Built for the current owners and combining the best design from two cultures, Cresthills is a large and versatile property with a self-contained section for self-catering purposes as well as a separate holiday cottage.

Constructed in 1984 for John and Isabel Braithwaite and their four children, joiner/carpenter John helped local building firm J Ridley and Sons to complete the home.

The cottage was added as a granny flat in 2001 for Isabel's mother and has now become a very popular retreat for tourists.

Isabel said: "We built Cresthills after returning from living in Perth, Western Australia, for six years. We chose to return to this area as I grew up near Hesket Newmarket.

"When we built the house we decided to incorporate elements of both Australian and British design in a nod to the differing lifestyles we've enjoyed.

"So the Australian open-plan style is reflected in the living area and the large patio areas outdoors where we enjoy barbecues - a favourite pastime.

"And the cosy British style of open fire and enclosed room is reflected in the lounge and a wood-burning stove is built into the living area."

The main house has a front porch leading into a hallway and on to the sitting room. An inner hall with pantry gives access to the joint kitchen and living area with a sun room beyond. The kitchen has a full range of ash units, double oven and breakfast bar while a divider unit leads to the living area.

A laundry/utility room with quarry tiled floor and a cloakroom complete the ground-floor accommodation.

Upstairs are five bedrooms, the master with an en-suite bathroom and built-in wardrobes and three others with fitted wardrobes. There is a shower room and L-shaped passageway with under-eaves cupboards leading to the fifth bedroom..

The self-catering accommodation has its own entrance and comprises kitchen, living room, double bedroom and shower room.

The cottage has living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor with a store room upstairs and a lobby leading back to the en-suite bathroom of the main house.

"This is a really versatile property with great flexibility," said John. "It could be a large family home with plenty of space, teenagers could have their own dens, elderly relatives could live here or it could be a self-catering and B&B opportunity.

"Our favourite spot is the rear garden where we can relax on a summer evening and enjoy the impressive views and peaceful setting. We love the outdoors and the gardens have been designed with the idea of the minimum of maintenance.

"There is a greenhouse, sunhouse, raised beds for vegetables, lawn area with herbaceous borders and a large shed where I enjoy woodturning plus there's a stunning view down the Caldew Valley.

"Someone could easily run a business from the house as the rooms could be changed for purposes of craftsroom, office or workshops. We also have a 2.6-acre field with access from the garden."

There is ample turning and parking at the front of the house with space for several cars, or horsebox, or caravan or boat. The rear garden also has gravelled pathways and beech hedging.

Isabel said: "We want to downsize but will miss everything about Cresthills – the spacious accommodation, the scenic garden views and the prime location in an idyllic village in this beautiful area."

Cresthills, Hesket Newmarket, is for sale at £550,000 from Hopes Estate Agents. For more details see here .