With outstanding and uninterrupted views of the Lake District fells, this rural home in the desirable village of Wythop Mill was originally designed to make the most of the fantastic scenery, with the breathtaking, far-reaching vista the main reason that Richard Arnott was attracted to the property.

He lives there with fiancée Katy Higgins and their two children, who are aged 13 and 11 years old. "We also moved here to gain more space and privacy," said Richard.

"We wanted a large, private, level garden with plenty of space for the children to play safely and we needed to take into account their schooling - they are both at Keswick School and there are accessible transport links here.

"We’re originally from Kendal but moved to Cockermouth 12 years ago. We then sought to live somewhere semi-rural but still within easy access of the attractive market towns of Cockermouth and Keswick.

"The small, pretty hamlet of Wythop Mill is perfectly located between the two. We wanted a home with glorious views and the views from this property are stunning and beautiful all year round.

"Every day provides a different scene. With the countryside on our doorstep, it’s an amazing place to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle and its closeness to nature.

"Along with the picturesque views, this plot benefits from substantial practical storage areas and a large grazing field immediately next to the property.”

There are a number of popular restaurants and pubs nearby, including the Pheasant Inn and the Lakes Distillery, and the Bassenthwaite Sailing Club is just down the road.

Richard continued: "The house was built in 1965 and was designed to maximise the views from every elevation. Every room has absolutely fantastic rural views overlooking the large garden, fields or fells beyond.

"The back of the property looks out towards the Skiddaw mountain range and Sale Fell. There are many walks from the front door. Our favourite family walk is rambling up Sale Fell."

The lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows to frame the Lake District scenery, parquet flooring and a multi-fuel stove to keep the room warm and cosy.

The dining area is dual aspect with French doors to the garden and the kitchen, with a good range of units and integrated appliances, is also dual aspect. A utility, study and cloakroom complete the ground-floor layout.

The first-floor landing has built-in storage cupboards and doors off to the four bedrooms which have a mix of fitted wardrobes and dual aspects.

"The garden attracts a great amount of nature," said Richard. "We have a red squirrel that visits, we hear owls and woodpeckers and there’s a buzzard that soars above the Wythop valley.

"There's ample off-road parking and a double garage, a wooden outbuilding which has potential for conversion to a workshop or other use, and the large paddock of two and a quarter acres which is currently rented to a local sheep farmer.

"Each spring we are blessed with lambs running around in the field, which is quite charming. I will miss that. We also have an orchard with numerous fruit trees right next to the garden.

"The plot provides lots of space and scope for extending; planning permission has been granted by the Lake District National Park for a large extension to the rear to further take advantage of the fantastic views.

"The paddock would be suitable for grazing animals or perhaps a pony. There’s a lane that runs down the side of the house which provides direct access to the field from the lane in Wythop Mill.

"Within the boundaries of the property, and certainly behind it, you’re not overlooked at all. It’s almost like being in your own little, peaceful kingdom."

Little Beck, Wythop Mill, Cockermouth, is for sale at £449,500 from PFK Estate Agents, tel. 01900 826205.