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Once derelict farm house that’s no longer a Syke for sore eyes
3/ 5/2008
WHEN Mike Foy and his wife Karlyn bought the semi-derelict Syke Farm, they could never have imagined still living there 28 years later having renovated it twice.
The historic property dates back to the 16th century and is set within 12 acres of rolling countryside with far-reaching views over the Pennines.
Over the years, the Foys have transformed the luxurious house, adding an Olympic-sized outdoor ménage, purpose-built stable block and indoor swimming pool.
They’ve decided that the time is now right to move on and they’ve put the house up for sale for offers in the region of a cool £1.25M.
Mr Foy said: "We’ve been able to turn the farm into the home of our dreams. Now we’d like to see another family have the benefit of everything it has to offer."
When they first bought the property, his wife broke down in tears when she saw the state of the building.
Fortunately, she quickly began to see the potential of the property and they started the long hard process of renovating the farm.
They started their work in 1983, reclaiming materials from around the farm to keep the costs down. It was a major undertaking and the family lived in two rooms while the rest of the house was being done.
Mr Foy added: "At the time, lots of people were looking for a change in lifestyle and I really thought living in the country would benefit our family.
"I had never done a renovation before but I thought it’s just a matter of hard graft and common sense. When I bought the farm, I told the local builder I had six weeks’ work for him to make the place liveable and he was still here 18 months later.
"During the first renovation, our quality of life probably got a lot worse before it got better.
"At one point, we were going to bed by climbing up a rope ladder, so I bought an old staircase and nailed it to the wall. We had to put up with things not being right but the fabulous grounds and magnificent outlook more than made up for any hardship."
The first renovation of Syke Farm saw the property transformed back to a traditional farmhouse with exposed beams and rustic features.
Mike’s achievements set him on the path for more renovation projects including the restoration of Rochdale’s Carlton Ballroom with its unique balcony, for which he won a Civic Award.
Twenty years after they first moved in, Mike and Karlyn felt the time was right to give Syke Farm another facelift. But, this time, no expense was spared in giving their home the ultimate in luxury and sophistication.
"The farm always felt quite dark and dismal and we wanted to open up the space and fill it with light," says Mike.
"We wanted to create an Italian feel throughout with the highest quality materials and finishes. In the second renovation, we stripped everything back and started again from scratch. This is how we’d have liked to have done it first time around but couldn’t afford to."
The grounds of Syke Farm have just as much wow factor as the interior with impressively landscaped areas, raised decking and lush plants creating a tropical feel.
Even though they’re leaving their property behind, Mike and Karlyn are certain to take with them thousands of happy memories of their time at Syke Farm.
The property is for sale through Fine and Country Homes. Offers in the region of £1.25M will be considered. For more details, call 0800 0930060 or visit www.fineandcountry.com
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
You will always be remembered as the people who did this. Should make you very proud. Places should not be torn down.
Jeanne Scholes Pentecost
4/05/2008 at 20:34
Got an opinion you want to share?Do you think Rochdale is unfairly portrayed in the national media?
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