This 1700s lakeside cottage in Bude is a true hidden gem and has only ever been sold once since its creation - and now it could be yours.

Little Alfardisworthy Farm - known as ‘Little Alf’ - is a detached cob cottage dating back to 1740 and bordering Lower Tamar Lakes Nature Reserve.

Extended in the early 2000s, the cottage has retained many of its original features, including slate flagstone flooring running through the ground floor, beam ceilings and an open fireplace, as well as an additional inglenook fireplace with a clome oven recess and wood burning stove.

On the ground floor are a living room, a kitchen/breakfast room and a bathroom, as well as a slate flagstone patio to the rear of the property.

Stairs from the hallway and the kitchen lead up to the first floor, which has three bedrooms, one of which has a vaulted ceiling, and a landing with oak flooring, as well as another bathroom.

Outdoors, there are lawned gardens with mature trees and rose-covered arbours, and the entire property is surrounded by the nature reserve and designated bird-watching area. There is also right of passage to use a path leading down to a private deck area on the lake.

The cottage is being marketed by estate agents Webbers for £750,00.

Lin Quirk of Webbers commented: “Enjoying a lake side position, with no near neighbours, this stunning character cottage, dating back to 1740.

“The property has been sympathetically restored and extended to provide a 3 bedroom accommodation and is a real retreat with an abundance of wildlife throughout the year.”