High Street, Swineshead, Bedfordshire, MK44

GRADE II-LISTED COTTAGE OPPOSITE THE CHURCH IN GLORIOUSLY PEACEFUL VILLAGE

A delightful, 3-bedroom, detached, 18th century country cottage, extended in the ‘50s and ‘90s and overlooking the beautiful 14th century church in the conservation area of the picturesque village of Swineshead. Lilac Cottage sits in its own lovely gardens, with a wisteria walkway from its driveway and double garage and enjoys an enviably peaceful spot.

Swineshead is a rare, unspoilt little village where the cares of the day melt away as soon as you turn into it. Beautifully rural yet only 20 minutes away from the county town of Bedford, its world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools and its fast trains reaching London in 40 minutes. Luton Airport is only just over 30 miles away.

A short cycle ride or decent stroll takes you to the larger village of Riseley, with its C19th pub famed for its good food and beer, its shop and its popular little primary school. Sharnbrook Academy and Sixth Form is a little further on. Kimbolton, with its top private school, independent shops and the excellent New Sun Inn is a 7-minute drive along the country lanes. Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre is only about 10 miles.

The village is full of other gorgeous, timber-framed properties. Its iconic K6 telephone box has even been listed and hence safeguarded. Described by Pevsner, who was not one to lavish praise, as an “impressive Decorated church” and “beautifully fitted up”, the Grade I-listed, C14th Church of St Nicholas watches over your new home, remaining open to visitors throughout the day.

Cross the lane with your dog and be in fields in seconds; wander to ancient woodland, a site of scientific interest where English bluebells thrive under the great oaks; and if you are up to it romp through lovely countryside to Upper Dean, with the obligatory stopover at the traditional country pub there. This is a lovely place to live.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY 

Never has the phrase ‘pretty in pink’ been more apt. The lovely colour of the cottage is distinctive but subtly charming, with the contrasting, white Pyracantha reaching toward the old-clay pantiles that have taken the place of the thatch of days gone by.

Aubrieta tumbles over the low stone wall, and to its side, near the pantiled garage, a wise old Yew nods to its kin in the churchyard across the lane, while St Nicholas’ magnificent tower watches over a front garden stocked with vivid blue Ceanothus and a mass of Veronica hebe beloved by bees, with bellflowers, roses, peonies and irises surrounding a striking, yellow Spanish broom taking pride of place in the border.

Not content with such a glorious welcome to your new home, sweet-scented, white wisteria cascades in springtime from the timber pergola as you wend your way to the side door. The name plate at the front tells us that Lilac Cottage was built around 1740, though it has been much added to since the early 20th century, when Mrs Packwood rented the cottage from Lord St John of Bletso for £2/12/- per annum.

There were two rooms downstairs then, with a ladder to two attic rooms. Today, you have two staircases, one to a single bedroom or study, complete with shower room, the other to two larger bedrooms, not least the lovely, vaulted-ceilinged main bedroom where you step over a timber girt in the doorway and awake to views of the church and the wonderful Moat Farmhouse.

Entertain friends in a timber-framed dining room that takes up the old house, a woodburning stove now in the inglenook fireplace where Mrs Packwood’s kitchen range once stood. The higher-ceilinged extension is tastefully in-keeping with its lovely, natural oak floor and reclaimed brick fireplace, so cosy in wintertime.

Breakfast between the sitting room and the painted wood Shaker kitchen or throw open French doors in summer to either side of the house and eat al fresco, the air filled with birdsong from the striking Whitebeam and the scent of garden thyme and lavender from the lawn’s borders. A pretty Musk rose clambers through the old apple tree, near a well from where Mrs Packwood drew her water. The drudgery has long gone; the tranquility remains.