Shaftesbury Avenue, Bedford

21 Shaftesbury Avenue is an excellent example of an Edwardian residence, with character features including original floor tiles, decorative fireplaces and wide bay windows, alongside generous rooms and high ceilings. The property has real warmth and charm and has been a much-loved family home.

What appealed to the current owners when they purchased the property 15 years ago was the space it offered, with c.2,000sqft spread over three storeys. Their family of four could grow into the house, and there were separate areas for both parents and children to appreciate.

The two connected reception rooms are especially versatile. The back room was a dedicated playroom when the children were little, allowing adults to relax in the front room without having to tidy up toys first. Today, they’re laid out as a lounge and a music room, with ample space for a piano. For more separation, it would be easy to add double doors. French doors at the back give immediate access onto the patio.

At the rear of the accommodation is open-plan kitchen/dining. This is a lovely, sociable space, where you can cook, eat and entertain all in one area. The dining space fits an eight-seater table, great for large families to sit down together for daily meals and Christmas lunch alike.

The style of the kitchen matches the property’s traditional, homely feel. Cream cabinetry is topped with stone surfacing, and integrated appliances include an oven, a hob and a fridge/freezer. There are gaps for a freestanding dishwasher and washing machine.

Upstairs, big, balanced accommodation continues. All four bedrooms are large doubles, with the full-width front bedroom especially spacious – and also benefitting from views through the trees into Russell Park. Two of the bedrooms have the advantage of an en suite shower room, while the remaining two share the family bathroom. There’s a cloakroom downstairs too. As well as fitted wardrobes in three of the bedrooms, there’s an easy-access loft on the top floor, providing a family with plenty of storage space.

Outside - The outside space at 21 Shaftesbury Avenue is a little oasis. Tall trees seclude the garden and grant privacy, and the mature, leafy setting is just delightful. You’ll even find grapevines winding through the branches. From the kitchen is a patio for outdoor dining, and in the back corner of the garden is another patio ideal for sitting outside with a coffee among the ivy.

At the front of the house is a courtyard-style area. A side gate connects front and back and allows you to bring bikes and bulky items through into the garden. Parking is available on the road.

Area - Perhaps the property’s biggest bonus is its position on the edge of Russell Park. The playground is directly opposite, with over 11 acres of greenspace and various sports facilities beyond. This couldn’t be better for a family! Being just 200m from the Embankment and about a kilometre from Priory Country Park means waterside walks and watersports are only a short stroll away. Families are also very close to Castle Newnham School and Bedford’s renowned Harpur Trust.

Bedford town centre is a 20-minute walk from the address. Here you’ll find food and drink options in abundance, an array of independent shops and businesses, as well as culture and entertainment. Commuters can walk to the station from Shaftesbury Avenue in half an hour, or cycle in under 10 minutes. Direct services from Bedford reach London St Pancras in as little as 40 minutes.