Inside the perfect family home

Five years ago, David and Olga Lewis decided to move their family from Ruthin in north Wales to south Shropshire because of the area's excellent schools for the children. As they now plan to move to be nearer to them, they have put their home up for sale.

Large and packed with character, it has been beautifully renovated and refurbished to the very highest of standards while remaining very warm and welcoming.

Originally built in the 17th century, with later additions in the 18th century, Strefford House was then renovated by the Lewis's when they bought it. The house lies in wonderful grounds and includes its own holiday cottage, which currently generates an income of £10,000 a year. It also has its own generous paddock and stable block for equestrian love.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.nextpage

The impressive entrance hall in the main house leads off to a breakfast/kitchen, dining room, sitting room, playroom and superb drawing room. Strefford House has been fitted out with extra deep luxury carpeting throughout, and it is very well insulated, as its walls are 18 inches thick.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

The breakfast kitchen, with its red Aga, forms the heart of the home. The units are finished with solid granite work surfaces. A door from the kitchen opens into a part-walled courtyard, which would be ideal as an herb garden, and set up from the kitchen is a good-sized utility room and store area.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

The downstairs playroom, a comfortable room with a bay window and window seat. Many of the rooms, such as this one, overlook the garden. A lot of money and effort and attention to detail has gone into the property, including the latest communication links.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

Just off the entrance hall is the dining room. An attractive room with a wealth of period features, it has an open fireplace with Jet Master fire set on a slate hearth. David said: "I think this property really does reflect British architecture and cosiness at its absolute best."

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

While some of Strefford House's stunning formal rooms retain all the style and grace of when the house was first built, other rooms have been furnished in a more relaxed way, designed to be friendly and cosy family rooms. The snug sitting room has an inglenook fireplace and Clear View wood burning stove.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

The elegant, grandiose drawing room features high ceiling, mouldings, tall windows and large open fireplace with stunning marble surround. The piano belongs to Olga, a part-time pianist and teacher. The house was fully re-wired when the couple first bought it, to accommodate bespoke light fittings and others imported from Italy.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.

From the entrance hall, an oak staircase rises to the galleried first floor landing. Off the landing is a master bedroom and four further double bedrooms served by a shower room and a family bathroom.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.nextpage

The light and well-proportioned master bedroom to the front has beautiful views of the garden from two aspects. It has extensive fitted wardrobes and a full size en-suite bathroom. Adjoining the master bedroom is a study, although it could alternatively be used as another bedroom.

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.nextpage

The children's double bedroom is decorated in a fairytale style. David says: "If the children in the family are happy, then it's all worthwhile. My children have been exceptionally happy here."

Strefford House is being sold through Strutt & Parker of Ludlow at £895,000.