Shirley and Paul Stoker love the stunning scenery they can enjoy every day from their home in Thackthwaite - Grasmere, Redhow, Whiteside and Low Fell.

It was the fantastic views and proximity to three lakes - Loweswater, Crummock Water and Buttermere - that were the deciding factors behind the retired couple’s purchase of the traditional Lakeland farmhouse that is now their Vale of Lorton home.

“We used to visit the area on business and spotted Thackthwaite as an ideal base for retirement,” Paul said.

“That was 22 years ago and we’ve done such a lot to the house since - it has been completely remodelled and we converted a vacant attached barn into guest bedrooms.”

Lowside is a substantial family home with three reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. .

The entrance hall has a tiled floor and exposed beams with a cloakroom and utility, with units and Neff hob, off.

The sitting room is full of character with large picture windows and a multi-fuel stove.

The dining room also has a stove, as well as a dual-aspect windows, space for a large table and chairs and a corridor to the study and stairs.

The farmhouse kitchen is fitted with a good range of wall and floor cabinets and quality Siemens and Neff appliances with an island unit. A traditional pantry has quarry-tiled flooring and wall cupboards and a breakfast room has doors to kitchen an dining room.

On a half landing a picture window give stunning fell and the main landing has beams and doors to three bedrooms and the bathroom which has double walk-in shower cubicle. The remaining two bedrooms are in the barn conversion and have vaulted ceilings and cruck beams.

“We have already started to create the gardens which sit in four and a half acres,” Paul said.

“There is great scope here and the front garden has a yew tree which dates from

about 1640 so we think that is the age of the house.

“The gardens consist of an orchard, a secret wood and a large pond area together with a croquet lawn and there’s also a secluded vegetable plot.

“We will miss the gardens and our large Hartley botanic greenhouse with a hydroponic growing system but old age beckons so we are looking to downsize.”

Lowside, Thackthwaite, Vale of Lorton, is for sale at £750,000 from PFK Estate Agents, tel. 01900 826205.