Gold Furlong, Marston Moretaine, MK43

This spacious double-fronted detached residence with three reception rooms, four bedrooms and two bathrooms stands just steps from The Forest Centre in the family-favourite village of Marston Moretaine.

The owners viewed other new homes in the area, but when this one hit the market, they jumped. One of many things that stood out was the quality, being built by Barratt Homes. Buying brand new in 2017, they’re the only owners, and they’ve kept the property to high standards. There are still a few years left on the NHBC guarantee too. Since moving in, they’ve made minor alterations such as painting walls, tiling kitchen splashbacks, boarding the loft, and laying artificial grass.

When looking to move, they wanted new, and they needed more space. And this house has plenty. Accumulating as you go isn’t a problem here. The four double bedrooms have room for wardrobes, the loft is expansive, and there are multiple storage cupboards (the airing cupboard houses the hot water tank, the boiler is in the utility, and heating is controlled by Hive). Alongside a driveway for two cars, there’s a detached garage delivering substantial storage, or additional parking if required.

The downstairs layout includes a generous lounge for gathering together, and two further reception rooms for separation. The reception rooms to the front are versatile depending on what you need now and in the future. An office is increasingly important in today’s world (the property has superfast fibre broadband available), and a playroom is a godsend for parents.

The kitchen at the back of the accommodation is fitted in grey gloss cabinetry topped with ample dark laminate surfacing. There’s a Carron sink and drainer, and integrated appliances including an electric oven, a gas hob, a fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. For casual dining, there’s space for a table and chairs too.

This family spends lots of time between the lounge and the kitchen. There’s potential to join the two rooms for an open layout, or to extend at the rear for a larger footprint (stp). In the summer, they’re outside more than in, and practically lived outside in lockdowns. The back door from the kitchen and the patio doors from the lounge afford fresh air, and bay windows to the front rooms bring lots of natural light. An armchair under one of these would make for a perfect place to read.

Outside, the garden has seen many birthday parties and barbeques. The artificial lawn makes for low maintenance, and also avoids muddy knees and paws. There are two patios for outdoor eating and drinking, and there are beds for plants and flowers, perhaps even herbs and veg.

Mr grew up in London, so Marston Moretaine provides a real sense of peace, being a village with countryside on the doorstep. The community is filled with families who have children at the local schools, and the social side includes classes, clubs, and a calendar of seasonal activities, which Mrs has appreciated. This development really appealed to them for its greenspace and its mix of house styles, and this particular property has the huge advantage of the Forest Centre just behind. Before, they’d drive over to walk the dog around the lakes and the acres of woodland and wildlife. Now they only have to take a few steps from the front door.

Also within walking distance is a wide range of amenities. Marston Moretaine caters to the everyday, with Co-ops, a Post Office, coffee shops, takeaways, restaurants, even a gym. Another big benefit is access not just locally via the A421, but further afield via the M1, and into London via Flitwick train station. Bedford and Milton Keynes are within a short drive, where there’s diverse retail, restaurants, and entertainment for all ages. You can’t get much more family-friendly than Marston Moretaine, and you can’t miss the opportunity on offer here at this home.