We are really going to miss our neighbours, how cosy the house is in the winter with the multi-fuel stove on and just what a fantastic family home it is. If we could pick it up and take it with us, we would.

These are the words of Sam and Janette Bainbridge, talking about Fell View, their charming cottage which they have transformed with love and attention, creating a delightful home for their young daughters Eva and Poppy.

Sam, a self-employed gardener, said: "We're both local and so knew this was a characterful house in a fantastic area.

"There are amazing views of the hills and beyond which everyone always comments on, and it was an easy decision to buy this house which we did nine years ago."

The aptly-named Fell View is in a semi-rural setting between the village of Wreay and Southwaite and is a detached cottage dating back to the mid-1800s.

It features an attractive garden room with a dual aspect, taking advantage of the far-reaching views, a reception room warmed by the multi-fuel stove that the family love and a modern fitted kitchen.

Two front double bedrooms have a sunny, southerly aspect which are open to the view while the third has a Velux window and storage cupboards into the eaves.

The cottage also has a large workshop that is ripe for conversion - "It was our little project has potential to be a part of the house," Sam said.

Janette, who works at a nursery when not at home with Eva and Poppy, added: "We've done so much work to the house. It has been completely renovated and stripped right back to its bare stone shell.

"We put on a new roof, knocked down walls and swapped the bathroom into a bedroom. It’s a like a brand new house with all the characteristics that old houses have.

"Our favourite room is the sun room. It has a slate floor and oak windowsills with brill views of the hills and is a great place to see the local wildlife - buzzards, deer, hedgehogs and barn owls to name a few."

The cottage has a lawn in front - "The girls spend lots of time running around" - driveway parking for three cars and a well-maintained back garden which is an ideal spot to sit and take in the stunning views.

"We've landscaped it and divided it into different areas so there's a Japanese garden with decking, a children’s willow den, a vegetable plot, a large hen pen incorporating an orchard and not forgetting the tropical back yard which the kitchen looks out to," Sam said.

Fell View has good access to the main road network and for onward travel to Carlisle or Penrith, the Lake District National Park and the Eden Valley.

The village of Wreay has a primary school, public house selling food and the village hall hosts a variety of events.

"It’s a great area, quiet and we know most people out of the village," Janette said. "There are some great walks on our doorstep and great easy access to the A6 and the M6.

"There are local shops at the service station there, including Marks and Spencer, and a petrol station. We're also handy for Ivegill Primary School and nursery, which have both been judged outstanding by Ofsted.

"That is sure to be of interest to parents of young children like us and I hope they will also like the homely feel to the house, the views, the large living area and how private the house and garden are.

"It's a real wrench to leave but we just need more outside space to further Sam’s business."

Fell View, Mellguards, Carlisle, is for sale at £249,950 from Hayward Tod. See here for more details.