BRAMBLEWICK, now where have you heard that name before? Probably the last time you were in Robin Hood’s Bay because the pretty-as-a-picture seaside village just south of Whitby was the inspiration for Leo Walmsley’s Bramblewick trilogy in which he immortalised the local fishing community as well as Baytown itself.

This particular Bramblewick is pretty as a picture for a different reason. Just look at those gardens and at this time of the year could you imagine anywhere more glorious for an early evening glass of something while watching the sun set?

In fact the outside space here is so impressive that in a break with tradition, that’s where we’ll begin.

Bramblewick is approached via a brick pillared entrance leading to a sweeping gravel drive that also provides a generous amount of off street parking.

Then we come to the half an acre of stunning, mature gardens that have been lovingly nurtured over the years by the current owners.

And what a fine job they have done. The whole area has been painstakingly designed to provide not only all year interest, but a balance between recreational areas - that would be ideal for a young family - together with more mature areas, which lend themselves to entertaining and al fresco dining.

Incorporated within the garden design are several distinctive seating areas, again carefully designed and positioned to take advantage of those days when we are blessed with fine weather. Take the summer house for example and its accompanying patio area, both of which are south facing to become a positive suntrap for most of the day.

But perhaps the real glory of Bramblewick is an abundance of well stocked borders comprising mature, evergreen shrubs such as rhododendrons and mahonias as well as a strawberry patch, not to mention many other soft-fruit bushes, which all produce in abundance throughout the summer.

If that’s not enough there is even a small wooded area which provides a vivid contrast and welcome respite on summer days. The wood also benefits from hundreds of bulbs, so in springtime it’s carpeted with snowdrops at first followed by crocus, narcissus and bluebells. This really is an all year garden.

Hard though it is to drag ourselves away from this oasis of calm and tranquillity, it’s high time we took a look at the house itself. And a handsome one it is too. Bramblewick is a spacious four bedroom detached property which is perfectly positioned within its plot. Being located in highly sought after Acaster Malbis means you can also enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside while being just a short drive from York city centre.

On entering this family home you are immediately hit by the sense of space in the large entrance hall. Then there is the 26 foot living room with a living flame gas fire and Portuguese stone fire surround, ceiling coving, wall lights and French doors opening onto the garden room. This delightful room has a tiled floor and again French Doors.

We particularly like the separate, and again well-proportioned, dining room which has ample space for entertaining if the weather is unkind. It’s cosy, too, thanks to another living flame gas fire surrounded by Portuguese stone.

The breakfast/ kitchen has a range of fitted wall and base units with matching work surfaces and splash-backs. Integral appliances include a central unit containing the hob and oven. There is a breakfast bar, dishwasher and window overlooking the mature rear garden, but the piece de resistance here are two country living essentials; an Aga and a pantry.

Another must have these days is the utility room. This one has plumbing for a washing machine and space for tumble dryer as well as base units, a sink unit with mixer taps and a door to the rear garden. Additionally a large cupboard provides useful storage space, while a door leads to the double garage, which has power and light plus access to a part boarded loft space Upstairs the galleried landing has access to another part boarded loft with lighting and built in cupboard space for storage.

Doors lead to the master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, ceiling coving and a window overlooking the front of the garden.

There are three further double bedrooms, another with fitted wardrobes and one which is currently used as a home office.

The family bathroom has a white four piece suite consisting of a bath, low level W/C, two wash hand basins, a bidet and separate shower cubicle, together with a heated towel rail and partly tiled walls.

Larger families will welcome the separate shower room which has a white suite consisting of a walk in shower, low level W/C, wash hand basin, heated towel rail and fully tiled walls and floor.

So there we have it. Leo Walmsley may have waxed lyrically about his Bramblewick; the fictitious and pretty-as-a-picture seaside village inspired by Robin Hood’s Bay. But this Bramblewick is no work of the imagination, it’s the real deal. And if you’ve been hoping, without success, to find a family home with a stunning garden, look no further. Your prayers have just been answered.

AT A GLANCE

Bramblewick, Mill Lane, Acaster Malbis, York

Reception rooms: 3

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Gardens: Half an acre

Wow factor: Those gardens

Price: £675,000

Contact: Hunters

Tel: 01904 621026