IT'S an idyllic home by the river which could have come straight out of the film set of that Dallas-By-Sea TV soap Howard's Way.

With breathtaking views of the internationally famous Hamble River, Myrtle Cottage was for many years the home of a man whose love and dedication to the village deservedly won him the name of Mr Bursledon.

For years Bert Betts was the steering force behind the Bursledon Regatta. The annual sailing pageant was played out on the waterfront doorstep of Mr Betts' home in Lands End Road, Old Bursledon.

He died about four years ago at the age of 90 and his dedication to the community was saluted when a road was named after him - Bert Betts Way.

During his working life he had played a major role in the film making world. He joined the Rank organisation when he was 15. He moved to Bursledon to join Southern Television, one of the forerunners to Meridian, in 1957 and worked as an outside cameraman.

Bert's former home, which has now floated onto the property market for a cool £800,000, would not be out of place on any film set.

The grade two listed property, reputedly dating from the 18th century, is even rumoured to have a smugglers' tunnel between its two reception rooms. Its gardens extend to one quarter of an acre, including 115 feet frontage to the river and steps leading to the foreshore.

It nestles on the western banks of the River Hamble where Henry VIII's fleet was built.

Myrtle Cottage is a place where you can really impress friends. For the gardens are perfect for al-fresco dining and entertaining. As guests sip their Pimms on a summer's evening they can take full advantage of the panoramic views of the beautiful River Hamble.

The property is being sold through the Southampton estate agent office of Savills. A spokesman said: "The property is well known in the village and it was home for many years to Bert. His wholehearted involvement in village life led to a local road being named after him."

The agents say the cottage has a charming ambience and traditional village feel. Yet it is well placed for Southampton City Centre and has world class sailing facilities on its doorstep.

There are also good motorway links to London and Southampton Airport is just minutes away.