A SPACIOUS stone-built barn located in a tiny hamlet north of Kendal is on the market, for offers around £500,000.

Top Thorn Barn is one of six properties in the idyllic rural community of Whinfell, four miles away from Kendal town centre.

The agents, Armitstead Barnett, describe the property as an "exceptionally spacious" family home with five bedrooms and far-reaching views over farmland and beyond.

The barn was sympathetically converted in 2005 and its original character and features have been carefully preserved.

A homely farmhouse kitchen offers a welcoming entrance to Top Thorn Barn, set around a four-oven Aga and fitted with bespoke kitchen cabinets and built-in appliances.

A sizeable study or family room is located off the kitchen, and there is a useful and well-equipped utility area and shower room to complete the ground floor, with access to the garage. The agents say this part of the house offers excellent potential as an annexe, subject to the necessary planning consent.

Up on the first floor, the sitting room has fabulous views from the balcony, and the focal point is a central, multi-fuel burning stove.

The master bedroom with ensuite also has access to the balcony, making it the ideal peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the views. There are two more double bedrooms on the first floor, and a shower room.

Bedrooms four and five are located on the second floor, where there is a spacious landing and access to the loft, with its excellent storage space. The second floor also has its own bathroom for use between the two bedrooms.

Top Thorn Barn has mains electricity, oil-fired heating, a shared water supply and shared drainage via a septic tank.

The agents say the well laid-out accommodation over three floors makes for an excellent family home. There is great potential to alter the layout and the rooms to suit individual needs.

The house is approached along a shared road and gravelled driveway, and there is ample parking to the front and side. Gardens are found on three sides, including a flagged area for entertaining and barbecues, a vegetable garden and good-sized lawns.

The 12-pitch Whinfell Leisure Park, located beside the house, is owned by the same vendor and is also for sale by separate negotiation, should buyers be interested in acquiring the house and the lodge park together.

www.abarnett, 01539-751993.