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Alan and Elaine were among the first residents to move into the highly sought-after area of Grand Manor Drive. That was five years ago when their house was brand new and they were drawn to their new home, they say, not just by the house itself but by its setting; nestling as it does near to the pic

"We love having the wildlife coming to our back door", explains Elaine. "Our house is called Mallards' Rest because before we moved in there were lots of mallard ducks sitting in the front garden and they've just come ever since. From my kitchen window when I'm preparing the evening meal, I can see the swans swimming up and down on the lake and, of course, they have cygnets every year, too, so it's really lovely."

Mallards' Rest was newly-built when they moved in, but this didn't stop Alan and Elaine adding their own personal touches to the property right from the start. They brought in their own designer to create the family bathroom and chose the kitchen themselves. And, over the past five years, they have also created a beautiful and private garden.

"The garden has matured now", says Elaine. "We're both keen gardeners. It's nice to make a garden but it's also wonderful to see it mature. It's mainly lawns with borders, but it's really jam-packed. The borders are completely full with plants; nothing out of the ordinary just different plants for all the seasons so we've got something going on most of the time. And we've got a variety of trees at the back; oak, twisted willow and whitebeam which cover everywhere, so it's very private."

When they're not working or in the garden, their favourite corner of the house is the family lounge with its views over the open aspect at the front of the property. "It tends to be our television room and we spend quite a bit of time in there", continues Elaine. "We've got the benefit of full sun on the front of the house, so whatever the time of year the house is bright and warm and very sunny."

Grand Manor Drive is just five minutes' drive from the centre of Lytham with easy access to the M55 and no less than three golf clubs, including the Royal Lytham and St Anne's nearby. Plus there are some excellent schools in the area – both state and independent. "There are also one or two handy local shops within walking distance," Elaine adds, "and some rather pleasant views, right on our own doorstep.

"Once we started walking around the area, we began to appreciate

how picturesque it was and how well the gardens were maintained around us. You could easily go for a good half an hour's walk. It is a beautiful place to live. I couldn't find anywhere better around here, really."