Alston Moor has been a favourite spot of Juliet Saunders for many years - and when a property came up for sale in Nenthead, she knew it was the one for her.

“We fell in love with the apartment - the very spacious top floor of the Nenthead’s old vicarage - as we walked up through the little woodland and saw the incredible views,” she said.

“It is a beautiful period property with an incredible amount of space inside and out that just needed some updating and a little love.”

All the rooms - breakfasting kitchen, lounge and dining room, bathroom and three bedrooms - have been comprehensively renovated and upgraded by Juliet to retain their period charm which is now complemented by modern comforts.

Juliet recalled the extensive improvements she has carried out: “After taking out the old carpets, fixtures and fittings, we redecorated every room.

“And although this sounds simple there were certain challenges, such as the super high ceilings, laborious stripping of the most horrendous woodchip wallpaper in the long hall and one of the bedrooms and removal of the red gloss ceiling in the living room.

“All the light fittings were replaced, as were the switches. Two restored antique chandeliers have been added in the master bedroom and dining room (which also serves as a study).

“A new carpet was fitted by a local company in the hall, cloakroom and stairs and the lobby downstairs was tiled by a professional local tradesperson and turned into a great light and airy space, which is fab for boots and coats.”

The bathroom was extended and a second toilet added - there was already a separate wc - and Juliet splashed out to revamp the bathroom with a large touch screen electric shower, designer wall panels, new flooring and a luxurious freestanding double bath with freestanding tap.

“There is a nod to the property previously being the Nenthead Vicarage with church candles in the bathroom and a pew, sourced from the Nenthead Chapel, in the hall.

“To help us renovate our home we used local tradespeople. The interior design has been carefully pitched to create an interesting country period property, retaining character while still serving as a modern family home.

“I love the new bathroom but I think my favourite spot is sitting in the window seat (either in the master bedroom or living room) and looking out over the moor at the incredible sunsets we are blessed with in Nenthead.

“And I love cooking in the kitchen as it is spacious with lots of natural light. As we have a large store room there is room in the kitchen for a breakfast table in addition to the table in the dining room.”

The property was built in 1903 and its retained period character includes original Victorian pine panelled doors, high ceilings and coving. It has scope for extension and conversion with a spacious loft and coach house with hay loft over in the garden.

Juliet said: “Outside has seen considerable work to the gardens and woodland, coppicing of trees (which has kept the multi-fuel stove stocked) and generally tidying up with many trips to the tip!

“Shortly after moving to the property the Victorian drains were given an overhaul and the roof given a little care, ensuring it remains in good order. The grounds cover about half an acre and are ever-changing with the seasons.

“The trees provide seclusion and hide Glen View in the summer. In winter, when the trees at the front are bare, we can see across the valley.

“We have an area of lawn to the front and to the rear and woodland which runs from the front to the back. This is magical and a great place to explore or sit with a book and a cup of tea. We hear owls in it too.

“The views are fabulous from all aspects - truly stunning and people need to see them for themselves to fully appreciate them. From the living room one can see across the village to the fells opposite, with sheep roaming.

“At night you can see the odd car headlights come into view as they come down the hill into the village. I love this viewpoint when the sun is setting. The view past the Coach House towards the village hall and fells beyond is beautiful.

“I’ll miss so much about my home - the ability to go out the door and walk in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is probably the top of my list. It is a very special place.”