Lynda and Ian Wheeler were bowled over by the wow factor of the cul-de-sac as soon as they drove into it and this good impression was hugely reinforced by the quality of the new-build property they had come to see.

“We were looking for a large family house in Cockermouth School catchment area and this ticked all the boxes,” Lynda said. “It was then – 14 years ago – brand new from Story’s and was on one of their first developments in West Cumbria. You can tell the quality of the houses as soon as you drive into the cul de sac.”

She and Ian – who work at Cockermouth School and Sellafield respectively – had just returned from four years in the USA when they discovered Rook Farm Close in Tallentire. Despite being brought up in nearby Egremont and spending most of their married life in West Cumbria, they were not familiar with the village.

Their house is an executive-style detached with two reception rooms, stylish kitchen diner, four bedrooms, front and back gardens and plenty of parking.

“Because it was brand new with quality fittings, we have not had to do much to it,” Lynda said. “We have put tiled flooring in the kitchen diner and bathrooms, fitted a walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom and have regularly decorated to keep it in excellent condition.

“It was the spacious kitchen diner that we really fell in love with and that’s still my favourite spot in the house. The quality of the fittings is apparent from the solid wood doors and the kitchen units. It is a lovely room for informal dining with family and friends and we still have a big dining room as well.”

The Wheelers’ house is approached via a path through the lawned front garden, with a block- paved driveway and attached double garage off to one side. The hallway has a coved ceiling and solid wood doors to the reception rooms.

The dual-aspect lounge is warmed by a coal-effect electric fire set in a stone Minster-style surround. Double doors lead to the rear while the dining room overlooks the front.

The dining kitchen has a range of wall and floor units in light oak with glazed display cupboards and open shelving. Appliances include an integral Stoves double oven and grill, a job and concealed extractor, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. The floor is tiled and double patio doors lead outside.

The ground-floor layout is completed by a study and cloakroom with half-tiled walls.

One the first floor the master bedroom has the benefit of walk-in wardrobe and en-suite shower room. One double bedroom has loft access and another has a range of fitted furniture.

The family bathroom has a shower cubicle, double built-in airing cupboard, half-tiled walls and a tiled floor.

Outside, the enclosed back garden is an ideal family space, mainly lawned with flower and shrub borders, pathways, patio and a pergola. Beyond the boundary is a further small triangle of land which could be incorporated into the garden.

"It's an an easily maintained private garden with mature shrubs," said Lynda. "We can have breakfast in the morning sun on the patio and still have the sunshine for an evening barbecue.

"We've loved the house with its living space - perfect to be sociable as a family but also for our teenage children to find their own space! We have a lovely south-facing outlook to Tallentire Hall and a few yards' walk from the house reveals a stunning view over the Solway.

"However our children have left now home so we're looking to downsize and have something in mind in nearby Cockermouth."

The property in Rook Farm Close, Tallentire, is for sale at£375,000 from Smeatons Estate Agents.