BURSTING with period details, this historic house in one of the Lune Valley's most popular villages is on the open market for only the second time in 200 years.

Poole House, in Arkholme, is for sale with Davis & Bowring for £1.25 million.

The agents describe the location as "real roses-around-the-door territory", and say the Grade II-listed property dating back to 1674 is "alive with history".

Original features include stone mullion and leaded windows, some with window seats; oak ceiling beams and exposed lintels over windows; panelled doors with Suffolk latches; stone fireplaces; and an "intriguing" spice cupboard.

The living space is spacious and immaculately presented, with two impressive reception rooms, a large, welcoming living kitchen, an orangery, five bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, set in acres of private gardens and grounds including paddocks, stables, woodland and a wildlife pond.

Poole House is on Main Street, a cul-de-sac with no through traffic, described as "a very pretty street" in Nikolaus Pevsner’s Buildings of England, North Lancashire.

The owners have extended, altered and upgraded the property several times since buying it in 1996 and, thanks to clever remodelling, Poole House is "surprisingly light and airy for a house of this age".

First impressions are of a delightful dining hall with an open fireplace. The sitting room has a wood-burning stove, and the kitchen with its Aga has plenty of room for cooking, dining and seating, plus a useful pantry.

The hardwood orangery added six years ago features a flagged floor and roof lantern, and there is a fitted study ideal for working from home.

The garage is being used as gym/playroom and also has a utility area, which could still be used if you chose to park cars there; and there is a handy boot room.

A lovely old oak staircase leads up to the "enviable" master suite with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. There is a second, charming en-suite double bedroom, three more doubles and a large house bathroom.

Gardens surround Poole House, with most of the garden to the south, behind the house, while the front is set off by formal planting and a gated path. Round the back the grounds open out with lots of space and open views - "an absolute haven", say the agents.

Doors lead out from the kitchen and orangery, and there is a large flagged seating terrace with level, family-friendly lawns beyond. Nearby are a stone-and-slate outhouse, another store, and a log and bin store. Beyond are paddocks and woodland, perfect if you want to keep a horse or pony, and a wildlife pond. Two stables are also tucked away.

Fitted carpets, curtains, blinds, curtain poles, light fittings and integral white goods are included in the sale.

www.davis-bowring.co.uk, 015242-74445.