5 bedroom detached house

FABULOUS FAMILY HOME IN HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER, ACCESSIBLE RURAL LOCATION - WITH LOVELY VIEWS

Llanreath is a fine 5-bedroom, stone and slate home with a super kitchen and surrounded by its own lovely gardens and wonderful countryside. On a plot approaching half-an-acre, with about 3000 square feet of space, including a garage which could, perhaps, become something more. In the North Bedfordshire riverside village of Odell, along a tree-lined, no through lane with just nine other individually designed homes, it's hard to imagine a better environment for a family to live in.

Odell is just a short drive or bus journey from the County town of Bedford, fast trains to the Capital in under 40 minutes, and the world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools, as well as Rushden Lakes Shopping Village in the other direction. The village lies between the larger neighbouring villages of Harrold and Sharnbrook, home to Academy schools for all ages, a 9-hole golf course, the Mill Theatre, the Paula Radcliffe community gym and sports centre, and a Co-op and other independent shops, including a lovely little deli and cafe. Cambridge is just 35 miles away, Milton Keynes less than 20.

This is walking and cycling country par excellence. Just past the village’s distinctive 15th century church, visited by people from all over the world, is the ancient Odell Great Wood (“the noblest wood in this county”), the popular 17th century Bell Inn, and the lovely Country Park, with its café, lakes, nature reserve and meadows alongside the beautiful River Great Ouse. Wander through the Park to Harrold or, across the ancient bridge, to Carlton and its special little shop, where you can pick up the newspaper, fresh bread and locally sourced produce.

As soon as you turn into the lane, you have an idea that this is a special place to live for both adults and children. A few minutes in the house and gardens of Llanreath and you’re left in no doubt.

ABOUT THE PROPERTY

Not only does Llanreath look lovely, with its arched porch and varied rooflines, but it’s also been extremely well maintained. Built in 2000, immaculate inside and outside, the windows have been recently replaced, the boiler and the oil tank are still under warranty, oak doors have been fitted throughout, and high-end Amtico flooring laid, so you don’t need to panic when your dog escapes your clutches after a muddy walk.

The house is at once impressive and homely. As suited for entertaining at dinner parties and larger functions as for everyday family life. The super entrance hall is perfect for welcoming guests, and one of many spacious, light-filled rooms that ensure no one gets under each other’s feet.

The kitchen is a magnet for everyone, and with good reason. Lovely Shaker-style furniture, including island and dresser, houses top-end Siemens appliances. Interiors slide out for ease, lighting is zoned, boiling water is on tap, iced water is dispensed from the superb Fisher & Paykel at will, and wine can be plucked anytime from the cooler at just the right temperature.

The lovely bedrooms demand to be seen, not least the main bedroom, with its stylish shower room. All have built-in clothes storage, all are large enough for study space too, and all have wonderful countryside views that are just a joy to wake up to. Don’t be surprised if guests make a habit of staying over.

Despite its size, there’s no room cosier or more peaceful than the sitting room, with a roaring log fire in the inglenook in winter and a Mediterranean-style haven on the other side of bi-fold doors. Sit with evening glass of wine in dappled shade from the grape vine and scented jasmine cascading over the arbour, blue tits all a flutter atop the water fountain.

Catch the morning sun with coffee on the terrace beside the garden room. Children can play on lawns in view or out of sight, always in perfect privacy. The hedgerows and trees, including crab apple and eating apple, mountain ash and silver birch, teem with birdlife, bees busy themselves amongst the beautiful acers and the roses clambering the stone walls. Magnolias have their best days ahead. At Llanreath, so too do you.