Smithfield End, Swanbourne, MK17

The Old Laundry, Swanbourne

A Beautifully Restored 17th-Century Thatched Cottage, Combining Timeless Character with Modern Luxury

The Home

There is something incredibly special about a home with more than 350 years of history, particularly one that has been so thoughtfully brought into the present day. Nestled within the charming Buckinghamshire village of Swanbourne, The Old Laundry is a beautiful Grade II listed thatched cottage dating back to the mid-17th century, offering all the character and romance of a period home, with the comfort and reassurance of extensive modern refurbishment.

The cottage has undergone a comprehensive restoration in 2026. Considerable care has been taken to preserve its original charm while introducing a brand-new water reed thatched roof, new lime render, double-glazed windows, doors, electrical wiring, plumbing, a new boiler and beautifully refitted interiors. The result is a wonderfully characterful home, beautifully refreshed for its next chapter.

Step inside and the cottage's warmth and personality are immediately apparent. Exposed timber beams, traditional fireplaces and carefully considered finishes create an inviting atmosphere throughout, while the layout offers a lovely balance between cosy spaces to retreat to and rooms designed for spending time together.

The kitchen and breakfast room is a particularly welcoming space, thoughtfully refitted with classic Shaker-style cabinetry, elegant quartz worktops, a butler's sink and a central island with breakfast bar seating. Quality appliances, including Rangemaster and Bosch, bring everyday practicality, while underfloor heating adds a touch of luxury. French doors open directly onto the rear garden, making this a lovely space for slow weekend breakfasts, family gatherings and summer days spent moving between indoors and out.

The separate dining room is full of character, with exposed beams and a fireplace housing a wood-burning stove, creating a beautiful setting for everything from relaxed family meals to evenings entertaining friends. Equally inviting, the sitting room offers a cosy retreat, where a second wood burner provides the perfect backdrop to winter evenings spent curled up with a good book.

Upstairs, three bedrooms offer comfortable accommodation, each with the individual charm you would expect from a cottage of this age. A beautifully refitted en-suite shower room and separate family bathroom complement the bedrooms, both finished with quality sanitaryware and brassware, together with underfloor heating for that extra sense of comfort.

A useful cellar provides additional flexibility and storage, while the separate garden office offers a wonderful space for home working or creative pursuits, without compromising the peace and comfort of the main house.

For the current owners, the appeal has always been the cottage's wonderful sense of calm. Having enjoyed six years here, it has been a peaceful, welcoming home, combining historic character with an enviable village lifestyle and convenient connections to family, friends and London.

The Garden

The charm of The Old Laundry continues outdoors, where an approximately 85 ft. north-facing rear garden offers a wonderfully peaceful setting with beautiful views across the neighbouring countryside.

Predominantly laid to lawn, with established trees and mature borders, the garden provides an attractive and private space to enjoy throughout the seasons. A generous sandstone patio extends across the rear of the cottage, creating a natural setting for outdoor dining, morning coffee or relaxed evenings with friends. A pergola adds further character, while a timber shed and wood store offer practical storage.

Towards the rear, traditional post-and-rail fencing allows the countryside views to remain part of the garden's charm, giving the space a lovely sense of openness and connection to its rural surroundings.

The separate brick-built garden office is a particularly valuable addition, complete with fitted furniture and French doors opening onto the garden. Whether used as a dedicated workspace, a quiet reading room or a creative studio, it offers the flexibility so many buyers are looking for.

To the front, a gravelled parking area provides off-road parking for two vehicles, with gated access leading through to the rear garden.

Surrounded by privately owned estate land, the cottage enjoys an especially tranquil atmosphere, making it easy to forget just how conveniently positioned it is.

The Location

Swanbourne is a beautiful Buckinghamshire village, surrounded by rolling countryside and offering the kind of peaceful, traditional village lifestyle that is becoming increasingly sought after.

Positioned approximately two miles from the historic market town of Winslow, the village enjoys a wonderful balance of rural charm and everyday convenience. With a welcoming village pub, local shop, post office and countryside walks close to home, there is a genuine sense of community here.

Families are well catered for, with Swanbourne Church of England School and the independent Swanbourne House School located within the village, alongside a wider choice of schooling in the surrounding area.

Nearby Winslow offers a delightful selection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and local amenities, perfect for leisurely weekends and everyday essentials. Buckingham, Milton Keynes and the surrounding market towns are also within convenient reach.

For those commuting or travelling further afield, connections towards London are readily accessible, including rail services from Milton Keynes. It is this balance of peaceful countryside living and practical connectivity that has made Swanbourne such a wonderful place to call home for the current owners.

The Old Laundry is a home that offers far more than beautiful period features. It is an opportunity to embrace a slower pace of life, surrounded by countryside, history and character, without sacrificing the comforts of a thoughtfully refurbished modern home.

Garden

85 ft. North-facing rear garden, offering a wonderfully peaceful setting with beautiful views across the neighbouring countryside.

Disclaimer

By law, we must carry out anti-money laundering checks for buyers and sellers. These are handled on our behalf by Lifetime Legal, who will contact you once you instruct us to sell or have an offer accepted. An £80 fee (incl. VAT) covers required data and any manual checks. This must be paid before we can publish your property (for vendors) or issue a memorandum of sale (for buyers). The fee is non-refundable and paid directly to Lifetime Legal. We receive a portion of this fee for facilitating the checks.