A PERIOD cottage offering spectacular views over "the auld grey town" of Kendal has come onto the market for £450,000.

Garth Heads Cottage is tucked away near Kendal town centre on Garth Heads, a quaint cobbled lane just off Beast Banks.

This charming, double-fronted stone-and-slate property has been greatly improved by its owners, say the agents, Michael CL Hodgson.

It is a deceptively spacious and attractive family home featuring four double bedrooms, two reception rooms, a conservatory, dining kitchen, bathroom and en-suite shower room.

Planning consent is also in place for a single-storey extension "of a spectacular, innovative design" to supply extra living space for a family member, or guest accommodation.

The oak-floored entrance hall at Garth Heads Cottage leads to a characterful sitting room with windows at the front and back, exposed beams and stonework, built-in storage cupboards and an oak floor.

The hardwood-framed conservatory is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the superb views across Kendal. It also features an oak floor and exposed stonework, and has a built-in storage bench.

The dining kitchen is well-equipped with built-in floor and wall cupboards, oak work surfaces, a stainless steel sink, built-in cooker with gas hob, Bosch dishwasher, and a cupboard housing a recently installed Vaillant central heating boiler. There are windows at the front and back, and an oak floor.

The cottage's lower ground floor is home to a double bedroom with en-suite shower room, and a delightful sitting room featuring built-in bookcases, a rustic stone fireplace and a wood-burning stove on a flagged hearth.

The rear entrance hall is large enough for a study, and a glazed door leads to the patio and garden.

The cottage's first floor is reached up a dog-leg staircase where a window overlooks the half-landing.

On the landing itself, oak bookshelves surround a narrow window.

There are three double bedrooms, one of which is being used as a home office and study and offers useful built-in wardrobes/storage cupboards.

The family bathroom is fitted with a modern white suite including a panelled bath with shower and screen, pedestal basin and toilet. The walls and floor are tiled, and there is a ladder towel radiator and built-in storage cupboard.

Stepping outside, a block-paved driveway provides off-road parking. The drive is secured by iron gates between high stone walls.

Terraced gardens to the side and back of the cottage have been attractively laid out and cleverly designed to make best use of the site's topography.

A wide patio with iron balustrades is the ideal vantage point for those views over Kendal, and there is a lawn, well-stocked herbaceous borders, a variety of shrubs and trees - including apple, fig and plum - and two garden sheds.