The Rise is located in a beautiful setting just under a 10-minute drive from Ely city centre. The owner tells Adrian Peel more about what makes it special

On the market with Fine & Country, The Rise is an extended and extensively improved period residence, originally dating back to the late 19th century. Situated on a generous plot of approximately three quarters of an acre, the property benefits from a high degree of privacy and delightful countryside views which seem to continue for as far as the eye can see.

The property is located on the outskirts of the village of Stuntney and is situated off the main road - although one would never guess when inside the property or outside in the rear gardens. The grounds are accessed via electric gates that open to a gravelled driveway providing parking for multiple vehicles.

Unquestionably in possession of the 'wow' factor, this picturesque home can be entered either through the main entrance door, or a further entrance off the kitchen. On the ground floor is an entrance hall with a cloakroom just off it and a separate dining room with double doors opening to one of the two principle reception rooms. The main reception rooms also open out onto the rear gardens.

The drawing room features twin bi-fold doors and a wood-burning stove, while completing the ground floor is the kitchen/breakfast room. The impressive kitchen has granite work surfaces, a twin butler sink and all the integrated appliances one would expect to find in the modern home. The glass entrance area also doubles up as a utility room.

On the first floor, the accommodation feels equally as spacious. The master suite forms the first floor extension to the property and boasts a refitted en-suite bathroom. There are three further double bedrooms on the first floor and a family bathroom which is also re-fitted to a high specification.

Outside is a large wooden decking area with a pergola and a detached summer house. For nature lovers, there is a pond and areas to keep chickens. The current owner also has a flock of geese.

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Glenn Sparkes (6778906)

Chris and Nicole Hughes purchased the house in 2001 and raised their two children there. On what first attracted them to it, Chris says: "I think it was just the facade of the property had a nice elegant look to it, even down to the brick colour - it's got a lovely tone. Then when I realised its position... it's close enough to Cambridge and really close to Ely, and it's got good links to get out to Norwich."

Chris recalls that the house was rather dated when he and Nicole acquired it, noting that it was "very 1970s" and that it had "pink fluffy carpet throughout". He continues: "The structure was fine, it just wasn't decorated to our taste, and the kitchen was too small for the house. So we knocked through and extended into the kitchen."

Chris also put in the outside decking and the pergola. "When we moved in I built a tiny little deck out the back, by the patio doors," he recalls, "and then over time, I just kept adding to it... and we planted all the trees. I think there's probably about 50-odd trees in the garden now, and there was basically nothing there when we moved in."

The house was previously two farm workers' cottages built in 1880. "The were knocked through, and then the house has been extended on top of that," explains Chris, who adds that the house not being listed has meant that alterations could be made without the level of permission required for listed buildings.

Further additions of note include the new driveway and oak flooring throughout the ground floor. "All internal and external doors were changed, and the door furnishings upgraded," notes Chris. "We completely redid both of the bathrooms. The family bathroom was avocado green when we moved in - which I think is making a comeback. But not in my house it's not! We've done pretty much everything to the house that could be done to it."

Chris and Nicole are moving so Chris can buy more land and set up a smallholding. "I don't have enough land where I am to do that," he says. "We did try and purchase some land out the back, but that fell through. Otherwise we would have stayed. Ideally I'm looking for something that's got about 10 acres."

Offers in excess of £600,000. See fineandcountry.com/uk/ and call (01223) 363700 for more.