In a delightful village and with magnificent views of the high fells to the north west of the Lake District, it was this location, plus the flexibility of Bridge End Cottage, that first attracted its owners.

"We bought it 13 years ago and were aware that it had been used for many years both for bed and breakfast and holiday accommodation, in addition to the family home," the retired couple said.

"After some modification, part of the house was again used for holiday accommodation, let through the Holiday Property Bond.

"This continued for more than 10 years before we decided to reconfigure the property back to a single house, while maintaining the option for it to be returned, with minimal work, to separate holiday use."

That reworking of the home has resulted in a large detached home of huge quality and character with stylish fixtures and fittings. It has been extended and refurbished and is now a beautiful property with six bedrooms and five bathroom.

Contemporary additions abound throughout the home but the highlight is undoubtedly an extension carried out in 2016.

The owners said: "This two-storey extension was built by GW Martin and Son of Keswick and has with huge glazed areas, a first-floor balcony, underfloor heating and sensational views.

"We live primarily on the first floor, taking full advantage of expansive views of the Vale of Lorton and have found that first-floor living has many other practical advantages."

Bridge End Cottage sits within a large plot bordered by traditional Lakeland stone walls. The entrance is on the side of the property off a courtyard from where steps lead into the hallway with solid oak extra-wide staircase to the first floor accommodation.

This comprises an impressive dining kitchen full of light from windows and skylights. A full range of cream high-gloss units is complemented by Neff appliances, integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher, a wine cooler and breakfast bar. There is also ample dining space for six people and solid oak flooring.

A side door leads to a double bedroom with en-suite shower room and the reception rooms on this level are the new and impressive triple-aspect sun room with vaulted ceiling, full wall of glazed panels and tiled floor with underfloor heating.

French doors open to a steel and glass balcony overlooking the garden and with far-reaching views over the Lorton Vale and fells beyond.

The sitting room is south-facing with a dual aspect, high vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a multi-fuel stove.

There are two more double bedrooms on the first floor, both with exposed stone walls, beams and en-suites.

The remaining three bedrooms, one en-suite, are on the ground floor, along with the family bathroom, boot room, store room and understairs storage. The ground floor also features a large games room with exposed stone chimney breast and beams and a multi-fuel stove.

A large, light and airy office with floor-to-ceiling windows, spotlights, underfloor heating and a sliding door to the back garden completes the ground-floor accommodation.

"The original part of the house is more than 200 years old, with extensions around 1900, again in the early 1980s and the latest in 2016," said the owners.

"The front and back gardens are laid to lawn with flower and shrub borders, plus there's an extensive parking area and wide pavioured drive leading to the double garage.

"We love watching red squirrels in the gardens, and new lambs being delivered to the surrounding fields each spring and we're really going to miss these although we're hoping to stay in the village.

"It has any number of good walks, an excellent primary school, a very popular pub, The Wheatsheaf, a churchand a wide range of clubs and societies.

"We're looking for a smaller house as six bedrooms, five bathrooms, two receptions, a games room, a huge study/office and a laundry is more space than is sensible for two people!"

Bridge End Cottage, Low Lorton, Cockermouth, is for sale at £650,000 from PFK Estate Agents. See here for more details.