Church End, Biddenham, MK40

This family residence of plentiful proportions exudes Scandinavian style, situated in beautiful Biddenham, where English countryside and convenient connections come in equal measure.
The owners were first attracted by the high standard of education offered by the Harpur Trust, and the location also proved perfect for Mr’s work. National and international travel is expedient, with major road networks, access into London from Bedford station, and Luton airport c.30 miles away.

The character of the road charmed the owners. Homes on Church End are individual, tucked away on a no through road. When they came to view 15 years ago, it was the quietness that stood out upon arrival at the address, and as the years have passed, they’ve treasured the community. Thoughtful residents look out for each other, and a WhatsApp group keeps people updated.

The environment here is typically village-like. It’s family-friendly, with a primary school and private healthcare on the doorstep, and amenities and activities within easy reach. Neighbouring Great Denham has a Sainsbury’s Local, a Post Office, doctors, dentists, a takeaway and two eateries, and Bromham has further facilities as well as The Mill for the nature reserve, fairy trail and café, beloved by dogs, children and adults alike. The Three Tuns a short walk away provides pub grub and a beer garden, and Corner 5 at Box End is recommended for meals alongside the water after a session on the lakes. Wide, open fields are in abundance for walking, and Mr is a keen cycler, with Biddenham and Bedford appealing with their riverside rides.

Having moved from Sweden 15 years ago, the owners brought distinctive elements back with them. There’s a ‘less is more’ approach to the interiors, with focus on quality materials and light colours. A muted palette covers the walls, and engineered oak spans most floors, with underfloor heating to tiled floors in the kitchen/dining, the en suite shower and family bathroom.

With substantial space throughout, including four double bedrooms, this property is made for families. The owners wanted to incorporate a reading nook on the landing, and natural light and airiness floods in here. This was a fifth bedroom, which could be reverted back, or swapped over to a workspace. They use bedroom two as a home gym, which has provision for an en suite. The master and second bedroom have built-in wardrobes, the landing has storage cupboards and a hatch to the part-boarded loft, while the ground floor has generous understairs storage.

They extended to the rear to introduce the open plan, but recognised families equally require separation. The circular flow works wonderfully, especially for hosting house parties, and versatile rooms are ideal for homeworkers as well as hobbyists. The lounge is primarily a movie theatre for the owners, and for Tour De France in July, and they installed wiring for surround sound for optimum conditions. This is a vast room, with a bow window overlooking the garden, and a log fire for warming the space.

The flexible main living areas consist of the kitchen, the dining area across the back, and the cosy snug area from the entrance hall, all joined with the garden through two sets of French doors. Sleek and full of storage, the monochrome kitchen is fitted in white gloss cabinetry with dark granite surfaces, and a range of Siemens appliances are integrated. The adjoining utility has further space for appliances and storage.
The dining area is bathed in brightness from skylights, so it’s no wonder the owners are often found at the dining table, if not outside. They love to be on the patio and deck in the fresh air, even when there’s snow on the ground—a great excuse, if needed, for lighting the firepit. This is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, and for stargazing, with very little light pollution allowing the sky to sparkle.

Although not overwhelming for beginners or the busy, the mature garden extends to 100ft, presenting opportunity to get your gloves on and trowel ready. It’s enclosed for children and pets, south-facing for lots of sunshine, and there are tall trees for privacy, shelter, and shade if preferred. To the front of the plot is an EV charging point, a recently re-laid multi-car driveway, and a detached double garage, ticking off all your car-related requirements.

For appreciating the garden and this peaceful position backing onto paddock as soon as you awake, the master bedroom has a Juliet balcony, where Mrs will lay out the yoga mat, starting the day with nature and namaste.