High Street, Oakley, Bedfordshire, MK43

A SUPERB, SINGLE-STOREY MODERN HOME

Set off the High Street behind bird-filled hedging and gravelled parking for numerous cars, it’s hard to believe this delightful, 4/5-bedroom home in the popular, North Bedfordshire riverside village of Oakley was once a rather ordinary bungalow. It’s now far from ordinary. Still all on one level, yet deceptively spacious, opening into a series of lovely, light-filled spaces, and culminating in a professionally designed and maintained garden, with fields and paddocks beyond.

Oakley is within easy reach of major road routes and less than four miles from the county town, with its restaurants, supermarkets, shops, theatres, exceptional schools and fast trains to London and elsewhere. Bromham surgery is just five minutes away. For a small village, Oakley is blessed with an unusually wide range of facilities of its own, from schools for all ages, shop and post office, scout hut, playing fields and a village hall which hosts numerous clubs and societies.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, you can enjoy fabulous walks along the River Great Ouse beyond the historic twin bridges. Wander down the street to meet family and friends at the highly thought of, 18th century Bedford Arms, and to Sunday service at the glorious, 12th century Church of St Mary. Whatever your age, whatever your interests, there’s much to love about both village and home.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Very attractive from the outside in a rather unassuming way, it’s all the more striking to step into the hall and take in the space that opens up before you. It’s a little while before you realise that the enveloping light is from the vaulted ceiling window, spilling over the framed opening. The overriding feeling is of a well-designed home.

Clever design is everywhere, not least in the stylish, front bathrooms, with their ceilings reaching high to natural light that leaves you thinking you’ve left a switch on. All the main bedrooms are some size, not least the lovely, main bedroom, overlooking the garden, with its vaulted ceiling and huge shower room. One of only two carpeted rooms, Karndean, Amtico and wood predominates, ensuring there’s no panic about muddy boots, or dogs escaping your clutches following a long winter walk and bounding straight through to the sitting room’s roaring log fire.

Recently, the old front walls have all been internally insulated. The hidden details count too.

Your new home is particularly versatile, with one room currently being used as a gym; there’s a peaceful reading room or single bedroom, as well as a home office, and there’s a workshop and summerhouse outside which could also have multiple uses. This is a home willing to adapt to your lifestyle. It's also a home with a pantry. Yes, you have lovely, painted, granite-topped, kitchen furniture, housing top-end appliances, but you’ll never again want to be without a pantry.

There’s no doubt about the heart of the home though, its soaring ceiling at one end, its view through to the garden at the other. Space to eat, party, play music, dance. This is a home designed for everyday living and for entertaining in all seasons. Throw open two sets of French doors in summertime. BBQ, dine al fresco, or just sit and relax with a glass of wine in various sitting areas in the garden. The exotic vies for attention with the more humble, but no less beautiful, bee friendly flowers and shrubs. Pick your own pears and figs. Perhaps lower the hedge to take advantage of the wonderful outlook beyond the garden. Delightful!