Old Road, Barton-le-Clay, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45

Stunning elevated site of about 1.74 acres with planning consent for a unique contemporary new house

Description

Located in the picturesque village of Barton Le Clay, this extraordinary site is being sold with planning permission for a unique and contemporary new house, extending to 10,000 sq ft, a dramatic reimagining of a former covered reservoir. Set at the end of a winding private driveway the well screened plot of about 1.74 acres is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposed property will be a sustainable and ecologically conscious dwelling, conceived by the architects to nestle into the hillside to take full advantage of the site's commanding position and 100m elevation and designed to maximise the superb countryside views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Designed with a strong horizontal emphasis, the property features spacious interiors with voids, vaulting, double height spaces, gallery walkways, and bridges, creating a grand sense of space. The open plan living areas maximize far-reaching views while maintaining privacy and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Material palette includes a flint 'ground' floor with natural timber above and meadow roof over.

A sweeping driveway provides vehicular access to the upper part of the site, where the existing ground level is utilised as the ‘ground’ floor. There are four proposed floors with access to the house at the lowest "basement" level where a six car carport is hidden beneath a green roof which slopes down to the existing ground level. The entrance itself has been designed as a partly walled courtyard to provide a sense of arrival and once in the house, the basement area has a grand entrance hall leading past a swimming pool, sitting room and cinema room to the central stair-core, which is wider than typical and a glass lift for accessibility to all floors.

The ground floor is laid out over an expansive 3,100 square feet with floor to ceiling glazed walls flooding the rooms with light. The focal point is the feature 'Waterfall' wall that rises above to the first floor, bringing sun light and the reflections from it within the house, conceived as a nod to the sites former use as a reservoir. The ground floor enjoys a very spacious kitchen and dining area with a void above the living space. A library and snug, some 30ft in length, enjoy a corner of glass and doors that fold back revealing a view of the fields and trees beyond. In addition there is a double bedroom with en suite, a home office and adjacent to the kitchen is a large walk-in pantry, utility room, a prep kitchen.

The first floor above is about 2,500 square feet with large floor-to-ceiling glazed walls and balconies on three sides. There are three void areas so that you can enjoy a dramatic view of the library and lounge below, or looking down into the internal patio pool and terrace. This floor is accessed by stairs or the glass lift and has 4 double bedrooms suites and a laundry room. The master suite 25ft bedroom has a dressing room and en suite, bedroom two is a vast double with dressing area and en suite and the other remaining bedrooms suites are generous, with access to the balconies so you can further enjoy those panoramic views.

The top floor above is a mezzanine again flooded with light and enjoying those gorgeous views. We have designated this as the gymnasium as there is a water closet on this floor, but this room could be a home office, you are limited only by your imagination.

The site really has to be visited to be appreciated but it offers the chance to enjoy great privacy from the balconies or gardens of the house, while enjoying the most spectacular views over the village below and countryside beyond. Mature trees screen the boundaries and there are numerous areas to sit and contemplate and space to create lawned spaces for active family life.

In the vicinity, residents can enjoy the amenities of Barton-Le-Clay village, including schools, shops, pubs, and various recreation facilities. Surrounded by Leet Wood National Nature Reserve and beech woodland, this property is situated in the Green Belt and within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Location

In the vicinity, residents can enjoy the amenities of Barton-Le-Clay village, including schools, shops, pubs, and various recreation facilities. Surrounded by Leet Wood National Nature Reserve and beech woodland, this property is situated in the Green Belt and within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Square Footage: 10,000 sq ft


Acreage: 1.74 Acres