Church End, Biddenham, Bedfordshire, MK40

SINGLE-STOREY BARN CONVERSION WITH DOUBLE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY - BEAUTIFUL FOREVER HOME IN COVETED VILLAGE SETTING

All on one level, a charming 3 bedroom former stables, in a delightful position within Biddenham’s conservation area. Towards the end of a no-through lane, opposite the Norman Church of St James, Grange Barn is within walking or cycling distance of the railway station in Bedford. Part of a peaceful courtyard community centred around the old farmhouse, its double garage is another old stone barn, complete with an electric door and driveway parking screened from its lovely, private garden. With no onward chain, this is the first opportunity since the Millenium for any other fortunate family to live here.

It’s little wonder that Biddenham is so sought-after. Lying within a loop of the River Great Ouse, with picturesque surroundings, the village is on the edge of the county town, just minutes from the station - from where fast trains reach London in 40 minutes - and from road networks that make travelling by car a breeze.

Away from Bedford’s hustle and bustle, yet the market town’s supermarkets, shops and sports facilities, galleries, theatres and restaurants, cinema and music venues, not to mention the world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools and outstanding Free School, are just a short cycle ride away. There’s also an unusual number of facilities within the village itself, as well as just across the old golf course in Great Denham, where there’s a Sainsbury’s store, surgery and outstanding primary school.

Children can walk to highly thought of schools for all ages. Cricket, tennis and football are played on the Recreation Ground, and all manner of groups meet at the village hall. Cross the lane to Sunday service at the Norman, Grade 1-listed Church. Wander to the village pond along ‘coffin walk’, and on to the popular thatched pub and restaurant, The Three Tuns.

Stroll around the heritage trail and immerse yourself in the village’s rich history. Step out with your dog through the wildflower meadows, formerly fields farmed by Robert Whitworth - of the famous milling family - who leased Church Farm from the Wingfields, including your new home before it was converted. Young or old, two legs or four, this is a wonderful place to live.

MORE ABOUT THE PROPERTY 

You couldn’t ask for a nicer approach. At the end of the quiet lane, lined with lovely houses, watched over by the magnificent church, your heart leaps as you pass through the carriageway entrance beneath the old grain store into the former farmyard. It’s one thing that your new home - with its stone, slate, old-clay pantiles and weatherboarding - is beautiful to look at; it’s quite another that wherever you turn, the others are, too.

Step inside and you realise that the beauty doesn’t stop at your front door: a forty-year-old home yet four hundred years of history. In your mind’s eye, you see the horses being led into their stables and the children who used to swing like monkeys from the amazing beams.

Appropriately, a stable door opens from the low-stone-walled driveway to the kitchen. Though you may wish to put your stamp on your new home, there is absolutely nothing that must be done. The striking, rather charming maple and vibrant blue tones of the kitchen furniture lend a certain retro-modern edge, contrasting fabulously with vaulted ceiling oak timbers. Breakfast at the table in the centre of the room and cook with relatively recently installed Neff appliances.

Entertain friends in the dining room, with lovely old-pine floorboards beneath your feet - sourced from the original farmhouse – and with wonderful beams high above your head. Step down for coffee in the sitting room just beyond the low balustrade; so cosy in front of a winter gas fire.

Grange Barn has a timeless character that will appeal as much to the young family as to the retiree. That there are no stairs to climb is quite a bonus, with both the recently installed shower room and the bedrooms off a hallway that looks out towards the church. And wonderful bedrooms they are - including one that is currently fitted as a study - not least your main suite: fall asleep beneath a beamed and vaulted ceiling that you will never tire of waking up to.

Craft, write or bury yourself in a bestseller in the garden room, flung open come summertime to the old Yorkstone terrace, and to the soothing sound of the fountain. Wander along the cobbled path to the arbour bench, picking a pear, perhaps, an apple or a handful of cherries along the way. Butterflies and bees busy themselves amongst hellibores, hebes, pretty roses and sweet-scented lavender; finches flit between the flamingo salix and moonlight acer; all set against the backdrop of the church steeple. Heavenly!