A UNIQUE property sitting on top of a hill, with stunning views of its beautiful surroundings, proved irresistible to Janet Fallon and partner Peter Hughes. As SUSAN GOODSON discovered, its 400-year-old charm is also a money maker

HAVING enjoyed visits to friends, more than 12 years ago Janet and Peter decided to make a more permanent move to the village they had spent so many happy times in.

Although out in the country, their home is actually only 10 minutes from Ulverston and handy for the Lake District.

This was important as the couple like going to the Lakes to indulge their love of skydiving.

The home, 1 and 2 Sunset Cottage, in Kirkby, was originally two cottages but is now a private home plus a lucrative holiday let.

The large, detached home has in Number 1 Sunset Cottage a porch, entrance hall, bedroom with en suite, a second bedroom, bathroom and, to the first floor, a lounge, office-bedroom, kitchen diner, decked balcony and a developed attic area.

Number 2 Sunset Cottage has an entrance hall, lounge, living room, kitchen and, to the first floor, a landing, three bedrooms and a bathroom.

To the back of the property is a good-sized garden with seating area views over the Duddon Estuary and Irish Sea, a boiler room, off-road parking for three vehicles, a garage, a workshop and an office.

Asked what attracted them to the home, Janet easily reels off the list.

She says: “It is unique really. It is up on a hill, has stunning views, it has so many original features - oak beams, slate floor, Inglenook fireplace, massively thick walls and it is very solid and not going anywhere which it hasn’t done for around 400 years.

“We had been coming to visit friends in Kirkby for years and making trips to the Lake District which we love, so we grabbed it when it came on the market.

“It has two huge gardens and one part of the house is a self-catering holiday cottage and one part is our home.”

One of the first things they did after buying it was to change the living space around, moving the lounge and kitchen upstairs as it seemed a shame that the best views of outside were from the bathroom.

They turned the old kitchen into an en suite and a bathroom. With a new roof and under-floor heating, the house is toasty warm in the winter – there are no drafts at all.

They also wanted to make the most of the views and added another window so they had panoramic views.

As Janet works a lot from home, one of the bedrooms acts as an office and there is no shortage of storage space for a family who love the outdoor life.

Immediately opposite Sunset Cottage is private off-road parking for three cars and to the back is the garden with a big detached building.

Janet said: “As Peter is a self-employed engineer he stores all his equipment in here, but there is also a utility room, washroom with WC, wash basin and Xpelair. There is also an area which is used as his office.

“At the garage end is an electric roller door.

“The garden is well established so, apart from trimming the hedges and the grass, you can do as little or as much as you like. There are also well established shrubs in it.

“It is with a heavy heart that we are leaving because we love the place and the wonderful lifestyle.

“We have had a lot of really good times here, but things change and it is time to move on.”

The property, 1 and 2 Sunset Cottage, Kirkby, is on the market with Ross Estate Agencies for offers in the region of £500,000.

For further details or to arrange a viewing please call the agent at the Ulverston offices on 01229 582889 or pay them a visit at 25 King Street, Ulverston.