CLAYTON West couple Richard and Liz Airey are preparing to head north of the border and make a new home on Scotland's Isle of Mull, a place they have visited many times on holiday.

Their current home, Duke William cottage in Church Lane, has an important historical role in the village of Clayton West.

The house was formerly two properties, a pub The Duke of William (pictured inset), and a cottage. It was later council offices before being converted into a private residence.

The charming cottage still bears reminders of its past upstairs, with different levels between bedrooms. Following an extension over the double garage by the current owners, the cottage now has a master bedroom suite with walk-in power shower and larger than average bath, which has the feel of a separate wing to the main upstairs area.

Richard said: “The cottage used to be the Duke William pub, with the current dining room the main bar area.

“We are hoping to relocate to the Isle of Mull and possibly start a bed and breakfast business as it is a very popular tourist area. We have lived here for 16 years and although the cottage is quite near the village centre, it is extremely quiet and peaceful with a very private rear garden.’’

Duke William cottage is situated on a corner plot just along the road from the village’s All Saints’ church.

Downstairs, the cottage has an entrance porch, hallway, spacious lounge with wood burner, separate dining room and good sized dining kitchen, which has beech effect Shaker style units, granite worktops and a breakfast island.

There are also two barrel-vaulted cellars, one of which has plumbing for an automatic washing machine and provides useful storage.

Upstairs there are a surprising five bedrooms, two of which are currently used as offices for Richard, who works from home as an accountant and Liz, who works as a vet in Sheffield. There is also a contemporary family bathroom, recently renovated to a high standard.

The cottage is very deceptive from outside. At the front there is a lawned garden and to the rear, a double garden with block-paved driveway and a good sized private garden with lawns, patios and outbuildings.

Richard said: “It’s ideal for access to the M1 which Liz uses to get to work, handy for local shops and schools and close to local walks in Bretton, Emley and Cawthorne. Although we look out on to the village, we are not hemmed in by other houses and it is so quiet.

“When we move I will continue my accountancy business from our new house on Mull and we will investigate the possibility of opening a bed and breakfast. We have visited Mull many times on holiday and just love it there. Of course there is a different system of buying and selling houses in Scotland but we will probably rent somewhere first and then look round for the right property.’’

This is a charming detached spacious cottage in a village setting which is part of the history of Clayton West and would be ideal for a family with its five bedrooms, good sized gardens and proximity to local schools.

The property is being marketed by W H Brown estate agents 01484 687818.

PRICE: £295,000.