As summer approaches, living the good life in a rural idyll becomes even more tempting. Here are seven of our favourites

Lightbeck, Underbarrow, Kendal

A fine detached Lakeland country house with parts dating to the 1820s with further additions made in the mid 1900s. Set over two floors, the spacious accommodation provides six versatile bedrooms and two bathrooms to the first floor and plentiful reception space to the ground floor. It is set in around two acres of private grounds.

Guide Price: £825,000

Contact: Fine & Country Lakes & North Lancs, 01539 733500. www.fineandcountry.com

Beechwood Barn, Sawley

A luxury detached country house with imposing internal accommodation, lying in an exceptional rural location with stunning open aspects over rolling farmland towards Pendle Hill. Complemented by an adjoining coach house and incorporating a self-contained apartment there is a master suite with three further bedrooms and study/5th bedroom, family bathroom.

Price: £950,000

Contact: Fine & Country Whalley, 01254 828922 www.fineandcountry.com

Horseshoe Cottage, Mawdesley

An impressive three bedroom home that has been carefully designed and built to architectural standards, with an interesting and quirky design that has many noteworthy features. The bespoke kitchen has been craftsman made with a mixture of Pippy Oak and hand painted fitted furniture. The master bedroom features period cast iron radiators. A large useful garden building serves as a wood store.

Price: £425,000

Contact: Regan & Hallworth, 01257 464644. www.reganandhallworth.com

Milk Row Cottage, Tottington

Beautifully presented, four bedroom semi-detached cottage, originally dating back to 1748, owned for close to a quarter of a century by the current owners and extended and thoroughly refurbished to create a superb contemporary home, with 4/5 bedrooms and beautifully tended gardens. Stamp duty incentives available.

Price: £575,000

Contact: Fine & Country East Lancs, 01706 826754. www.fineandcountry.com

West Lancashire

Stunning Grade II* listed Hall, built in 1566 and set in private grounds with drawing room, dining room and billiard room (originally the family chapel) all with original features such as carved oak fireplaces, tapestry wall coverings and window seats. There’s a designer kitchen plus seven bedrooms and three bathrooms. Other buildings include a gatekeeper’s lodge.

Price: On application

Contact: Philomena Hall at Elizabeth Hall Country Houses Bureau, 01200 440988,

Birchmill Cottages, Crook

Set in an idyllic rural location in the unspoilt Lyth valley and enjoying panoramic views south toward the Morecambe Bay estuary, this attractive, well presented semi-detached cottage has been tastefully upgraded with three double bedrooms including master bedroom. Gardens contain parking for three vehicles.

Price: £449,950

Contact: Carter Jonas Kendal office, 01539 522592 www.carterjonas.co.uk

Heskin, near Chorley

A detached cottage-style property with stunning tiered gardens leading down to a brook. There’s a lounge and dining room and kitchen plus a sun room. There are three bedrooms. To the rear is a covered patio overlooking the beautiful gardens with well-established borders and beds and views to farmland beyond.

Price: £354,950

Contact: Angela Burnett and Company, 01704 821393. www.angelaburnett.com