If you can't quite place Farsley then here’s what you need to know.
Located in the leafy western suburbs of Leeds, not too far away from the border with Bradford, it was once a centre of the world's worsted trade.
And one of the joys of going there today is that you can truly say there’s Trouble at Mill.
Actually it’s the name of an events company based in Sunny Bank Mills, which provides a stunning venue for theatre, music, and even home brew. Among events this year you can listen to the ‘voice of cricket’, Henry Blofeld, (April 27), listen to saxophonist extraordinaire Jess Gillam, (June 15), or share the sweet sounds of Eddi Reader, (October 13). All under the roof of this vibrant space in an on-the-up area.
The 19th century mill buildings, which once belched smoke and soot, have undergone an amazing restoration and are spearheading Farsley’s meteoric recent rise as a place to relocate.
Cottages built for workers around this and nearby Springfield Mill are now attractive places to live, oozing character, and with a splash of greenery never too far away. It’s urban living on a human scale.
There are tonnes of places to get a coffee, shop, eat, drink, or buy artisan bread, making Farsley a chart topper for incomers.
All of which is great - and it gets even better. Nearby New Pudsey station offers fast railway links into the city centre, plus there are three primary schools, good child care options, parks and nearby canal walks. If you are looking for a place that combines convenience with character then Farsley is worth a look. No wonder the Sunday Times recently rated it as a place to watch.
Explore
Farsley is buzzing. If ever there was a testament to the importance of cherishing your old buildings, rather than bulldozing them, you will find it here. The Old Woollen is a new 600 seat arts venue in the oldest part of Sunny Bank Mills, providing regular offerings of comedy, theatre and entertainment. Check out its online listings, which are jam-packed and utterly eclectic. You can also visit the mill archive and check out the history of textiles locally, or stop by galleries to view the work of local artists. The mill recently found stardom as the location for the hugely popular Great British Sewing Bee TV series. Whilst here call on Ewe Neek, a new boutique wool and craft shop. The owners want to create a luxurious and techno colour shopping experience where visitors can browse wool, yarns and pattern books in an inspirational setting. They also stage courses, as does the School of Sew, located in the old Spinning Mill. If you want to learn how to sew and create your own designs, then here’s your chance.
Wherever you are in Farsley you don't need to walk far to find great coffee. The Mill Kitchen is popular, not only offering cakes and healthy meals, but also bread and pastries to take away. If you prefer a tipple then sure enough the mill has its own micro brewer – the Amity Brew Co, with has a taproom with a wide selection of beers. Out on the High Street you are struck by the number of independent businesses. From popular Mexican eatery Sabroso Street to Truman Books, who together with Trouble at Mill helped launched a new literary festival in Farsley last autumn. Look out for it again this October and November. If you have kids then Jackaboos is a must. The soft play centre located back in Sunny Bank Mills is perfect for children to burn off energy. Punch bags, slides and jumps will ensure they have fun while you watch on and relax.
Bag a property
The housing stock runs from smart Victorian villas on leafy streets, built for the burgeoning middle classes, to cottage style terraces. Farsley’s historic core is a designated conservation area, meaning a close eye is kept on unsympathetic developments that could harm its character. Look out for the charming multi-storied weavers’ cottages with their tell-tale windows, designed to let more light into work rooms. Oddly, there are also a couple of modest blocks of flats in the centre. Further out you’ll find more recent and larger homes. The average price of a property in Farsley is £233,000, with the majority of sales being terraced houses (around the £200,000 mark). Semi-detached properties can be had from £280,000, whilst flats average £132,000. If you are looking to rent, then a two-bed terraced cottage typically costs £850 per month. There are relatively few new build estates and if you want to expand your property search then remember Pudsey is next door, just a few minutes drive away.
Town Life
Farsley is blossoming and that comes as no surprise to Sheila Higgins. She helps out at one of the town’s many independent businesses, the beautifully presented Adrienne Florist, which this year celebrates 50 years on the high street.
‘The place has always had a brilliant community spirit and is really friendly. I also think with so many old buildings standing it gives Farsley a distinctive character which people really like. Some of the new ventures that have set up are really interesting, like SCRAP, which takes in waste from businesses to create materials for arts and play. Of course, the restoration of the mills has been important in rejuvenating the town. They have become a real focus and have even been used as locations for TV shows like Emmerdale and Heartbeat. There are plenty of independent businesses locally and we are certainly seeing more young families moving into the town.’
