Skeats Wharf, Pennylands Marina

IN FULL BLOOM

Their striking, split-level home is detached and as such stands a little apart from the other properties at Skeats Wharf. Making an immediate impression, it is something of a Pennyland landmark, according to the couple. “It is known locally as the ‘Tall House!’” says Jen. “When we explain where we live, people have often said they remember it because it looks so tall. We planted a beautiful wisteria at the front not long after arriving here and this really adds to its appearance, softening the exterior a little and adding colour in the late spring or early summer.”

MODERN LIVING

The four-bedroom property, which offers ample off-road parking to the front, provides bright, modern accommodation across five levels. Family members enter from the front and then follow stairs down to a lower-ground-floor level, where the beautiful kitchen breakfast room is situated. “We have underfloor heating in the hall and kitchen,” Jen observes. “The kitchen, which was completely renovated and replaced by us, is a lovely space, which opens up on to the terrace. It is a great family room and is also perfect for entertaining.” Other work to the house has seen the couple install double-glazing throughout, replace bathrooms and fit a gorgeous section of oak and glass wall, which now makes an eye-catching, first-floor feature. “We have also redecorated everywhere – largely using neutral shades, such as greys and creams, but with some feature walls here and there,” she adds.

SUMMER DAYS

The splendid sitting room, situated on the first floor, is a lovely place to unwind in the evening. With doors on to the balcony and views out over the water, it has a tranquil ambience. “We like to sit in here in the summer months, watching the television with the doors open – it’s lovely,” Jen says. “Again, however, it is also another great room for socialising. It is a nice place to sit when we have friends over or for larger get-togethers. In fact, this house is known as ‘the party house’ because it can accommodate people so easily.”

PERFECT PLACE

A few more stairs up from the sitting room is the master bedroom, with its en suite shower room. Two more bedrooms are then situated up another half flight, while the top floor encompasses the final bedroom and a family bathroom. “All the bedrooms are double in size,” Mick explains. “In fact, the size of the bedrooms was another major attraction to us when we first looked at the house.” The layout, with rooms at different levels, has also worked well for them. “We had two teenage boys and this arrangement meant they could have their own space and that if we were down in the kitchen while they were up in their bedrooms playing games or music then we couldn’t hear them. This really is the perfect family home.”

HOME AND AWAY

The Skeats Wharf house comes with canal access and a private mooring, as well as fishing rights. Mick and Jen have enjoyed being able to keep their narrow boat so close to home, making it easy to head off on trips whenever the whim takes them. “We can also walk straight out from home to stroll along beside the Grand Union Canal or the River Ouzel. There are lots of green, open spaces close by and we can be at Willen Lake in half an hour,” Jen observes. “It is also quick to get into central Milton Keynes and to the train station.” Hoping to stay close by when they move, the couple agree they will miss the unique position of their home. “I will miss being so close to the water,” Mick admits. And Jen agrees: “We have loved being here so much – when we sit outside on the south-facing balcony or terrace on a hot summer’s day, looking out over the water, it is like being on holiday in Spain.”

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.