LIVING on the Lake District's doorstep in a charming country cottage has been fabulous for Cathryn and Glenn Bailey, as SUSAN GOODSON found out

MOVING into their stone cottage five years ago was a dream come true for Cathryn and Glenn Bailey.

They loved the character of it, its gardens and the fact that they are so close to Coniston, which is their favourite part of the Lake District.

Hillside Cottage, Penny Bridge, is a three-storey cottage-style terrace which has been improved throughout. The stone and slate fronted home opens up in to a cosy living room with open fireplace and a kitchen diner on the ground floor, a double-sized bedroom and bathroom on the first and a multi-use double bedroom/study/hobby space on the second floor.

Outside there are elevated views across the valley. Surrounded by nature and it's wonderful sounds, this garden is well sized and rare to find on a semi-rural cottage.

There is also a utility/outhouse with electricity, water and light, which has the potential to be converted into a superb outdoor space.

The back garden is spread out over several tiers with a terrace, lawn, cottage flower borders and potential vegetable patch with fruit bushes.

It has fantastic views across the hills and dense green canopy.

Cathryn describes Penny Bridge as a perfect location, near to Ulverston and all its facilities, on the doorstep of the Lake District, close to the A590 and the trains but in a beautiful village setting.

She added: "Penny Bridge itself is such a lovely community to move into. "We had been coming to hike in the Lake District, mountain biking in Grizedale Forest and enjoying Coniston Water which we love so much; we had looked at properties around Broughton but when we saw this we just fell in love with its charm and character.

"We have literally had everything to do here because it had been a holiday home, so needed work.

"The first thing we did was convert the attic and move the staircase so we could make more use of this space.

"Although it could be a second bedroom or the master, at the moment we use it as a study area and movie room."

"Our bespoke Shaker-style kitchen is beautiful and hides a great amount of storage.

"We had people round on Friday night, so were able to enjoy drinks in the lounge, then move into the dining area to eat, before relaxing in front of the fire."

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Cathryn said although the lounge, which is a wonderfully cosy room, has a Victorian fireplace with Lakeland slate hearth and working open fire, they have under-floor heating installed in the lounge and kitchen so it is really toasty warm in the winter and economical.

The cottage has its original sash windows but Cathryn and Glenn have had double glazing added.

The two bedrooms are such good sizes that the couple have a super king sized sleigh bed in the master room. The bedroom’s sash windows have been upgraded to double glazing and there is a period-style fireplace as a lovely focal point.

The second bedroom could easily be the master bedroom as well, including a dressing room and with two double glazed Velux windows facing the front and back, there is plenty of natural light pouring into the room.

Outside in the garden front Cathryn and Glenn have enjoyed morning cups of tea and coffee in the sunny seating area with its climbing rose. The porch is a handy place for muddy boots and keeping the wood stack dry and easily accessible.

But to the back is a space they have spent a lot of time turning into a beautiful country cottage garden, attracting plenty of bees and butterflies.

Cathryn said: "We have spent a lot of time in the garden because we love being outside. It is a real blessing and the top part of it is the perfect spot for growing vegetables which we were planning to do.

"People can do as much work in the garden as they like or else keep it low maintenance and just sit out and enjoy it.

"We do love the house and the Penny Bridge community is so friendly. There is a primary school, butchers, bakery, post office, church and the Britannia Pub, which has reopened its doors, serves food and is only a short walk down the hill.

"The only reason we are selling is that I have a new job in the city."

The home - Hillside Cottage, Penny Bridge - is on the market with Corrie and Co Estate Agents, for £195,000 (no upper chain). For further details or to arrange a viewing to see the cottage please call the agent on 01229 525333 or drop into the Ulverston office at 14 King Street.