Two buyers from out of the area were so keen to get their hands on the apartments, at Windermere Marina Village, that they couldn't wait for the auction to open.

Instead, the Leeds couple contacted Rachel Lowery, manager at Cumbrian Properties' Windermere office, to seal the deal.

The apartments, both beautifully presented and newly refurbished, have been bought as additions to a holiday cottages portfolio.

Rachel said: "The couple, who run a successful property company, own rental homes in their immediate area but were looking for investments in the Lake District.

"They specifically liked the feel of the marina as they want to make use of the properties themselves between bookings and could see themselves staying there with family.

"The more upmarket feel and condition of the apartments, including their cleaning, and the upkeep of the marina, really appealed to them. They saw the properties on Monday and exchanged contracts on Friday - just five days!"

The two properties, at Windward Way, are both ground-floor apartments with a front decked area giving superb views over the marina. They were for sale fully furnished and with the benefit of forward bookings.

A two-bedroom apartment was on offer a guide price of £320,000-plus while a one-bedroom apartment had a guide price of £210,000-plus.

Cumbrian Properties director David Hogarth commented: "Once again this highlights the importance of pricing a property to sell, alongside the positive, extensive marketing of our auctions.

"This brought interest from buyers outside Cumbria who recognised the good value offered by these marina apartments and who were prepared to proceed immediately. We have a very happy vendor and purchaser."

The apartments sold for £70,000 over guide price and similar success followed on auction night itself last Wednesday, February 22, when a short-lease lodge at White Cross Bay was knocked down at £11,000 over the guide.

Auction manager Ann Miller said: "There was a packed house in what is traditionally a quiet auction, with good competing bidding.

"It was very rewarding to see 10 of our 13 lots sold and we are already getting interest in the April auction.

"The star lots were a terraced property on Etterby Street, Stanwix, Carlisle, which had 35 viewings and achieved £25,000 over guide price.

"A derelict farmhouse with outbuildings near Gretna, which had been on the market for four years, had 23 viewings and sold for £50,000 over the guide price.

"We are very excited about building on these fantastic results in our next auction in April."

For more information, contact Cumbrian Properties on 01228 599940.