Lower Gravenhurst, Gravenhurst, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45

A Grade II listed detached former farmhouse with approximately 2.09 acres of formal gardens and adjacent paddock in an area of natural beauty, overlooking the Chiltern Hills, with a further nearly 6 acres available by separate negotiation. The property is thought to date from the 16th century and has a blend of colour washed rough cast and red brick elevations under a clay tile roof. It is on the edge of the Wrest Park Estate with 360 degree views and direct access to bridleways.

The restored original house retains original features, and has oak floors in most rooms and limestone tiles in the halls. A recent brick and oak extension added a kitchen/breakfast room with doors to the garden. A solid timber door leads to an entrance hall with exposed beams, stairs to the first floor, and access to a dining room and two further linked reception rooms. A side hall has a cloakroom and leads to the family room and extension. There is a loft room over the kitchen, and a utility room. The landing has access to the roof space and doors to the five bedrooms and two bathrooms.

A remotely operated five bar oak gate opens to a gravel drive with parking and access to a detached garage with twin oak doors and power.

Entrance Hall and Reception Rooms

The triple aspect dining room has an inglenook style feature fireplace with an open grate and timber bressummer, exposed oak parquet flooring and ceiling beams. A door leads into a small study which has a desk and oak bookshelves. The sitting room has an inglenook style fireplace with a timber bressummer and exposed oak flooring which continues into a music room which has a former inglenook fireplace (currently sealed) and previously housed a grand piano. Glazed double doors open to a raised terrace in the garden.

Kitchen/Breakfast Room

The triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room has far reaching views over the gardens and the Chilterns beyond and two sets of west facing glazed doors give access to the terrace. The kitchen has custom built Shaker style cabinets, an island with a breakfast bar, and solid oak work surfaces. Integrated appliances include a range style cooker and a dishwasher. A hatch with a retractable ladder provides access to a carpeted dual aspect loft room. The utility room has a door to the front, matching units and work surfaces, a butler's sink, and space and plumbing for appliances.

Gardens and Grounds

Formal gardens surround the house with clipped box hedges and yew cones for evergreen form and structure. Mature trees and shrubs provide colour through the seasons and raised stone borders flank the main lawn. Fruit trees provide apples, pears and greengages and there are raised vegetable and herb beds by the house. The rest of the garden is mainly lawned with established borders and shrubs interspersed. The paddock has a natural pond, is enclosed by mature trees and hedges and has separate gated access. It is mowed occasionally but mainly left to nature.

Situation and Schooling

Nearby shops are located in Barton le Clay and Shillington with more extensive facilities in the historic market towns of Ampthill and Hitchin (both about 7 miles). Rail links into London are available from a range of nearby stations. Harlington station (6 miles) is on the Thameslink line into St Pancras (47minutes) and continues to other city stations including Farringdon and Blackfriars. Hitchin and Arlesley stations have direct trains into King's Cross (in as little as 28 or 41 minutes respectively). The local area is well served by primary and secondary schools together with a range of private schools in Bedford and Hitchin.