Caernarfon Close, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5

The Fylde coast and its associated settlements have long been seen as the domestic playground of Northern England and this continues today in the form of its many holiday parks catering for all tastes and wallets. However it should never be forgotten that alongside these parks and all the seasonal accommodation on offer, there remains a series of towns that provide homes and work for more full time residents than many outsiders realise, and Thornton Cleveleys is one such example. A great deal of the housing here tends to be bungalows, perhaps giving the impression of somewhere favoured by retirees but interspersed with these are many newer developments and it is here that we find Caernarfon Close.

Right at the very top of the close and thus as far as it is possible to get from the main road number 15 could almost be designed to keep small children safe from passing traffic, not least because there isn't any. Surrounded by a pleasing mix of properties where there are no two the same in close proximity, each has an open plan type lawn to the front dotted with established trees for variety.

A short drive provides off road parking as it leads up to the door of the integrated garage, while paths surround the home and give access to the rear. A semi-glazed composite front door opens into a small inner lobby before a further door allows passage into the lounge, a comfortably proportioned space with a central focal point in the form of a faux marble fireplace and the living flame gas fire it contains and which for added realism sports artificial coals that offer a cosy glow on chilly evenings.

A fully glazed door to the rear of the lounge takes us through into the spacious dining room from where the attractive turned staircase rises in one corner and beside which is the door into the rear of the garage. The dining room is made to feel huge by cleverly including a conservatory of a similar size, entered via a large open archway and which thoughtfully, has been built with a solid roof to minimise the heat loss sometimes associated with structures such as this.

From the conservatory you gaze out onto the paved patio area to one side which is completely sheltered from any wind because after all, you are almost on the coast of the Irish sea... Beyond the patio a low picket fence separates this from the lawn which rather took me by surprise by its size, which is bigger than we have some to expect from a home of this type. Bordered by flower beds for extra colour, there remains more than enough room for energetic offspring to work up a sweat galloping around while staying out of Mum & Dad's way. The whole plot is surrounded by tall fencing, preventing stray balls from irritating the neighbours by damaging their begonias and causing any local unpleasantness, which is always a good thing.

Another door off the dining room reveals the kitchen. Ideally placed for supplying the dining room, this is a miracle of ergonomic design. While not huge it places the chef in the very centre of where they need to be surrounded by all the surfaces and the culinary technology, which fall readily to hand. The fitted units are laid out in a deep 'U' formation and feature back-saving high level ovens for both comfort and convenience along with a whole host of storage to ensure there are no revolts among hungry inmates.

Climbing the turned staircase to the landing I thought 'Why is this type of staircase not more commonly used, as it wastes far less room in a house, room that be used for practical things like bigger bedrooms?' The only answer I could come up with was that they are presumably more complex and thus expensive to install but it still seems like spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar... Arriving on the landing, a door to our left reveals the smallest of the bedrooms which, as is the case in so many three bed homes is strictly a single room. However the inclusion of a large fitted wardrobe to take care of the occupant's storage needs means there is plenty of floor space for other items of furniture, leaving a room which any child or young adult would be happy to call their own.

Adjacent to here and also overlooking the front of the home is the first of the double rooms. This is a bright and airy space with more than enough room for additional free standing furniture along with the double bed, or even the King bed if you want to spoil yourself because one thing is certain, you won't be constrained by a lack of space.

Moving towards the rear of the home we find the family bathroom which is bright, modern and beautifully presented. Tiled from floor to ceiling in fashionable sand coloured tiling with a contrasting dado line it contains a contemporary suite in white and comprising a pedestal hand basin, lavatory and bath. What? No shower, I hear you cry but don't panic, there is one elsewhere.
And finally we enter the principal bedroom where one complete wall of fitted wardrobes takes care of all but the most extravagant of storage needs. Unless you run a clothes stall on the local market and need somewhere to keep your stock it is unlikely you could use more space than this, which leaves floor space aplenty and makes it easy to move around the room, even in the dark. Attached to this room is the en-suite which, like the bathroom has been fitted out the highest of standards. Tiled throughout in fashionable shades of grey (no, not those shades...) and with a very attractive 'stone wall' appearance on one wall it offers a suite of a modern wall mounted hand basin with drawers beneath, lavatory and walk-in glass shower cubicle. In short, it gives you everything you need and nothing you don't, in a space sufficiently generous to mean that unlike in many of its type, you can dry yourself without banging your elbows. Space... the final frontier, conquered at last.

All in all this is the perfect home for a young family where Dad is averse to DIY, purely because nothing actually needs doing, so he needn't feel guilty. It is set in a peaceful area yet is easily accessible for your day to day needs and equally importantly, it has the space for the family to grow, while the various schools within easy reach ensure an upheaval-free childhood for the little ones in fact, it's beginning to sound too good to be true. Only a visit will put your mind at rest so call The Home Quarter now, because seeing is believing.