Rooms

THE ONLY CHOICE
Dating back to 1998, the two-storey house offers bright, welcoming accommodation. Since moving in, the family has made it their own, with touches such as landscaping the garden, extending the driveway to accommodate up to nine cars and adding a new en suite shower room. They have also redecorated throughout, keeping the colour scheme largely neutral to make the most of the natural light. “It has worked really well for us,” says Alan. “When we first saw it, we knew it would be perfect and we were determined to get it. In fact, at the time, we decided it was this house or we wouldn’t move at all!”

HAPPY TIMES
Imposing Gallowgate, which is set on a cul-de-sac of just six houses, is entered via a central reception hall. To the left is the original dining room, which could have a range of different uses. “This has been my father’s sitting room,” Kara explains. “But new owners may wish to have it as a dining room, study or children’s playroom.” Opposite this is the very large drawing room, which is dual aspect, with French windows on to the garden, and stretches the entire depth of the house. “This is the sitting room that Alan and I use and is also the main reception room for the house,” she says. “It is a lovely room that is excellent when we have visitors. In the summer, we can open the doors up on to the garden so everyone can wander in and out. We have had some lovely family barbecues and birthday parties here.”

SUMMER DAYS
Also downstairs is a study. This is used by Lydia as her own sitting room, but it could make a great home office, snug or teenagers’ den. There is also a downstairs cloakroom. The kitchen breakfast room is to the rear of the house. This is another good-sized area, with French windows that give on to the outside space. “There is lots of room in here for a table so this is where we spend lots of time, cooking, eating and coming in and out from the garden,” says Alan. “It is a nice light room, which is especially pleasant when the weather is warm.”

EASY LIVING
All five bedrooms are on the first floor of the house. Alan and Kara have the master bedroom, which overlooks the garden and has access to a Jack-and-Jill shower room. Kara’s father has the second bedroom, which also benefits from its own shower room, while the remaining three bedrooms have access to the family bathroom and the Jack-and-Jill shower room. “This works very well for us,” says Lydia. “The main bathroom has a beautiful, free-standing bath.” Kara and Alan’s son also lived at home for a time, with his girlfriend, and the arrangement of rooms ensured everyone had their own space but there was still space for overnight guests. “Alan now uses one of the bedrooms as his office,” Kara adds. “Again, the flexibility here has been ideal.”

SUPERB SETTING
The move to Hartwell has also been a great success. They have enjoyed their proximity to Milton Keynes and Northampton, while also being close to local shops and other amenities. “I work in Milton Keynes and have really appreciated the 15-minute drive home through open countryside,” Kara admits. “By the time I get back I already feel extremely relaxed.” The village has been a friendly place to live, where neighbours are there if needed but everyone enjoys their privacy. “We have enjoyed heading out from here on great walks,” Alan adds. “We tend to go to Salcey Forest most days.” The family is hoping to stay in the area when they move, but everyone agrees they will miss Gallowgate. “We have had the space we have needed for our family,” Kara adds. “Yet the flexibility the house offers means it could also be ideal for others with different requirements.”

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.