FUNNILY enough there are quite a few places in England with marle pit in their name. But try as we might, the origin of the word marle seems as elusive as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

A well-known online font of wisdom suggests, not that helpfully to be honest, that Marle is a character from the 1995 video game Chrono Trigger.

Presumably, though, he won’t have any connection with Marle Pit Farm in Newton-on-Derwent.

This beautifully presented farmhouse, sold with no onward chain, is an ideal blend of character features with a stylish interior including contemporary bath and shower rooms.

Approached via a wood panelled front entrance door with pine panelled door to the entrance hall we first come upon the living room, with its feature inglenook fireplace.

And, as should be the case with a traditional farmhouse, the ceiling is heavily beamed.

A step down leads to a versatile room that is currently used as a study, but which would make an ideal office for anyone looking to work from home.

On the opposite side of the hallway we find the dining room which is conveniently positioned just off the kitchen and which has an open fireplace set on a stone hearth with brick surround and oak mantle over.

Then we head into the kitchen breakfast room to discover the staunchly traditional rule book so slavishly obeyed elsewhere in the house has been well and truly ripped up.

No Welsh dressers here, instead gleaming white units with chrome fittings and contrasting worktops are the hallmarks of this bright and spacious open plan kitchen, making it the heart and hub of the home.

In fairness there are a few nods to tradition; the stone flagged floor, for example, but even this has underfloor heating.

Appliances include a 1.25 ceramic style sink, range cooker with five ring gas hob and hot plate with double oven; grill and pan storage drawer beneath.

Other features include an integral dishwasher and fridge freezer, plus a storage cupboard housing space and plumbing for the washing machine.

The adjoining garden room is a real delight.

Once again, we find a stone flagged floor and underfloor heating, plus exposed roof trusses and multiple windows enjoying garden views.

On cosy winter evenings the log burning stove will become the focal point, while that accolade will be accorded to the French doors opening onto the patio during summer.

Another nice touch is the rear lobby with its boot room, coats hanging area and storage cupboard.

A staircase leads from the dining room to the first floor landing and ushers us into the master bedroom with a part mirror fronted run of wardrobes.

Bedroom two has a corner cupboard with louvre style shutters, while bedroom three and four are also of a good size, the latter with views towards the driveway and garden.

We like the bathroom very much, perhaps as much as the kitchen with its equally clever modern twist to tradition.

The stylish period style four piece suite comprises a roll top bath with claw feet and hand held shower attachment, pedestal wash basin with Travertine tiled splashbacks and low level WC. All are Edwardian in style.

There is also a double width walk-in shower cubicle with Monsoon style shower head and an airing cupboard with louvre style shutters housing the hot water cylinder.

Next door is a shower room, a neat idea for a house too old to accommodate en suites.

No waiting for hours while the teenagers get ready here.

As with the bathroom you will find a double width walk in shower cubicle with Monsoon style shower head.

There is a pedestal wash basin with tiling to splashbacks, low flush WC and chrome laddered towel rail. Outside, Marle Pit Farm is approached via a brick pillared entrance and six-bar wooden gate entering into a long gravelled driveway, which provides generous off-road parking for a number of vehicles.

What was once a barn is now part workshop, part large, open fronted garage with pitched pantile roof.

Beyond the drive you will find a brick wall with timber gate giving access to a vegetable and soft fruit growing garden incorporating raised timber beds.

Immediately to the rear of the property is an extensive flagged patio which offers ample space for table and chairs.

Then there is a lawned garden flanked by decorative borders and which is enclosed by a combination of wall and fenced boundaries.

There is also a brick built attached outbuilding used as a log store.

The village of Newton-on-Derwent lies nine miles to the south east of York and enjoys easy access to the A1079 linking with the main motorway networks to the south and the York bypass to the north west.

Well regarded primary schools are available in Wilberfoss or Sutton-on-Derwent, while shopping facilities are in nearby Wilberfoss and Elvington Villages.

There is a lot on offer here and if you can’t decide to go traditional or modern Marle Pit Farm could well be the perfect solution. Even if we have no idea what it was named after.

AT A GLANCE

Marle Pit Farm, Newton-on-Derwent

Reception rooms: 4

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Gardens: Lawn, patio and vegetable patch

Wow factor: Stunning open plan kitchen-dining sun room

Price: £499,950

Contact: Hudson Moody

Tel: 01904 489906