Church End, Milton Bryan MK17

23 Church End stands out in Milton Bryan because instead of looking like an ordinary Bedford Estate cottage, it looks like an old rural farmhouse from the 17th century.

It's hard not to be completely taken in as soon as you approach the cottage due to the picture-perfect picket fence and swooping path that leads you through the mature front garden to the front porch. You're sure to use the path when heading out on a countryside stroll, but when returning home in the car you'll utilise the ample driveway which is secured by a pair of five-bar gates.

The porch was added by the current owners to offer a place to remove coats and shoes before entering the home, and the first room you step into is a large reception. Originally the entirety of the downstairs space, the owners have opened this space up to create a multi-purpose room. Currently being used as a formal dining area to entertain guests, the east-facing front windows make this the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast in the morning sun. As there are three reception rooms, this space can be flexible to suit your needs and will make this home attractive to families of all ages and sizes.

The living room is adjacent to this dining area, and although open to it, it feels separate as a living room should. With windows on three aspects, it captures the sun from dawn to dusk. The front aspect offers a magnificent view of St Peter's Church opposite which dates back as far as the 15th Century. Although wonderfully bright in Spring/Summer, the log burner means this room will be attractive even in colder months.

The kitchen has been extended and refitted to not only match the character of the home, but also offer more flexibility. An impressive island has been installed to offer casual seating on two sides, and acts as a separator between the kitchen and a space that could be used for formal dining. Because of the larger dining room, we think this space would be better utilised as more casual seating so the chef can be kept company whilst cooking. Not only that, but it is next to the French doors which open up to the garden and patio, meaning you can mirror indoor/outdoor seating. Finished in a shaker style, the kitchen itself is a contrasting colour to the island so it stands out. An array of appliances including a range cooker and wine fridge make this arguably the perfect country kitchen, especially as there is a double bowl butler sink.

Off the kitchen is a further reception room which also leads to a utility room and WC. This extra reception room could be used as a home office or even a downstairs bedroom as it has fitted wardrobes/storage. This lends itself to being ideal for those who want a guest bedroom for older parents, or are even thinking about future-proofing for a last move. If the latter is the case, then the adjoining garage gives further potential to create a downstairs principle suite with ensuite which could have direct access onto the garden. If you were to do this, storage would still be available in the form of the workshop.

Upstairs what once were four bedrooms are now three. Although unusual to reduce the number of bedrooms, we think the owners were absolutely right to do this as they have created a lavish ensuite with freestanding bath for the main bedroom. Sensibly the owners have made it easy to reverse this as they opted not to brick the doorway to the landing.

The second bedroom is in the original cottage so has a chimney breast where fitted storage could be installed either side. The third bedroom can also fit a double, but would work as a comfortable single or even an additional home workspace. These bedrooms are served by the fully tiled shower room which has a walk-in shower. The ability to create more bedroom space exists thanks to the impressive pitch of the roof. Currently there is a large hatch with pull-down ladder providing easy access to storage, but the loft could easily host another bedroom and ensuite (stpp) should your family expand and you (understandably) couldn't bear the thought of moving.

Due to the ample downstairs space, the main garden is to the side of the cottage rather than the rear. What this means is you have a private south-facing garden which offers views of the church and surrounding oak trees. Because of this it is easy to forget you are in a semi-detached house, with you feeling more connected to the neighbours across the lane.

When in the garden you feel completely in touch with nature, and a small gate leads to the lane which also has footpath access directly into the magnificent Woburn Abbey Estate and Deerpark. This means endless country walks are right on your doorstep, and you can take a casual stroll into the village of Woburn which is about 2 miles away. Walking to Woburn isn't essential though as Milton Bryan has its own facilities such as The Red Lion pub which won National Food Pub of the Year Award and was a Finalist at The Great British Pub Awards 2025.