EVER seen the TV adaption of Wind In The Willows as told in still illustrations by artist John Worsley?

It’s just about the cosiest piece of telly you’ll ever see, mainly for the luxuriant winter fire roaring in Ratty’s living room or Mole’s perfectly spring cleaned and freshly whitewashed parlour.

Then there is Badger’s warm, welcoming retreat for lost anthropomorphised souls set in the howling heart of the evil Wild Wood.

It was magical for another reason too; everyone had a view to die for – the river.

Perhaps those memories have stayed with us, because who could resist living next to the sea, river, canal or lake?

Well, Acaster Malbis is a bit like Kenneth Grahame’s fairytale setting and here we have one of the village’s houses that would be exceptional in any case, but which also offers a chance to live the dream, with its fabulous view over the garden and down to a tranquil lake.

We might as well stop now.

However, before we do, there some other very tasty temptations you ought to know about that will surely entice you towards this beautifully presented detached family house.

Part of an exclusive development and boasting a south facing rear garden, the property extends to 2,500 sq ft with three reception rooms, a conservatory, a fabulous kitchen/breakfast room, five double bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms.

It is also offered with no forward chain.

So let’s take a look in a bit more detail beginning with the ground floor and where better than in the spacious entrance hallway with its high gloss tiled floor which flows through into the superb kitchen.

This room is flooded with light thanks to not one, but two sets of French doors which open onto the rear garden.

Making it lighter and airier still, is the extensive range of white high gloss units with granite worktops and upstands.

Behind the induction hob is a glass splashback and overhead an extractor hood.

Serious cooks will be as pleased with the central bar as they will with those lakeside views.

It incorporates a double bowl inset sink unit and there are integrated appliances including a dishwasher, washing machine and electric oven with microwave oven combination above.

You also get a drinks fridge and an American style fridge freezer.

But kitchens are more than just places to cook and eat these days.

They are the 21st century’s living rooms and this one is as good as it gets with low level lighting, wiring ready for wall mounted 4K television and inset ceiling speakers.

We might spend most of our time in the kitchen these days, but the three reception rooms provide plenty more flexible family living space.

Take the dining room with its French doors, this time onto to the side patio and the good sized family room with a bay window to the front.

Then there is the large formal lounge with fireplace, not to mention a superb heated conservatory, which was added in 2015, and is a fabulous place from which to enjoy the view of the lake whatever the season.

The grand galleried landing on the first floor perfectly sets the scene for the expansive accommodation that awaits.

First up is a large hotel suite sized bedroom with en suite shower room at the front.

This would usually become the master bedroom, however the current owners have chosen to take advantage of the lake views afforded by the bedroom at the rear.

It also has a stunning, large ensuite bathroom with Jerusalem limestone tiled walls and floor with under floor heating.

The five piece white suite comprises large bath, double shower cubicle and twin wall hung sink units, heated mirrors, low level lighting and inset ceiling speaker.

There are three further double bedrooms, one of which is currently kitted out as a home cinema with stepped seating area and wiring for a 5.1 surround sound system and projector.

There is also a family bathroom with shower cubicle.

Externally the property has a paved driveway which provides parking in the front of the garage.

The sunny south facing rear garden enjoys open views over the lake and features a large terrace and a lawn.

This home forms part of the exclusive Lakeside development at Acaster Malbis, which is just five miles south of York.

There are bus services to Bishopthorpe Primary School and Tadcaster Grammar and it is also in the catchment for Copmanthorpe Primary School.

Best of all the garden runs down to a jetty adjacent to the water, where there are fishing rights.

You even have permission to own a rowing boat, where better to enjoy the tranquillity of the water and its abundant wildlife?

After all, as Ratty said: “There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

AT A GLANCE

Lakeside, Acaster Malbis

Reception rooms: 3

Bedrooms: 5, all double

Bathrooms: 3

Gardens: South facing

Wow factor: Your own garden running down to a tranquil lake

Price: £750,000

Contact: Your Move Anscombs

Tel: 01904 621532