IF location is everything when it comes to finding the perfect property then it would be difficult to imagine somewhere more idyllic than Tom Ryan’s Marsden home.

The picture-perfect house, named Glen Holme, Mount Road, Butterley, is in a tranquil setting, nestled among the reservoirs and waterways which once supplied the mill with water.

Add to that some stunning gardens that attract all kinds of wildlife and you get a home that truly allows you to get back to nature.

Tom and wife Helen moved into the house three years ago. They fell in love instantly with the unique house and were impressed by its scope for improvement.

But Tom’s new career – in pharmaceutical sales in London – is forcing them to sell their beloved home.

He said: “It’s an amazing house and I don’t really want to sell it as there’s no other house like it.

“I was looking for somewhere to convert into something really special and unique and I could see that the house had lots of potential.

“I also loved the location; it’s quiet and tranquil and so secluded. The nearest roads are a quarter of a mile away, but it’s still close enough to have good transport links.”

The property certainly boasts some stunning views of the countryside.

Sitting out in the garden you are immediately at peace as you hear the calming rush of the stream running next to the property and look out on to the nearby reservoir.

“The views of the reservoir and the surrounding countryside are amazing,” said Tom.

The three-bedroom property comes with superb gardens spanning two-thirds on an acre, including ponds and a good selection of shrubs and trees.

Beyond the formal gardens there is a further section of land – again bordered by waterways – which has been kept as a haven for wildlife, including squirrels and wood pigeons.

There is also a fantastic garden room, which boasts flowerbeds and a water feature and is a lovely space to relax in.

The stone-built cottage was built by Huddersfield Corporation’s Waterworks Department in the 1890s, specifically for engineers building the reservoirs on the edge of the Peak District.

The main cottage was built as accommodation for the engineers, while the attached barn was originally used to house their horses.

The property is simply presented and furnished, with a blend of modern and country chic pieces. The living room is cosy and a lovely space, with its cast iron Victorian-style fireplace complementing beautifully the original built-in cupboards and stripped floorboards.

The dining room is also a great space, with lots of original features.

And the three bedrooms are all good sizes, the master bedroom being particularly stunning with its fitted wardrobes, cast iron fireplace and recessed bookcase.

Tom said: “We’ve kept the colours quite neutral, to keep a sense of light and space.

“We did one of the bedrooms green, which ties in well with the gardens and the wildlife.”

The barn has not yet been converted, but could easily be developed to create an extra 1,000sq ft of living space.

It has stairs leading up to a hayloft on the upper floor, which is also a great space and could be used to create a master bedroom with en suite bathroom.

Tom added: “Part of the property had always been a home and we didn’t have to do anything major as the building was pretty sound.

“It was very cold so we installed central heating. We also put in a downstairs bathroom and did a bit of repair work and decoration.

“We didn’t do much because of the plans we had for it. We’d planned to convert the rest of it in stages.

“We were hoping to convert the downstairs part of the stables into a really big 20ft by 20ft living room, put in a master bathroom with en suite upstairs and also move the kitchen into a different room.

“This house has a lot of potential; it’s just unfortunate that I haven’t really had a chance to do anything with it. It has a huge amount of space and when it’s finished it will be quite big.

“Anyone who buys it will be able to do so much with it. It’s a great opportunity.”

The property is on the market for £429,000. To arrange a viewing contact Bramleys estate agents on 01484 530361.