New Road, Bedford, MK44

River Cottage is an enchanting, Grade II listed, riverside home, dating back to the 18th century. It was formerly the dwelling of the renowned romance novelist, Dame Barbara Cartland, in the 1940’s. Separate to the main home is a charming annex, Timber Cottage, boasting lots of space and many quirky features, all on a plot of around a third of an acre. This home is ideal for multigenerational living or to run a business from, offering very flexible accommodation and many facilities. The gardens at the rear lead to a lagoon with private mooring and also gated access directly onto the River Ouse.

Ground Floor

River Cottage is laid out offering two distinct family areas in the home. With two entrances at the front, the entrance on the left leads into a modern Kitchen and breakfast room, with a utility room attached. The Kitchen then leads into one of two family areas, which has a ground floor shower room, a double bedroom, currently used as an office, with dual aspect and lots of natural light. There is also stair case access leading to the first floor. The second ground floor entrance leads into the dining room and living room area, with beautifully exposed beams throughout with two brick fire place chambers. There is a cosy conservatory providing a peaceful area to unwind and also a character ground floor bathroom with heritage style sanitaryware. There is a second stair case providing access to the first floor.

First Floor

The first floor is accessed via two separate staircases, offering two separate family areas to the home. The first staircase leads up to a double bedroom, with an adjacent snug which has the potential for many other uses. The second stair case leads up from the dining room with access to two large double bedrooms and a lavatory. There is wooden flooring, ledge and brace internal doors, and an abundance of natural light with delightful views of the garden.

Annexe

The self-contained annexe boasts a large open living area, including kitchen/lounge/dining facilities. The ground floor also has two double bedrooms, a shower room and a storage space. The first floor is very quirky with a vaulted roof and many exposed beams. There is plenty of storage and flexible usage, currently with another bedroom and snug area.

Outside

The plot is circa 0.3 acres and the beautiful rear gardens are south-eastward facing benefitting from plenty of sunlight. There is off road parking on the front drive way, and a lagoon with private mooring in the rear garden, which is often visited by swans. There is gated access directly onto the River Ouse, offering wonderful views and various walking routes along the river. If you head towards Bedford you will arrive at the well renowned Danish Camp, offering delicious food and drinks at a scenic river side location. For boat owners, there is private mooring off the Great River Ouse where you can navigate approximately 255 kilometres of eye-catching waterway.

Location

The picturesque village of Great Barford is in a fantastic location, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Three miles to the A1, and five miles to Bedford Town and Sandy train station, both with train access to London in around forty to fifty minutes. The village is known for its All Saints Church, with a 15th-century tower, and its similarly ancient bridge. The surroundings and historic buildings also make it a favoured destination for canoeing, angling, picnics and wild swimming. There is the very popular riverside pub/restaurant, the Anchor Inn, several other restaurants, a surgery, post office and much more.

Agents Note –The home is adjacent to the River Great Ouse.?We advise all buyers to do their own research into the risk and increased costs associated with purchasing a home of this nature.

Services

Connected to all mains gas, water, drainage and electricity

Local Authority

Bedford Borough Council - Tax Band F & B

Directions

The property is situated 100m from the bridge on the right hand side of New Road.

Agents Notes

All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given and that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure.