27 Peacock CottagesLidlington | Bedfordshire | MK43 0QT

27 PEACOCK COTTAGES

A substantial and very well presented family home standing in around two acres of land with exceptional equestrian facilities. These include a new stable block, generously proportioned manège and direct access to extensive bridleways including several miles of all-weather tracks.

The present owners have modernised and extended the original Duke of Bedford house with the addition of an attractive porch and hallway to an annex with its own living-room, kitchen, study/bedroom and large shower-room, in total covering nearly 300 sq ft. The hallway also opens to a large and beautifully appointed L-shaped kitchen with breakfast bar at the heart of the house. The kitchen incorporates a sitting room with traditional fireplace leading to the conservatory with its views of the well-kept rear garden.

A further large sitting room with french doors to the garden, working fireplace and a study area with built-in cupboards and bookcases completes the downstairs accommodation, most of which features a high-quality real wood floor.

Upstairs are three substantial double bedrooms with views of Marston Vale and the surrounding agricultural land, and a family bathroom all accessed from the upstairs landing.

The equestrian facilities include three sizeable boxes – one suitable for foaling – a wash bay and a large tack room. Two of the original brick stables also remain, with a third smaller stable currently used as a hay store. Hard-standing to the rear of the stable block easily accommodates a lorry or trailer.

The manège measures at least 25m by 45m with excellent drainage for all-year riding.

The paddocks are mainly sandy soil with a gentle slope throughout which is also conducive to good drainage.

The large graveled driveway provides parking and turning space for several vehicles. It also accommodates a large brick-built and recently renovated single-storey studio suitable for a variety of uses.

Seller Insight Peacock Cottage is a large and beautifully presented family home that sits in around two acres of land, and boasts exceptional

equestrian facilities. The house originally dates back to c1910, but in the past few years it has been beautifully refurbished by the current owners. “We bought the house fourteen years ago and above anything else it was the setting and the superb amount of land that attracted us to it,” says Rebecca. “We’d been looking for an equestrian property, but nothing too daunting. We simply wanted enough space for our horses and all the things needed to look after them properly, but not somewhere with hundreds of acres to maintain, and Peacock Cottage fitted the bill perfectly. Here we have just a couple of acres, a large portion of which has been split into paddocks; we’ve built a lovely new stable block, a wash bay, a feed room and a huge manege, and a big plus is the fact that the land is one a bed of sand, so the horses can graze and we can ride all year round.”

“The house itself is just lovely, but when we came here it was definitely in need of a fair bit of modernisation. The layout was wrong, it simply didn’t flow, and we needed more space as my mother-in-law was coming to live with us. So we added a large extension, which created the self-contained annex, we moved the kitchen to the heart of the house – which is now the most beautiful space ever – and we’ve redecorated from top to bottom. It’s now very much a modern home for modern living, but we’ve retained period feature such as the old wooden floors and some lovely old fireplaces so there are touches of character here and there. I’d say it has that perfect blend of old and new.”

“We’re right on the edge of Lidlington, which is a lovely little village with a school, a shop, a pub and a station from where we can catch a train and then arrive in Kings Cross in around forty minutes,” says Rebecca. “In fact, we’re surrounded by an array of well-served towns and villages; I always say that we’re no more than six minutes from everything. It’s also a fabulous area for riding. There are a number of bridleways close to the property, and across the road is a wooded area that will take you to Centre Parks in Woburn, which has an all-weather sand track running right the way around the perimeter.”

“As well as the annex within the house, we also have a large brick-built building that was a garage, but has since been converted into a studio. I currently run my business from it, but I’d say that it has huge scope to be turned into accommodation, perhaps for guests or to be run as an Airbnb. ”

“We’re moving to be closer to family, but if that wasn’t the case I would quite happily spend the rest of my life in this house,” says Rebecca. “It’s been such a happy home and in my mind it’s perfect in every way; I love it and if I could pick it up and take it with us, I really wouldn’t hesitate.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

My favourite room is without doubt the kitchen; it’s stunning,” says Rebecca. “It’s a huge room that flows seamlessly into the conservatory, so it’s a place for cooking, eating and relaxing,

a real social hub of the home, and the design is slightly Scandinavian, so the whole rooms feels bright and fresh. I absolutely love it.”

As well as the equestrian facilities we also have a very lovely garden,” continues Rebecca. “My mother-in-law essentially bulldozed the whole space and then started from scratch, and what she has created is stunningly beautiful. We have a pretty lawned area, lots of beautiful plants and a couple of gorgeous old trees, including a rather impressive willow, which is nice to sit under if you want a

bit of shade. The whole space is a very peaceful very private place to sit and relax, and it also creates a really lovely outlook.”

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The location of the property is eminently suited to those who enjoy riding as there are several bridleways close to the property and in particular a wooded trail which will access the perimeter all weather sand track around the Centre parks resort near Woburn. The village of Lidlington can offer schooling, a shop and public house and direct rail link to London Kings Cross (approx. 40 mins).

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate 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 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. Printed 10.09.2019

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