Renhold Road, Wilden, Bedfordshire (on 2.25 acres), MK44

EQUESTRIAN DREAM, OR SIMPLY A FAMILY IDYLL WITH LOTS OF LAND AND WONDERFUL VIEWS – JUST 5 MILES FROM BEDFORD

An attractive, 3-double-bedroom home surrounded by 2.25 acres of its own peaceful and completely private land and loved and lived in by the same family since they built it in 1964. With extensive areas for parking, a double garage and storage barns, 2 stables and space for more, a hay barn and tack room, and paddocks as well as gardens, if you’ve been looking for a super home for your horses as well as your family, you’ve found it. But if equestrianism is not part of the equation, Kingsclere, in the picturesque Bedfordshire village of Wilden, can be your dream home, nonetheless, with the space and scope to adapt and extend, and even, perhaps, to build anew on part of the land where, seemingly, there was once another cottage. And then there are those views….

Kingsclere is a home that enjoys the best of all worlds. Peacefully rural, with wonderful countryside walks and some super facilities in and around the village, yet close to all that Bedford has to offer, its world-renowned Harpur Trust schools, its outstanding Free School, and fast trains that reach London in 40 minutes.

The village pub is waiting for a buyer, but one of the finest dining freehouses in the county, The Plough at Bolnhurst, is less than 4 miles away. Colmworth Golf and Country Club is only about 3 miles, while Ravensden is just over 2, with its village pub and shop. The popular Polhill Arms in Renhold is only about 1.5 miles away.

Wander down the lane to the lovely, little primary school, rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted, and to Sunday service at Wilden’s Grade I-listed Church of St Nicholas, with its beautiful font and stained-glass window that survived the Reformation. The village hall is a few hundred yards further on. A 10-minute stroll in the other direction takes you to Pell’s farm shop and nursery, recently described as providing “the best fresh fruit and veg around Bedford and the very best pork pies.”

The peaceful position, proximity to the county town and exciting possibilities are a powerful combination for a superb family home. With or without horses, you’ll love it here.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Set well back from the tree and field-lined lane, behind a row of beautiful weeping willows and an unusual African hardwood tree, surrounded by your own totally private, peaceful land and wonderful countryside, it’s easy to forget that your new home is less than five miles from town.

Your land is accessed through three, 5-bar wooden gates. One of course leads onto your driveway, one into the side field, where there might once have been another cottage, and one on the other side to the stables. Here, you have a turnout yard and a field that was once the site of a manège, which could be restored, if you wish, the necessary base and drainage still below the surface.

Your largest field has never seen a modern plough. The inherent drainage qualities of its ridge and furrow system, as well as many of the wildflowers that grow here, make it the perfect paddock. And even without horses, it’s ideal for children to romp around in, to build dens and camp out. It’s a magical environment, where Red Kites and owls nest, swoop and soar between the old oak and ash trees. And where all manner of wildlife come out to play, not least mother duck and her brood from the nearby pond.

It’s fascinating to think of the families who have lived here, probably over hundreds of years. Step past the rose collection at the front, through the porch, and glance at the old photographs in the entrance hall. Though Kingsclere was built in the 60s, it replaced a thatched cottage that had fallen into disrepair. Today, you’ll no doubt want to put your stamp on your new home, maybe even extend in the future, though it has lots of light-filled space.

From a peaceful landing, all three bedrooms, with their sloping ceilings adding character, have a lovely outlook to wake up to, towards magnificent, bird-filled trees. But your main bedroom suite…...fling open the doors to the Juliet balcony; it’s difficult to imagine a more wonderful view with your morning coffee - countryside as far as the eye can see.

From your kitchen or office, the outlook is similarly tempting. And your sitting room, with its cosy stove, stretches the depth of the house and opens through French doors to a lovely sitting area. Harvest your own apples and plums. Relax in the shade beneath the cherry tree in the side garden, enjoying the antics of the long-tailed tits and woodpeckers. The perfect home for nature and your family to thrive.