Bedford Road, Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire, MK45

RENOVATED WITH STYLE – FAMILY HOME, WITH ENTERTAINMENT ROOM, GREAT GARDEN, GYM AND OUTDOOR SHOWER IN THE ORCHARD – LESS THAN 6 MILES FROM RAILWAY STATION

An individually designed, modern, 4-double bedroom, detached home standing well back from a residential street in the Bedfordshire village of Houghton Conquest. Recent rerouting of traffic has transformed its setting, just as renovation inside has transformed its living space. A super, open-plan kitchen extends through bifold doors to the porcelain terrace, and to a fabulous entertainment room with bar and attached gym. If gardens front and back of nearly a quarter of an acre, and driveway parking for at least five cars, with EV charging pod, weren’t enough, you even have an outdoor shower hidden beneath the orchard’s walnut tree.

Houghton Conquest is little more than five miles equidistant from Flitwick and Bedford, with both railway stations sending fast trains to London in about 40 minutes. The new Wixams Station will be less than four miles away and is being constructed to serve the planned Universal Studios resort nearby, as well as possible future trains to Europe. Luton Airport is just 17 miles away. With the A6, A421 and M1 within easy reach, too, your new home is unusually well connected, whilst being surrounded by countryside.

Adding to the world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools in the county town, the catchment schools are all rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, including the lovely little lower school a few hundred yards from your front door. Within a short stroll, too, is the glorious, Grade I-listed, 14th-century Church of All Saints, the largest parish church in the county; and the Knife & Cleaver, the highly regarded pub and restaurant opposite. The village stores and post office is just a few hundred yards away, as are the village hall and playing fields.

Part of the Forest of Marston Vale area, which has the distinction of being granted ‘National Forest’ status, Houghton Conquest is blessed with a choice of wonderful, circular Greensand Ridge walks, not least one that takes in Houghton House, the magnificent, ruined mansion where James I once stayed and which was probably the inspiration for John Bunyan’s ‘Palace Beautiful’ in ‘Pilgrims Progress’. Your new home is the epitome of modern family living in a beautiful and historic area that has something for everyone.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY 

Lilac, Forsythia, Deutzia, St John’s Wort and Euphorbia put on a year-round, easy-to-maintain show in bark-covered beds, as you pull into your drive and plug in your electric car. Glance up at the rooflines that provide a dramatic frame to the red brick of your new home, as well as the first hint of the sloping ceilings that add so much character to the bedrooms and stylish bathrooms.

Step into the entrance hall and it’s soon clear that not only is everything immaculate, but care and attention to detail have been taken to combine taste, style and practicality, whilst retaining flexibility for changing needs. Those charming jungle characters in one of the bedrooms look as if they’re part of a painted mural, though will just peel off as toddler becomes teenager. If you have no need for the super office, it could easily become a playroom, or a snug to add to the lovely sitting room.

Wall niches, some lit, are incorporated for designer radiators, televisions and displays. The bespoke staircase, with its beautiful handrail, steelwork and smoked glass, is unique. Even power points are carefully chosen.

If needed to house a classic car or two, the highly insulated, heated, entertainment room could easily revert to the garage that it once was – with the secure side gate still wide enough for drivable access. Indeed, it would also make a great garden office. Though for everyday family life and evening get-togethers with friends, for adults and teenagers, in summer and in winter, your new home works perfectly just as it is.

Cook, breakfast, relax over coffee and host dinner parties in one super space. Fold open both sets of doors to the terrace for summer garden parties. Play pool, with a drink from the bar. Pick your own grapes, greengages, apples and pears from prolific survivors of an old orchard. Harvest your own walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds - enough to keep you going all year long. Have fun practising Bonsai - or Niwaki - on the savin juniper.

Work out in your gym. Cool off beneath the outdoor shower. Sit out in sun or shade, during daylight or under solar and app-controlled evening lighting around the firepit. You won’t even need to lift a paintbrush here - just move in, relax and enjoy your new home.