Transforming a village property into a spacious family home with a beautiful garden is not the type of project that would appeal to many buyers.

But Tracy Pownall-Carton, and her husband Paul, were happy to take on the challenge when they bought a cottage at Delly End in west Oxfordshire.

Six years later, Number 1, Wood Lane is on the market at a guide price of £750,000 and is now the perfect home and garden for all seasons.

Mrs Pownall-Carton, a trained horticulturist and designer, said: "We moved here six years ago primarily because of the property's location and the size of the plot. It is so quiet, surrounded by farmland, with the lane seeing more people walking dogs and riding their horses than cars.

"The cottage did not have much of a garden, but we saw that as an advantage. It mean that we had a blank canvass of just over a half-an acre to create exactly what we wanted."

The transformation of the house and garden began in 2004.

She added: '"Our aim has always been to create a garden for year-long interest and vegetable production while still ensuring it is a family garden.

"The garden has matured well and we put that down to good soil. The preparation incorporated more than 60 tonnes of compost.

"As the beds have matured we have planted thousands of bulbs and another 3,500 are being planted this autumn."

The house itself has also seen major changes.

Mrs Tracy Pownall-Carton (pictured above), said: "The property was entirely unsuitable for modern family living. There was nowhere to sit and look out at the lovely views or the garden.

"Basically, we took the building back to scratch and started again. We have extended the property, removed internal walls and done away with long dark hallways. The house has been re-plumbed and rewired, and given new windows and roof."

These changes have opened up the space and wherever you sit there are always good views.

It is now a five-bedroomed property with a sitting room, dining room, study, three bathrooms, family room/breakfast room and an open-plan kitchen.

She added: "It has been extremely hard work but we have created a family home with plenty of space to entertain and have friends and family to stay."

The couple are looking for a new challenge and want to move to County Cork, Ireland, where they are looking for a five-acre plot to transform.

To arrange a viewing, call Hamptons International on 01865 512332