Silver Street, Bedford

AN EXQUISITE FINISH

Built some 300 years ago, the inviting, stone retreat has been extended and upgraded. “I had a major extension carried out in 1999, which gave me a magnificent new master bedroom suite, with a large bedroom, en suite shower room and Juliet balcony,” she recalls. “At the same time, a Victorian-style garden room, with underfloor heating and a lovely green wood-burner, was added and I had the floor in the dining room lowered to make the room more spacious.” Today the house presents a careful blend of the old and the new, with an exquisite finish throughout. Set back behind a gated driveway, with access to the garage, it is entered via the hall, which leads to a useful study and then the dining room. “The floor here is wooden and well insulated,” she says. “It is a country cottage-style dining room, with ample space for a table with six guests. It is lovely for special occasions.”

ALL SEASONS

The dining room leads into the formal sitting room, a particularly chic space with a white-washed, beamed ceiling, period fireplace and wrought-iron staircase. “This room really comes into its own at Christmas when I have the tree up. I also have a living flame fire in here, which makes it very cosy at that time of year.” She adds: “This is a house that is comfortable to live in throughout the seasons – it is warm in winter and cool in summer.” The kitchen breakfast room, with its Little Greene painted cabinets and integrated appliances, is another well-designed space. “It is dual-aspect and a good size.

GLORIOUS VIEWS

The kitchen leads to the garden room and a family bathroom, with a luxurious spa bath and shower. “The garden room is probably my favourite place of all. I have a massive sofa in there where I can sit watching television with the wood-burner glowing. In the summer, I open the doors to the garden and can wander in and out from the pool.” All three bedrooms are on the first floor. In addition to the splendid master suite, there are two more double bedrooms. One of these is currently used by the owner as a dressing room, while the other is a guest bedroom. On fine mornings, the doors to the Juliet balcony can be thrown open to bring in a summer breeze. “From here I can look out over the garden to the fields, where I often see a host of wildlife and birds,” she says. “Having the view of the windmill is also very special.”

AWAY FROM IT ALL

The opportunities for outdoor living at the house have given her immense pleasure. There is a sun-soaked courtyard area, with space for outside dining, relaxation and barbecuing. The recently revamped swimming pool area has been beautifully finished in an Italianate style, with classical balustrades and ornate stonework. A shower room, plus a summer house, which could be used as an office, are out here too. “The pool has been amazing,” she admits. “I brought two girls up here and my five grandchildren have also loved coming here to swim. I swim most days in the summer and I love to relax on the water on a lilo!” She added: “Living here is like being in the Mediterranean, and feeling like your permanently on holiday!”

VILLAGE LIFE

The Stevington location of the house has also been ideal. The owner has enjoyed the friendly community and village life, as well as the many activities that take place in the Village hall including pilates, cinema club and seasonal events and fates amongst many others. It is quick to get into Bedford and Milton Keynes and to pick up major routes across the country. “There are two pubs in the village; we are in the catchment area for some very good schools and there are some lovely places to walk nearby,” she says. “I absolutely love it here so much – I wish I could pick the house up and take it with me.” The Village boasts an active and historic Saxon Church and Manor House which are other great community aspects to the Village.

SETTING THE SCENE

The cottage on Silver Street is set back from the road by a gated driveway with space for three or four cars to park. There is also a garage. The generous garden has been landscaped and includes the attractive, outdoor pool area, as well as an entertaining and relaxation terrace. There is a summer house and outside shower room. From the garden, there are views out across the open countryside.

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.