Unique, Scandi-Inspired Modern Residence in Biddenham Village.

Unique, immaculate and energy efficient, this recently built residence sits on a 0.28-acre plot, in a prestigious postcode perfectly positioned for Harpur Trust schools and Bedford’s mainline station.

With attention to detail in every aspect, the owners worked collaboratively with an architect to create this individual home on the site of what was once an unassuming single-storey home. Demolishing and starting from scratch, they weren’t limited to the constraints an older property often presents, and were able to incorporate high ceilings and huge windows, as well as eco-friendly, high-tech and accessibility features. They were keen to ensure the home was a consistent temperature, and that it was filled with natural light, which can be seen in abundance from the first step inside.

Going a long way towards sustainable living, the property is highly insulated and triple glazed, with better than average airtightness, and has solar thermal panels (heating a 400l hot water tank), an MVHR system, LED lights, underfloor heating (controlled by 17 programmable thermostats), and an EV charger with a tethered cable. On the tech side, there’s also Cat 5 and coax cabling, and patch panels have the option to add to.

Throughout the home, there’s a unified, Scandinavian feel, with light grey porcelain floor tiles, ivory carpets, light woodwork, white walls that allow sunshine to bounce around, and glazed doors that allow brightness to travel. The interiors are minimalist, or a blank canvas for a bold style.

For accessibility, the property is suitable for single-storey living, whether needed now or in the future, with wheelchair access from the road to the front door, as well as wide walkways and level thresholds.

The ground floor offers ample living, sleeping and utility space, with a study to the front, a lounge to the rear, and the entrance hall in the centre, from which the open-plan kitchen/dining room unfurls, followed by the garden through sliding doors. The kitchen is fitted in sleek cabinetry showcasing clean lines, Corian worktops with an inset sink and pop-up sockets, and a range of integrated Neff appliances including an induction hob, two ovens, a dishwasher and a fridge. The utility room has gaps for further appliances, and the boot room/cloakroom houses the boiler and the water softener.

There are three bedrooms, a four-piece bathroom and a guest cloakroom on the ground floor, with the dual-aspect primary bedroom benefitting from a four-piece en suite and a dressing room. To the first floor are two more bedrooms, set privately at either end of the long, galleried landing, and both with a walk-in wardrobe and a three-piece en suite. The space on the landing is versatile, and it’s here the owners read the newspaper and watch birds from the balcony.

Outside, the southwest-facing plot is a peaceful place to be, seeing transformation when 180 tonnes of topsoil were offloaded in order to level and landscape. The generous porcelain patio has an electric awning providing shade if preferred, and there’s space on the lawn for sheltering in a summerhouse. Planting is mature, and trees include plum, apple and twisted hazel. An area to the side of the garage is useful for collecting rainwater and hiding bins, and an area at the back of the garden would be great for composting. To the front, resin driveways and the double garage provide plenty of off-road parking, and to the side of the house is a space that would fit a boat or a caravan.

The modern, monocouched, geometric property juxtaposes not only its mature plot, but also the leafy, tree-lined lane it’s located on. Darlow Drive is an exclusive crescent of high-end homes, set off the main Biddenham Turn to Bedford. Biddenham has a pub, a private hospital, a sports pavilion and a primary school, and is on the doorstep of picturesque countryside. The village is popular for those looking to be near but not quite in the town centre, and within close proximity of esteemed education such as the Harpur Trust and Biddenham International School. Biddenham is particularly well placed for travelling locally, nationally and internationally, with Bedford station just a mile away, London reached direct by rail, and Milton Keynes easily accessible by road. Luton airport is around 45 minutes away, and Gatwick airport is on the Bedford–Brighton train line.