The Moat House, Castle Barns, Bletsoe, MK44

Set amid the unspoilt North Bedfordshire countryside, Castle Barns is an exceptional equestrian property offering not only over 2,100 sq ft of stylish accommodation but also outstanding riding facilities rarely found in such a picturesque and historic village setting. Part of a discreet development of 19th-century barns once forming part of the Bletsoe Castle estate.

This beautifully converted home benefits from a reverse-living layout, with vaulted living spaces on the first floor and four generous double bedrooms below. Together with an extensive and fully equipped yard featuring quality stabling, manége, and approximately 7 acres of well-maintained paddocks — ideal for both private use and competitive riding. The grounds are enclosed and tranquil, offering direct access to a network of quiet lanes and bridleways. Located in the friendly village of Bletsoe, with its 13th-century church, 17th-century Falcon Inn, and riverside charm, the property is just a short distance from Bedford’s renowned Harpur Trust schools and fast rail links to London, making this a rare opportunity to enjoy an authentic country lifestyle with first-class equestrian credentials.

Living Areas

The property’s show-stopping feature is the spectacular first-floor reception space, arranged beneath vaulted ceilings with exposed oak trusses and full-height brick walls, providing a welcoming atmosphere. The 30-foot reception room offers generous proportions for both relaxation and entertaining, with Juliet balconies framing far-reaching views over the paddocks and beyond. A wood-effect gas-burning stove is set against the red brickwork, and timber flooring runs throughout.

The kitchen, also located on the first floor, is well-appointed with painted cabinetry, timber worktops, and a breakfast bar. Twin windows overlook the garden, and there is ample space for informal dining. This leads to a formal double-aspect dining room, finished with the same exposed beams and elevated ceilings, perfect for entertaining while enjoying views across the land. There are steps leading to the courtyard garden from the first floor via an external staircase.

A striking oak and glazed staircase links the living areas to the ground floor, with a bright vaulted entrance hall and thoughtful built-in under-stair study space creating a welcoming arrival.

Bedrooms

The ground floor hosts all four bedrooms. The principal bedroom includes fitted wardrobes and a private en suite shower room, while two further double bedrooms offer views over the gardens and fields. A fourth double bedroom overlooks the courtyard garden.

There is also a family bathroom with a traditional suite and overhead shower, along with an additional shower room for guests. A separate utility room houses laundry appliances and provides additional storage, completing the layout.

Land, Gardens & Outbuildings

Castle Barns sits in a generous plot of approximately 7 acres, comprising formal gardens, fenced paddocks, and a smart courtyard setting.

To the rear of the house lies a walled courtyard garden, richly planted with perennials, shrubs, and climbing plants. A paved seating terrace offers a tranquil and sheltered space for outdoor dining. The front gardens are arranged around a gravelled path with symmetrical borders, and a double timber garage with a pitched roof provides secure storage or parking. The driveway continues to the equestrian yard and paddocks beyond.

Equestrian Facilities

The property is exceptionally well-suited to private equestrian use. A gravelled yard hosts a timber stable block with six loose boxes, a tack room, feed store and hardstanding, all discreetly positioned yet with excellent access via a private drive.

Beside the yard is a 43m x 25m floodlit manége with a sand and rubber surface—ideal for year-round training. Post-and-rail paddocks stretch out across the rear of the land, with gated access, natural shelter and mature boundaries providing excellent turnout conditions.

A long grass track leads between the fields, with access at both ends, enabling horses or vehicles to move independently of the residential areas—perfect for liveries or multiple horses. There is good hacking accessed from the rear boundary of the property with a network of bridleways nearby.

Location Summary

Bletsoe is an attractive north Bedfordshire village which benefits from a public house, church, village hall, playing field and children’s play park. Local shopping facilities are available in Sharnbrook and Clapham with more extensive shopping and leisure facilities available in the county town of Bedford, Northampton, Wellingborough, Milton Keynes and further afield in Cambridge.

The area is well served for schooling of all ages with bus services from the village. The renowned Harpur Trust Schools are situated in Bedford. Wellingborough and Kimbolton schools are close by. Further afield and readily accessible are Uppingham, Oundle, Oakham, Stowe and Rugby. The village is within the Sharnbrook Upper School catchment area. Schooling is offered in the neighbouring villages of Riseley and Milton Ernest.

The village benefits from direct access onto the A6 providing access to both the M1 motorway at junction 13 and A14 linking the M1 to the A1. For the commuter, Bedford station offers a fast and reliable Thames Link and EMR services into St Pancras and onto the city. For European and international travel Luton airport is within a 40 minute drive of the property with Heathrow, Stanstead and East Midlands airport further afield. Trains from Bedford station run to Gatwick airport.