4 Bedroom Detached Cottage, Beautiful Detached Four Bedroom Cottage, Packed with Character.

Situated in the peaceful hamlet of Lower Shelton, between Bedford and Milton Keynes, is this exquisite character property packed with period features and presented in outstanding style.

Built in the late 19th century and extended and updated in the 21st, there’s a harmony of traditional aspects of an 1800s home, with comforts and conveniences of modern day. The windows have been replaced under current ownership, while the exposed beams and brickwork remain, and the new flagstone floors have underfloor heating, while the snug has tiled flooring that would have kept feet warm centuries ago, taking heat from the fire (there are three original fireplaces in the house).

It’s this character that drew the current owners to the property in 2006. Mrs came to view while Mr was at work, and she had ‘the feeling’ as soon as she stepped inside. When Mr viewed soon after, he of course felt it too, and the deal was sealed. At the time, the house had dark wood, dark walls and dark carpets, but they knew they had the vision to create a bright, beautiful home. And they’ve definitely done that! The property is light and uplifting, with each room cosy and comfortable.

One of the first things they did was add the fourth bedroom, and maximise the space in the master for an en suite and a walk-in wardrobe. Three of the four bedrooms are doubles, the smallest is still a good-sized single, and the master is huge, with outlooks to fields in front. The pristine bathroom is in a period style, with a white suite, chrome fixtures and fittings, and bold blue touches.

The downstairs accommodation spans generous spaces connected to yet distinct from each other. A side extension was added a few years ago, and this is the heart of the home, comprising the kitchen, a dining area and a sitting area. Everything happens in here, from cooking and eating, to chatting and drinking, to working and playing, and it’s been the perfect place to gather together as a family at Christmas. The vaulted ceiling and the skylight over the kitchen allow sun to stream in, and there’s also a bow window to the front.

The kitchen is stunning, fitted by Wren in a timeless design, with plenty of storage and surfacing, plus a central island with an inset sink. There are integrated appliances including two fridges, two freezers, a dishwasher and a wine fridge, as well as a gap for a range oven. The adjoining utility has further storage and surfacing, a gap for a washing machine, and leads to the shower room.

When you need somewhere away from the main hub, the lounge and the snug are ideal, separated by a sliding barn door. The lounge is particularly spacious, with an immaculate carpet for more cosiness, the fireplace for warmth, nooks and alcoves for storage, and dual aspects for lots of light. The snug has a stable door straight onto the garden.

The garden is a feast for the senses, with colour in all corners, fragrant florals, and the sounds of birds and bees. It’s a suntrap too, and there’s little maintenance needed to enjoy it. The artificial grass won’t require mowing, and the plants need only pruning. To the front, there’s another garden area, gravelled and paved for ease, and with more pretty planting, featuring a fabulous flamingo tree. The driveway to one side provides parking for two or three cars.

The property is positioned opposite fields on Lower Shelton Road, a rural spot with country walks in all directions. Stewartby Lakes is on the doorstep, as are Marston Thrift, The Forest Centre and Millenium Country Park. Marston Moretaine offers the nearest schooling and amenities, and Wootton and Cranfield are only a little further. The county town of Bedford and its mainline station are 15-20 minutes away by car, the market towns of Ampthill and Woburn are around 15 minutes away, and Milton Keynes city centre is within half an hour.