician. The decor was Clare’s domain and she created a mood board while sourcing furniture, fabrics, paints and the accessories that make the holiday-let feel like a home.

“I was really lucky to have a friend who was a font of knowledge when it came to fabrics and she also made all the soft furnishings for us,” says Clare, who also invested in work by local artist Lucy Pittaway.

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Their original budget for the project was £100,000 and, while that was exceeded, there are no regrets. “The building works weren’t much more than anticipated but we went for higher quality kitchen appliances and furniture, not to mention pictures and other items that often get overlooked but that make all the difference,” says Clare.

The sitting area with pictures  by local artist Lucy PittawayThe sitting area with pictures  by local artist Lucy Pittaway
The sitting area with pictures by local artist Lucy Pittaway

Included in their expensive extras list is a waterproof Aquavision TV in one of the ensuite bathrooms, along with Amazon Echo, smart TVs and a hot tub. “We invested in a hot tub because we were told that properties with them get more bookings. I’m not convinced of that as some people love it but others don’t use it at all,” adds Clare.

While the property brings in an income, the main reward is that the Partridges have been able to keep a property they love. “Another is seeing people’s faces when they step inside. We are so very proud of this house and it’s great that people can see and appreciate the time that went into it,” says Clare. “Going the extra mile with the interiors has paid dividends. People love the house and they look after it.”

The Feathered Nest is available to let via Niche Retreats, www.nicheretreats.co.uk

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One of the bedroomsOne of the bedrooms
One of the bedrooms

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