W HEN David and Penny Kimmins first saw The Old Forge 13 years ago they fell in love with its quirky design. "It's a one-off house with a wealth of history," says David.
"It was originally three cottages, which have been combined, plus more modern extensions. It's flexible, versatile… it can be whatever you want it to be."
For anyone looking for interesting, and above all flexible accommodation, The Forge is ideal – this versatile home includes an annexe and a swimming pool.
David, 69, said: "We don't know too much about its history or exactly when it was converted, but there was a building here in the 1700s.
"During its lifetime parts of the building have been a forge, a pub (called The Gate Hangs Well), and cottages... when we moved in our postman recalled sitting at the forge as a child and watching the horses being shoed."
The former architect adds: "Each owner has added something to the house.
"We converted the space above the old barns, which are now garages and storehouses, to create the current kitchen/ dining room and this room is great – it's two storey at the front, one at the back.
"We have had some gorgeous views of sunsets from here. Plus, being single storey at the back, we can step straight into the garden."
This room looks through the large windows onto the private rear garden and pond.
Alterations the couple have suggested for future owners include incorporating the study into the kitchen next to it to create an even larger living/ dining kitchen.
David said: "We've developed the house to suit how we live but the next owners could have great fun using it in different ways. It needs a family and it adapts so well as the kids grow up or granny moves in.
"When we moved in, the former village forge was derelict. We've completely done it up to modern standards to create a multi-purpose space which Penny uses as separate complementary therapy consulting rooms and for yoga sessions and I use it for jazz band practice.
"It could be a home office (there's plenty of parking) and the potential to create an annexe, granny flat or child's separate living accommodation."
David and Penny have arranged the accommodation to include an entrance porch, reception hallway, lounge, kitchen/dining room, utility room, shower room, snug/bedroom five, bathroom, and four bedrooms with the master bedroom and bedroom two sharing an en suite shower room.
"The very comfortable snug was used as a bedroom for elderly parents with the utility room and laundry used as a kitchen and dining room – the house is just so flexible."
In addition, there is a covered 24ft pool which has a full automatic filtration and solar water heating system.
David said: "Our grandchildren love the pool. They can do what they can't do in a public pool – dive in, jump in, slide in, float in a large blow up boat. But, if the next owners don't want a pool, the building could be adapted and used as a large play area or games room."
This charming and quirky property has an abundance of character throughout with many original features, including timber beams, and the couple say it is beautifully lit with big windows.
"It's a house of many contrasts and lovely views over village rooftops to the beautiful countryside beyond."
There is extensive off-road parking and a double garage with twin up and over doors and a range of outbuildings.
The property is conveniently located on the quiet Main Street in the oldest part of Keyworth; a highly sought-after village just five miles from West Bridgford town centre and under 10 miles from Nottingham city centre.
"We love Keyworth. It's a fabulous village with everything going for it."
The village benefits from beautiful countryside walks, local amenities, shops, popular schools, pubs and restaurants and a frequent bus service.
The Old Forge is being sold with the advantage of having no upward chain.
The couple said: "We have made it what we wanted and have loved the quirkiness of it – but now we're downsizing, so it's someone else's turn to use it to suit their lifestyle."
Steve Parker of FHP Living, said: "It's a totally unique four/five bedroom house, a fact that even a cursory glance will confirm. "We thoroughly recommend viewing."