Bedford Road, Northill, SG18

Occupying a plot spanning over 1.3 acres on the outskirts of the desirable village of Northill is this charming Grade II listed cottage. Dating back to the late 18th century, the property backs onto woodland and is surrounded by open countryside to offer a secluded rural setting.

The south-facing garden is a particular feature of the property, with a wide variety of established trees, together with productive fruit trees, ornamental flowering cherries and number of climbing and shrub roses. The garden has been landscaped to include long herbaceous borders and there are a number of seating areas from which you can enjoy different aspects of the garden and in the summer, al fresco dining. A small area of woodland borders a seasonal stream and from it there is gated access directly into Home Wood. The property also includes a poly tunnel and fruit cage offering ideal conditions for growing produce.

The garden has two ponds, one of them designed for wildlife, and the garden attracts a variety of creatures including hare, badgers and deer. The current owners enjoy the wake-up call of Woodpeckers and Red Kites in the morning, with Tawny Owls lulling them to sleep.

The property is accessed via a gated driveway that provides ample parking for multiple vehicles. Off the drive are two garages (one with a workshop area) an outside W/C and an outbuilding set up as a very useful home office. Further outbuildings within the grounds include a summer house overlooking an ornamental pond and a garden cabin, both of which have electricity connected, plus a further garden machinery store.

Formerly an entrance lodge house for the Ickwell Bury Estate, "Hare Cottage" was one of a pair of lodges originally occupied by estate staff. The property was extended in the 1970s and 80s, substantially increasing the footprint of accommodation, and planning permission has recently been gained by the current owners to further extend the living accommodation by creating a spacious kitchen / breakfast room should it be required.

Entering the light-filled property via the front door, you are greeted by a welcoming hallway with doors to the sleeping accommodation and kitchen. The cottage layout is thoughtfully arranged, with the bedrooms and bathrooms separated off from the main living areas. Practically, the boot room to side of the home is used as the everyday entrance to the property, opening directly as it does on to the kitchen and separate living room.

The 18ft living room features an impressive vaulted ceiling with exposed timber beams, double patio doors opening onto a terrace and a wood burning stove perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere during winter months. The living room is adjoined by a separate dining room with both rooms enjoying extensive views over the garden. The home's kitchen includes integrated appliances and hand painted units.

The four well proportioned bedrooms are all accessed directly from the main hall. The primary bedroom is located at the rear of the property with French style doors opening out to the garden and an adjoining en-suite with a generous shower. A four piece family bathroom with shower over bath serves the home's three further double bedrooms. Bedroom two is found in the original "lodge" at the front of the cottage and oozes character with exposed timbers and Ogee Gothic windows. The accommodation is completed by a utility/laundry room.

Being on the edge of Northill, Hare Cottage offers a balance of rural peace and the sense of community that village living gives you. From a gate at the rear of the plot you can follow the Greensand Ridge Walk into Northill in around 10 minutes, or alternatively there are hours of walks to be enjoyed through Home and College Woods and beyond without needing to use a car.

In Home Wood itself you will find a complex of ancient fish ponds, rabbit warren and perimeter ditch. Now a scheduled monument, they were attached to the medieval estate of Northill Manor. Today, the woodland is managed by Forestry England.

Northill's amenities include The Crown which serves food, a parish church, a village hall and a recently expanded lower school. There is a farm shop and café in nearby Hatch and the neighbouring village of Ickwell is within easy walking distance, with a focal point for the village being the large green, with its cricket pitch and pavilion. Ickwell is also famous for its maypole, and its annual 'May Day' event which includes a May Queen procession from Northill to Ickwell. There are also various events and air shows throughout the summer at nearby Shuttleworth House.

For the commuter, Sandy station is approximately 2.2 miles away and Biggleswade is approximately 3 miles away, with links into London Kings Cross and through London via St Pancras. The village is well placed for shopping facilities in Biggleswade, Sandy and Bedford which offer Sainsbury's Tesco and Waitrose superstores. The village's location has great transport links with the A1 being relatively close by.

Disclaimer: Please note we do not test any fixtures, fittings, apparatus or services. Any interested parties should undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements provided are approximate and photos are provided for guidance only. Potential buyers are advised to re-check the measurements before committing to any expense. Potential buyers are advised to check and confirm the EPC, estate management charges and council tax before committing to any expense. Floorplans are for illustration purposes only. Cooper Wallace do not verify the legal title of the property and the potential buyers should obtain verification from their solicitors before committing to any expense.