With it’s sunny balconies, arch windows and whitewashed walls, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into an Algarve Villa.

But this Portugese-style home is tucked away down a quiet road in the village of Hutton.

On the market for a cool million, Farley Hey is the most expensive property listed on Rightmove within the PR postcode area this month.

The luxurious family home has been completely rebuilt by its current owners turning a shabby two-bedroom bungalow into a beautiful five-bedroom villa.

Surrounding the house are a range of terraces to catch the sun’s rays at different times of day, extensive lawns and a central courtyard ideal for entertaining or playing.

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The owner says: ““I wanted to live here as soon as I laid eyes on the place.

“Back then, almost twenty-six years ago, it was a rather shabby two-bedroom bungalow, but the setting absolutely blew me away.

“The bungalow sat in the middle of this huge plot of land that was hidden away at the end of this very quiet road, and surrounded by vast open playing fields belonging to nearby Hutton Grammar School, so it felt so far removed from the everyday hustle and bustle of life.

“I remember getting out of the car for our first viewing and immediately said, ‘I want to live here,’ and I have to say that it’s a place that’s lived up to all expectations.”

Access to the property is through electronic gates, as a sweeping driveway leads you through the beautiful gardens to the front door.

Inside, an imposing gallery hallway joins the two wings of the property, where living rooms and bedrooms have been created to make the most of the light and views.

The owner says: “We actually lived in the bungalow for around six years before any work began, but during that time we were able to get a feel of the place and work out exactly what we wanted to do.

“Firstly we added a two-storey extension, then we moved into that section, the bungalow came down and we completed the build of our dream home.

“In terms of the style of the house, we took inspiration from the villas that you find in Portugal so it’s lovely to look at and it has such a bright and airy feel throughout.

“The layout is very traditional layout – separate kitchen, separate dining room etc – but all of the rooms are very large and they flow really nicely, which I feel enhances the overall feeling of space.

“It’s been a fantastic family home.”

“The garden and this lovely setting were both things that really sold the property to me in the first place, and they are both things that I’m really going to miss when I move,” continues the owner.

“The garden wraps right the way around the house and consists of open lawns that are edged with a mature border of shrubs and trees.

“It’s very peaceful and private, and incredibly easy to maintain, which has given us more time to enjoy it, and it’s provided a really beautiful backdrop to many summer get-togethers and celebrations.”

Asked about their favourite room, the owner said: “I love my kitchen, but one of the standout features of the house has to be the huge reception hall.

It has lots of windows so it’s flooded with natural light, and we used pale floor tiles to give it that Mediterranean feel.

It’s a really impressive entrance and a nice introduction to the sense of light and space that flows throughout the whole house.”

“Another favourite room would have to be the upstairs study. It has bi-fold doors that open out onto a little balcony, and when they are pushed back you get this magnificent view across the playing fields.”

They added: “Hutton is a lovely little village and a fantastic place to raise a family.

“The grammar school is just a hop, skip and a jump away, there are lots of wide-open green spaces to enjoy, and we’re surrounded by an array of well-served towns and villages so all of our day-to-day needs are catered for.” 

Farley Hey is on the market with Fine & Country South Lancashire , Eccleston.

What do you think of Preston’s most expensive property? Let us know in the comments section.