North End, Bletsoe, Bedfordshire, MK44

C17TH COUNTRY COTTAGE, WITH 2 ACRES, 2 STABLES, SCOPE FOR AN ANNEXE AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS

A remarkable, 3-bedroom, Grade II-listed, expertly restored barn conversion, with delightful field views and 2 acres of gardens and paddocks. An attractive, weatherboarded, workshop, garaging and stable block could, perhaps, be converted into an annexe. Set well back from the lane with its lovely, attached neighbour in the North Bedfordshire countryside, with gravelled parking for numerous cars, not to mention its own wind turbine that keeps electricity costs to a minimum, Oak Tree Cottage is quite a find.

The county town of Bedford is just 7.5 miles away, with its railway station from where fast trains reach London in 40 minutes, and its world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools. Just over a couple of miles from the cottage in one direction is Riseley Primary School, while Sharnbrook’s sought-after secondary school and 6th Form is a little over 3 miles in the other. Both schools have recently been rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted.

Sharnbrook is also home to a farm shop, a 20-minute stroll away, and to the Mill Theatre and various independent shops, a pub and a restaurant. A 10-minute cycle ride takes you to the popular Fox & Hounds in Riseley, wander to Sunday Service at the medieval Church of St Mary the Virgin in Bletsoe village followed, perhaps, by lunch at the lovely, Falcon Inn on the banks of the River Great Ouse. The village hall plays a central role in the life of this friendly community, while the community orchards, playing fields and children’s play area also popular with villagers.

Oak Tree cottage is listed by English Heritage as ‘North End Farm Cottages’, perhaps betraying the fact that it was once two. Owned, like most of Bletsoe by Baron St John, evidence suggests that it once had a very different life as a livestock barn at the Castle in the village, before being brought over to North End hamlet to house agricultural workers on the local farm. Like the tree, from small beginnings, wonderful homes grow.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY 

An evergreen oak that gave the cottage its name arches over the 5-bar wooden gate to welcome you home. Still in pride of place in the private front garden, the lovely, old brick well – though now filled in - remains as a reminder of where the St John family tenants sourced their fresh water. They’d be amazed today to see your kitchen, with its expensive Corian sink seamlessly sunk into the surfaces of the handmade, unfitted-style, wooden furniture, adding to the Belfast sink in the super boot room.

And the beautiful bathroom, with its lovely tiling, both in the shower and, prettily, around the basin, as well as with a freestanding bath in which you can wallow while gazing out at unbroken countryside. The bathroom is designed, Jack & Jill-style, accessed from either of the landings, the little one at the top of the hidden staircase leading past the amazing, exposed brick chimney breast to one of the bedrooms, the other at the top of the main, wrought-iron staircase, leading to two other gorgeous bedrooms.

How lovely to wake up beneath tall, sloping or vaulted ceilings, in rooms with the most beautiful, curved wall timbers, and to joyful field views across the lane that will have you springing out of bed each morning.

Oak Tree Cottage has seen many changes over the years, not least two becoming one and pantiles replacing thatch; though its immense character remains, and recent works have been carried out with the utmost respect for this special home, using lime-based render (spot the boxing hares) and local hazel and horsehair within restored lath and plaster. Beautiful beams and timbers stay exposed in every room, and few homes have so many gorgeous, rustic doors. The wonderful inglenook fireplace now has a cosy log burner that throws heat around the home, but thrillingly, its old bread oven, too.

Settle down with a page-turner in the peaceful snug. Catch up with paperwork in your little study nook. Entertain friends in the lovely dining room. Children have the treehouse in the old Ash to kit out, while in the cottage’s extension, built perhaps, as at North End Farmhouse, using the labour of 1940s German POWs held at Bletsoe Castle, you have your walk-through pantry to think of. As well as whether to make even more of the garage, either the whole or just in the space above; whether for an income or for family and guests. Relax with a glass of something amongst apple, pear, plum and cherry blossom; countryside as far south as the eye can see, the air filled with birdsong - and toast your good fortune.