The owners of Whitelands could see its potential as soon as they saw it.

“The wow factors were the ‘tucked away’ location, the huge internal space and the large garden and beautiful setting,” they say.

“The house was pretty run down as it had been empty for a couple of years, but we could see its potential immediately. It had a really lovely feel about it, despite its condition at that time. We only got halfway down the road after viewing it and rang the estate agent with our offer.”

Built in the 1960s, Whitelands had some major extensions in 2000, followed by a stunning refurbishment and modernisation by the current owners, who have lived there for five years.

Adding to the charm of this four bedroom house is the fact that it is tucked away at the head of a quiet cul-de-sac and set in delightful, private gardens.

“We have completely landscaped the gardens, which were all overgrown, making three large decked areas, a pond and flagged patio area with Mediterranean fireplace,” the owners say.

“The front of the house was extended to make a large drive with iron gates. We use the garden all the time in the summer, and as the house is south-west-facing it’s a real sun trap.”

A new cream, high gloss kitchen was put in, with the original utility room knocked out, and French doors were fitted in the kitchen, allowing instant access to the garden. There’s a high gloss, cream tiled floor in the kitchen, hall and bathroom, the latter being re-tiled in travertine and having new fittings. Fitted wardrobes were installed in three bedrooms, with fitted drawers and dressing tables.

On the ground floor is an impressive entrance hall with marble floor and storage cupboard, off which is a cosy lounge, with beamed ceiling and contemporary living flame gas fire, that is open to the second sitting room. This is a delightful split-level room with dining area and access to the garden through patio doors.

The kitchen, with its bespoke units with granite worktops, has an island breakfast bar with six-ring hob and central extractor hood. The floor is of tiled marble with under-floor heating. There’s LED lighting to kick boards on remote control and integrated oven and microwave, integrated fridge, washing machine and dishwater.

“We spent a long time designing the kitchen as we spend so much time in there. We wanted it just right – both practical and inviting,” the owners say. “All the things that were wrong with other kitchens we’ve had in the past, we made sure we got right with this one.”

Also on the ground floor is a study, utility room, modern bathroom and two bedrooms, both of which have built-in storage.

On the first floor is the master suite, which consists of an L-shaped bedroom with dressing area with range of fitted wardrobes and vanity units, modern en-suite shower. There is a further bedroom with storage area in the eaves.

This is already a substantial home, but there are plans in place for a large swimming pool or entertainments area extension, with mezzanine floor above.

“It’s a brilliant entertaining home, with the large kitchen and two good-sized lounges, so there’s plenty of space for people to mingle,” the owners add. “There’s also the patio leading from the kitchen and the decked area leading from one of the lounges, along with the large garden.

“Our favourite room is the kitchen, especially since its re-vamp. It’s now our dream kitchen. We also like the sunroom lounge – large French doors and two big windows making it so light and airy, with a lovely aspect over the back garden – and the master bedroom, another really big room with views over the garden, which is a nice place to retreat to.

“The nicest thing about living here has been the peaceful, beautiful setting. It’s been like living in the middle of nowhere without actually living in the middle of nowhere! Then there’s the lovely internal space.

“We will miss absolutely everything about living here. We have to relocate for business purposes and are really struggling to find a home that comes anywhere close to what we have here.”

Whitelands in Highfield Avenue, Idle, is on the market for £399,950 with Robert Watts, Five Lane Ends, tel (01274) 614804