Mandalay is a hugely impressive country home in the heart of the Lake District, formerly the vicarage attached to Bassenthwaite village church before being painstakingly rebuilt and renovated in 20 years ago by a local builder, resulting in the appearance of an imposing late-Victorian manor house with all the benefits of modern construction.

Highlights of the spacious accommodation on offer include a grand reception hall with handcrafted staircase, contemporary breakfasting kitchen with Jerusalem limestone flooring imported from Israel, five reception rooms and five double bedrooms, among them a stunning master suite.

Externally are two gated entrances in a stone boundary wall enclosing extensive and manicured wraparound gardens with sun-soaked terraces, views of Bassenthwaite Lake, a productive orchard and a large garage block.

Mandalay, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, is for sale at £2m from Finest Properties, tel. 01434 622234.