WHEN Sue O'Connor decided to make the move from a village setting into town she had a list of must-haves which would have to be ticked off before any house would become her family's new home. As she told SUSAN GOODSON, a detached property with a bedroom for each of her three children were just two essentials

WITH teenage children to take care of, when Sue O'Connor moved into town she wanted to be in a location where they could easily get to school, go and see their friends and go to sports clubs and hobbies.

She also needed to be in a place which was safe for younger children to play out.

Sue found exactly what she was looking for in a cul-de-sac in a popular part of Barrow.

The quality detached house - 32 Holyoake Avenue, Barrow - is off Harrel Lane and has been well maintained throughout.

It has slate chippings at the front with a block paved drive leading to the garage. Inside is an entrance hall, ground floor wash room, lounge, kitchen diner and to the first floor are four bedrooms and a bathroom.

To the back is a lawned garden with paved patio, ornamental pond and decked seating area.

Sue finds it easy to reel off the list of benefits the O'Connor family have enjoyed in their home of 17 years.

She explained: "We are only its second owners and it is a wonderful family home. With four bedrooms it meant when the children were still living here everyone had a place to escape to when they were fed up with each other.

"My partner and I are in a couple of bands and the lounge is such a good size that we can have practice sessions there and, as the house is detached, when we are playing there are no problems; we don't disturb anyone else.

"We had a new kitchen put in about four or five years ago.

"The open plan kitchen and dining room has meant that when people are visiting or have come round to the house for a special occasion there is plenty of room for all.

"I even have my own chair in the kitchen where I like to sit in peace and relax.

"As well as the new kitchen we also added an electric shower in the bathroom, redid the drive recently and did a bit of redesigning out in the garden.

"I don't like gardening but thankfully my partner does.

"Even though the garden is north facing it gets the sun, is nice and sheltered and we are not overlooked by anyone."

The garden looks out over open fields and is reached from inside the house via double glazed patio doors leading from the lounge.

The downstairs washroom has also proved extremely handy.

Upstairs on the landing there is a fold-down ladder to get to the loft.

Of the four bedrooms, two of them have their own built-in wardrobes.

The house and its location have easily lived up to the family's expectations.

Sue added: "Being in a cul-de-sac, it is very quiet with no through traffic so children can play out in safety.

"There is a Co-op at the end of the road and we have been spoiled for choice for schools, being close to Newbarns and St Bernards. Plus we are handy for the buses into town."

But now all three children have grown-up and moved away it is time for a change. Sue and her partner are ready to enjoy life in a new setting back out in the villages.

There is no chain involved and as soon as the new owners take over they can move out immediately into their new house, which is waiting for them.

The house - 32 Holyoake Avenue, Barrow - is on the market with Ross Estate Agencies for offers in the region of £215,000.

For further details or to arrange a viewing please call the agent on 01229 825636 or drop into the Barrow offices at 16 Cavendish Street.