A stunning house with plenty of rooms to relax in, play games and listen to music without disturbing others, this is the much-loved home of the Dalton family.

The large gardens have been the scene for barbecues, summer parties and they even had a marquee up for a good friend’s wedding reception.

They were charmed by the character of the house with its high ceilings and rooms full of beautiful architectural features.

The house has an amazing history as it was owned by merchants and magistrates who were looked after by servants who lived in the attic and by full-time gardeners.

There are wonderful quirky features such as the 3ft-deep drawers that are built into the wall of the old housekeeper’s room to store the bed linen and in the kitchen there are working servants’ bells linked to the pull handles via pulleys and wires under the floors.

Mill Holme House Estate is a large mansion set in four acres of its own mature woodland and landscaped gardens.

Located within the picturesque south-western side of the Lake District National Park, it has eight bedrooms, one of which has a spectacular ornate balcony with superb views.

Living space also includes a vestibule, main hall, dining, drawing and living rooms, a kitchen, utility room, shower room, cellar, back vestibule, corridor with loft access,
Victorian roof light to other attic space above the toilet and bathroom, the eight bedrooms and a snug.

Outside the grounds are extensive and the outbuildings substantial. The grounds are split into two main areas, each having around two acres, one either side of River Annas. Each of these grounds has long private driveways with ample parking for many vehicles. The two-acre plot to the east of the river is not included for sale with the property and is available by separate negotiation.

The Gardener’s Cottage is part of the
original house and is full of character and rustic charm.

It has a combined kitchen and dining/lounge room overlooking a secluded Victorian courtyard and is a popular holiday cottage for tourists.

It has provided an income over the past dozen years for Steve and Sue.

Upstairs the cottage has a double bedroom and a small sleeping mezzanine which accommodates two children/young adults. There is a separate shower room.

The property, with all its windows secondary glazed, has retained most of its original features.

However, it also has pressurised hot water and central heating provided by a biomass system which is 100% sustainable and carbon-neutral, giving the property an environmental A rating, with its own wood source, providing an income stream.

When Steve and Sue bought their home they could see just how much could be done with it.

The couple explained: “We realised there was a lot of potential for using the property in different ways, so we chose to let out the cottage, but a couple or small family could live in it and use the main house as a guest house or bed and breakfast.

“The substantial outbuildings also have development potential.

“Outside, the family love picking flowers and a wide range of greenery from the mature shrubs in the garden.

“Children love playing hide and seek inside and out, although games last a long time with so many places to hide.

“The beautiful mature gardens with their little hidden corners and secret pathways remind you of the Secret Garden story and inspired us to read it to the children.

“The river flowing through the garden is fun for the children to fish and paddle.

“The house has the advantage of being warm in winter but cool in summer due to thick stone walls, while the wide doorways into the house and individual rooms mean moving furniture is never a problem.

“There are lots of cupboards and storage built in.”

The family love the location of their home as it is quiet and secluded but not far from the village with its friendly community, village shop, popular tea room and an excellent primary school within walking distance.

Fell walks are available without needing to drive to get there, it is convenient for the coast, beaches, cycling and horse riding on the beach at Silecroft.

From a work point of view, it is an easy commute to areas such as Barrow and Whitehaven for work.

The only reason the Daltons are selling is it is time to downsize as their older children have left for university.

Mill Holme House, Bootle, is for sale around £795,000 from Cumberland Estate Agents. Find out more here .