Leighton Road, Stanbridge

Seeking the safety, tranquillity and gentle pace of country living, Richard and his family decided to leave London behind and move to beautiful Bedfordshire. Over the following 25 years, they have improved, extended and upgraded their home at Corner Farm, transforming it into an exceptional equestrian property that encompassed all they wished for from the lifestyle change. “We wanted to escape the complexities of life in the city and for the children to enjoy country pursuits and playing out in the fresh air. It was important for us to be somewhere with green, open space but also within commuting distance of London – and this filled the brief perfectly. The children were able to grow up somewhere peaceful and safe while I could get to the station and travel into work in just 35 minutes.”

IMPRESSIVE HOME

Corner Farm caught their eye for both its exceptional location and great potential. It sat on a sizeable plot with scope for extending the house itself, as well as creating equestrian facilities. With a history reaching back to the 18th century – and with a neighbouring property that was once a coaching house – it is thought the original property was a labourer’s two-up-two-down cottage or possibly even an inn. Today, however, Corner House is a substantial country home, featuring five bedrooms, four bathrooms and four reception rooms. Outside, there are barns, stables and garages, as well as a large paddock and sand school. There is also an outbuilding incorporating a gym, with underfloor heating, and a sauna. “This has been a fantastic place for the girls to grow up and for us to host family gatherings,” he recalls. “It is a home that is ideally suited to a large or multi-generational family.”

ALL SEASONS

The ground floor of the house features flexible space that can be arranged to meet the needs of new owners. Rooms flow easily into each other, making entertaining easy, but equally doors can also be closed when privacy is required. The country-style kitchen breakfast room is a welcoming space with ample room for food preparation and storage, as well as family meals. A dual-aspect wood burner sits between it and the family room, ensuring both are toasty and warm in the colder months. “We have had some lovely Christmases at Corner Farm over the years,” says Richard. Both the large sitting room and the dining room are also superb social spaces and feature French windows that can be opened up onto the garden. “This was a lovely home in the summer too,” he adds.

COMFORTABLE LIVING

Two additional reception rooms could be arranged as offices, snugs or children’s playrooms. There is a ground-floor cloakroom and two exceptionally useful utility or boot rooms. “This was a very comfortable and easy house to live in – especially when everyone was coming in and out a great deal,” he observes. The bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor also ensured family members had ample space and that there was room for guests. “None of the bedrooms is smaller than a large double,” he says. “There are three en-suite shower rooms, plus the large family bathroom.” The sumptuous master suite encompasses an en-suite shower room and walk-in dressing room, and doors to a Juliet balcony can be opened on fine days. “This is another wonderful part of the house.”

OUTDOOR LIFE

The equestrian facilities were added to Corner Farm as two of the girls became more and more enthusiastic about riding. The paddock extends to two acres and could potentially hold scope for further development in the future (subject to the relevant planning permissions). “We were an active, outdoor family – we had quad bikes in the field in summer and we all loved using the gym and sauna,” Richard remembers. “But the paddock and outbuildings could have alternative uses and there is potential for the creation of a separate annexe if additional living space is required.”

EXCELLENT LOCATION

The family have now moved on to pastures new as the children have grown up and the adults have retired. “It was such a great home to us for such a long time, however,” he agrees. “The schools here are very good and there are great opportunities for walking, cycling and sports. There is ancient woodland close by – and yet we also have Milton Keynes, with all its amenities, on the doorstep, and we are well positioned for the M1 and Luton Airport.” He adds: “Corner Farm is in a fantastic location and offers everything a family could want.”

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.