Darby Close, Shenley Lodge

VERSATILE LIVING

Over the years, the three-storey, Shenley Lodge house and its location have indeed been ideal. Most of all, the family has appreciated the immense versatility of the property as it has evolved to meet their changing needs. “In addition to having the room downstairs that was able to have different uses at different times, we also have two large landings here – one on the first floor and one on the second floor. These have been used as office areas at different times and were especially useful in lockdown, when we were working from home. It meant none of the bedrooms had to be changed into offices.”

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

With an abundance of kerb appeal and making a striking, immediate impression at the end of the cul-de-sac, the handsome, five-bedroom house is entered via a central front door and reception hall. The main sitting room is to the left, reaching from front to back of the house and presenting a dual aspect. “This is a lovely, peaceful room that has French windows on to the sunny garden. There has always been plenty of room in here for everyone to spend time together and for family gatherings and parties.” A ground-floor cloakroom and the dining room, snug, playroom or teenagers’ den are on the opposite side of the hall. The kitchen breakfast room and utility room are at the back of the house and both open on to the garden. “The kitchen is large enough for a table to seat 12 people so has also been great for daily living and special occasions.”

DELIGHTFUL GARDEN

Indeed, the kitchen also has French windows that can be pulled back to allow indoor-outdoor living. “We have had children’s birthdays here, engagement parties and wedding anniversary celebrations – we have had singers, jugglers and even a flamenco guitarist!” the other owner says. His wife adds: “When the children were young we had climbing frames and trampolines in the garden, but then, when they grew up, we had it paved for low maintenance and it became like another room in the house – a lovely place where we could sit and relax and watch the birds in the trees and enjoy the beautiful sunsets.”

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

The bedrooms and bathrooms are arranged over the top two storeys of the property. Three bedrooms, including one with a walk-in dressing area and en suite shower room, are on the first floor, along with the family bathroom. Two more large bedrooms are on the top floor and one of these has an en suite shower room. “New owners could choose to have their master bedroom on the first floor and give their teenage children the entire top floor – it would be easy enough to make the bathroom up here into a Jack and Jill,” he observes. “Again, there are lots of different options here.”

FOND MEMORIES

The owners agree they will miss everything about the house, including its exceptional Shenley Lodge location. “The proximity of the train station was ideal for us when we had to commute into London,” she recalls. “We can get to shops, supermarkets, nice pubs and central Milton Keynes easily and can walk to both Furzton Lake and the Teardrop Lakes.” Her husband adds: “When the children were at primary school, we could walk them in past the duck pond, which was lovely.” Now the children are grown up, the couple have decided to downsize and relocate. “We are very sorry to be leaving this house and this community, where so many of the people have been here as long as us,” she says. “But we will take fond memories with us when we go and it is nice to think of another family being as happy here as we have been for all this time.”

SETTING THE SCENE

Standing tall at the end of Darby Close, the three-storey house is set back by a small front garden. A driveway and double garage are to the side of the property. To the rear, the house opens up on to a south-facing garden. A tree-lined lane behind the garden not only provides privacy but also a sense of leafy, semi-rural living.

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.