STEVE and Joan Anderton already knew a lot about their home when they bought it. That’s because, as they told SUSAN GOODSON, Steve, an experienced builder, had actually played a part in its creation

ONE of the things you can actually miss looking around the inside of Steve and Joan Anderton’s house at first is the wonderful view looking out over the town from their spacious lounge.

Distracted by the immaculate home and garden out the back it is not until you turn around and look to the front that the first thing that grabs your sight is the fact that being on top of the hill you have a clear view out over the town.

The couple moved into their home more than five years ago after initially buying it with the plan to rent it out. After a while they changed their minds and moved in themselves.

The house – 8 Woodland Park, Barrow – is a three-bedroomed family sized detached house which has been immaculately maintained throughout. Inside there is an entrance hall, spacious lounge diner with double doors leading to the conservatory at the back and a fitted kitchen to the ground floor.

To the first floor are three bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside the garage is currently used as a utility room but could be converted back as necessary and retains the garage door.

There are superb gardens to the front and back and a block paved driveway to the front giving good off road parking.

Describing their home Steve said: “I am a builder by trade and had helped build the houses in this cul-de-sac in the 1990s so I did know them.

“The house is in a nice quiet cul-de-sac, in a nice area and, as we found, we have really good neighbours.”

Although the couple liked the size of the rooms, Joan did not like the wall dividing the lounge from the dining area and kitchen so they had it removed and strengthened it with a support beam creating the refreshing open plan feel they both like.

The kitchen also reflects Joan’s taste with its striking green splash back. Green is a favourite colour of Joan’s although she adds like most shades and enjoys adding a splash of colour to her home.

The big window means the kitchen, which is reached through an open archway from the dining area, has an attractive view of the back garden.

Double doors lead from the lounge into the conservatory and the well thoughout layout and big windows mean the whole of the house gets plenty of natural light.

Joan added: “We have spent a lot time in the conservatory which I love especially during the summer months.”

The conservatory has double glazed French doors which lead out into the back garden which is low maintenance but also very distinctive and attractive Indian paving which Steve did himself, as well as the paving at the front of their home.

He power washes the paving three times a year to ensure it is clean and in top condition. The back garden is a lovely spot in the summer with its mature borders and for people with young children it is a very safe place and completely enclosed.

Steve added: “We redecorate the house on a regular basis, around every 18 months, and it was only 12 months ago that we put in new carpets.

“The house has three bedrooms, twice of which are doubles and there is plenty of storage space for a family.”

This includes a storage cupboard under the stairs, there is a linen cupboard on the first floor landing and the couple are currently using the garage as a utility.

They have kept the house immaculate throughout and anyone moving in wouldn’t have to do a single thing to it apart from making their mark on the house.

This much-loved family home is only on the market because Steve and Joan are looking to downsize and are looking to buy a bungalow.

The house – 8 Woodland Park, Barrow – is on the market with Farrell Heyworth for £195,000.

For further details or to arrange a viewing please call the agent on 01229 839090 or call into the Barrow offices at 76 Cavendish Street.