High Street, Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire, MK46

DELIGHTFUL 4-BEDROOM THATCHED COTTAGE IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE’S, HIGHLY COMMUTABLE, BEST KEPT VILLAGE

A gorgeous 17th century, Grade II-listed cottage in Weston Underwood, the village that William Cowper, the renowned poet and hymn writer who lived here, described as “one of the prettiest in the Kingdom”. That was true then and is true today, and The Old Store, with its 4 bedrooms, AGA kitchen and lovely gardens, is now ready to welcome a new family to enjoy happy times here.

With its wonderful historic houses, cobbled pavements, glorious, Grade I-listed church and lovely village green, Weston Underwood is a multiple winner, including this year, of Buckinghamshire’s ‘Best Kept Village’ award, testament also to the friendly community which takes such a pride in their environment. Just across the lane from The Old Store, which was once the village shop, is The Cowper’s Oak, a country inn that many maintain is also the best in the county.

Weston Underwood was once a hamlet of the market town of Olney, less than two miles away and widely known for its Pancake Race. Villagers walk or cycle there to schools for all ages, surgery, supermarkets and numerous independent shops and eateries. Milton Keynes is only 10 miles away with its shopping centre and fast trains reaching London Euston in just 32 minutes. The M1 is only 6 miles down the road and Bedford’s world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools are just 20 minutes away.

For such a commutable village, with every facility close to hand, the feeling as you pass through its stone-pillared entrance (The Knobs) of being far from the madding crowd is palpable. It’s not only the unspoilt nature of the village, it’s that your dog can take you for miles of beautiful countryside walks direct from your new cottage home. Seek out Cowper’s Alcove, be inspired by the tranquillity of your surroundings as he was and reflect upon your good fortune.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Look carefully at the stone wall to the side of the cottage. An inlet there was once the site of a water pump from where most villagers collected their water. As Cowper Stores until 1991, they also called in here for their daily provisions. Today, it seems a privilege to look around this lovely family home, let alone live here.

And as you step through the old front door (there was once one too to the side of the kitchen window, which is now the back garden door) onto the red brick floor of the hall, it immediately feels like home. A home with plenty of light and height - though the beam that spans the landing and bathroom might make you bow to its beauty. A home which is as suited to entertaining as to boisterous children and everyday family life.

Close the wooden window shutters above the window seat, stoke up the fire in the inglenook fireplace, and cold winter evenings in your cosy, oak-floored and beamed sitting room become something to look forward to. As are family get-togethers in the farmhouse-style kitchen.

To have a second inglenook fireplace almost seems greedy. To have an electric AGA in the kitchen as well takes cosy country living to another level; with space too for sitting and relaxing on the other side of the kitchen - or would you prefer the table there, with a place to slump aside the woodburning stove instead?

Each room is delightful, not least the bedrooms, with their gorgeous timbers, niches, ledges and sloping ceilings. One would make a great study, while the main bedroom is dreamily romantic, with its varied ceilings, wide oak floorboards, dressing area, bathroom with freestanding bath and its super views across the gardens and rooftops to far-reaching countryside.

The gardens are lovely too, with beautiful roses, salvias, hollyhocks and foxgloves a magnet for the bees, hedges alive with the song of the dunnock, Virginia creeper spilling over the stone wall with its vivid autumn red. Kick a ball around on the lawn, pluck your own apples, relax with coffee or glass of something in various sunny spots - cottage gardens to perfectly complement a delightful family cottage home.