Full of character and period features, Corner Farm Cottage is a delightful package - a charming barn conversion with a lovely back garden, close to the Solway Heritage Close and the northern lakes and fells of the Lake District.

Gillie and Ray Ireland moved there from Kent almost three years ago to be closer to family. "As it turned out, we’re not near enough," Gillie said. "They’re in Lancaster and Ray is finding the journey too far because he has been ill."

Corner Tree Cottage is an end-terraced property, one of several converted from a farm steading about 17 years ago. "We’re in an enclave of all the converted buildings with lovely neighbours," Gillie said.

"When we were house-hunting we liked Corner Farm Cottage because it’s really out of the way with a wonderful secluded garden and it’s quirky with beams and unusual but still very cosy.

"We’ve done quite a bit to it, added a conservatory, decorated everywhere, had some cupboards put in because there was a lack of storage and had two sheds built. That’s because I love gardening.

"The garden had some plants in but was very overgrown as it had been untouched for two years. I put a lot of plants in, took huge shrubs out and moved things around – it’s now a cottage garden look but low maintenance."

The back garden is very pretty with a patio area, walkways, a greenhouse and vegetable plot. It is a perfect complement to the cottage which has exposed oak flooring and ceiling beams, deep skirting boards, spindled staircase and feature fireplaces and windows.

The accommodation includes hallway, L-shaped reception room with double French doors and stove, kitchen, a conservatory installed by the Irelands, three bedrooms and a modern bathroom with feature oval window and Velux roof light.

Gillie said: "I think the conservatory is my favourite spot. We sit there in the morning when all the birds come down to the feeder.

"We get blue tits, long tits, all the garden birds like blackbirds, sparrows and robins. We have a thrush nesting right outside the conservatory so we’re watching her go in and out – we think it’s a second nest – and we get woodpeckers as well.

"There are hedgehogs in the garden too and it’s just a lovely place to sit, overlooking the flowers and plants. It's very secluded. There’s a wall and fence down the sides and trees at the bottom so even when it’s windy, which is can be being so close to the sea, it’s a lovely sunny sheltered spot."

The upstairs windows of the cottage provide views over the hills behind Keswick while the front of the property has parking for two cars. The hamlet of Goody Hills has a junior school and church and the Lowther pub nearby serves excellent food, according to Gillie.

Formerly with a career in education, she now looks after Ray who has been ill since they moved into Corner Farm Cottage.

"I’s such a long way to see his son that we want to be closer to Lancaster but we’re really going to miss this place," Gillie said. "If I could pick it up and take it and the area with me, I would. I’m going to miss the garden and walks in the morning with the dogs.

"I can go one way and walk to the beach in about 15 to 20 minutes or the other way and look out over the hills. It’s just stunning, the best of both worlds."

Corner Farm Cottage, Goody Hills, Mawbray, is for sale at £199,950 from Smeatons Estate Agents.

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