Hazelwood Lane, Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45

A portion of a Grade II* listed Georgian country mansion with extensive parking, a detached double garage, and just over an acre of private garden with far reaching views over the adjoining.

Description

Occupying the entire western wing of an imposing Grade II* listed country mansion, Ashburnham Park House is an exceptional residence of remarkable scale and character, extending to just under 7,300 sq. ft. across four floors. Rich in architectural detail and steeped in history, this magnificent home combines elegant period grandeur with versatile family accommodation, all set within a beautiful rural setting overlooking open countryside.

Approached through the historic grounds, the property enjoys a distinguished position within the original mansion and benefits from extensive allocated parking for several vehicles. Behind its impressive façade lies a wealth of beautifully preserved period features, including soaring ceilings, ornate plasterwork, sash windows with shutters, original fireplaces and exquisite decorative joinery, all of which contribute to an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

The ground floor provides an outstanding balance of formal and informal living space. A magnificent drawing room and elegant dining room offer superb settings for entertaining, both featuring impressive proportions, intricate cornicing and working fireplaces. The kitchen/breakfast room forms the heart of the home, thoughtfully designed with bespoke cabinetry, quality integrated appliances and a substantial dining area centred around a characterful fireplace with wood-burning stove. A charming study enjoys far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape, providing an ideal home office or library.

The extensive accommodation continues across the upper floors, where seven generous bedrooms and four bath or shower rooms offer exceptional flexibility for family life, guests or multi-generational living. The principal suite is particularly impressive, enjoying beautiful garden views, bespoke wardrobes and a luxurious bathroom complete with freestanding claw-foot bath and separate shower. The second floor, originally servants’ quarters, offers a collection of spacious bedrooms that could equally serve as guest accommodation, teenage suites, playrooms or additional working-from-home space.

The lower ground floor provides a substantial range of ancillary accommodation, including a gym and workshop area together with extensive storage rooms, offering exciting potential for a cinema room, games room, wellness suite or further leisure facilities, subject to individual requirements.

Outside
The private south-easterly facing rear garden is a particular highlight of the property. Predominantly laid to lawn and bordered by mature trees, established hedging and colourful herbaceous planting, it offers complete privacy and a wonderful sense of tranquillity. Several seating and entertaining areas provide opportunities to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while a gate leads directly into adjoining private woodland. The elevated position affords delightful views across the surrounding countryside, creating an idyllic backdrop throughout the seasons.

History & Heritage
Ashburnham Park House forms part of a mansion with a fascinating and distinguished history. During 1771–1772, the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown was commissioned to enhance the estate grounds, introducing the naturalistic landscape style for which he became famous at some of Britain's greatest country houses, including Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth and Stowe. Over the centuries the mansion has served a variety of notable roles, including as the headquarters of Bovril and later as a Cheshire Home under the ownership of Group Captain Leonard Cheshire. In the 1990s the mansion was sympathetically converted into four substantial private residences, carefully preserving its period integrity and grandeur.

Today, Ashburnham Park House presents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant historic home offering unrivalled space, architectural beauty and a rich heritage, all within an enchanting countryside setting. A property of immense character and presence, it provides an exceptional lifestyle opportunity for those seeking a truly unique country residence.

Location

Gardens and Grounds
The mansion is on an elevated plot and is accessed via a gravel driveway which gives across to the house and the garage blocks. The property has a double garage with parking in front for three cars in addition to the five which can park in front of the house. The land in front is grassed with several mature trees, and slopes gently down from the mansion to open fields beyond The private rear garden is enclosed by a combination of mature hedges and close boarded fencing. There is a paved terrace which spans the rear of the property and has space for tables and chairs for al fresco dining, and there is also a further gravelled seating area on one side of the garden. The rest of the garden is laid to lawn with established herbaceous beds and borders which have been planted with a variety of shrubs and flowers to provide year round interest. One bed houses a Magnolia tree and there are also many mature trees interspersed throughout the garden.

These trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders because of the Capability Brown link. At the bottom of the garden, a hedge screens a compost area, and in one corner there is a gate leading to the adjoining woodland with footpaths connecting to the surrounding Ampthill Park. It is possible to walk into Ampthill via these pathways in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Square Footage: 7,640 sq ft