Markham Rise, Bedford, MK41

Goals to get on the ladder? Deciding to downsize? Plans for an investment property? Here we have the house for you, in a quiet, convenient spot close to amenities, schools, and countryside too. A favourite for young families in particular, the Aspire development presents modern homes built in light brick, and Markham Rise is a cul de sac with fields beyond.

The house itself appeals to many, from first-timers, to small families, to landlords looking for a readymade rental. Being compact, it’s quick to heat, to hoover and to clean, making for easy upkeep for busy professionals and parents. Bought from new in 2016, reserving in 2015 before any bricks had been laid, the owners, first-time buyers at the time, knew this was the right house in the right location.

The owners feel safe on the development, and the community is lovely. Children play together at the parks and playgrounds, one of which is just steps from the house, and the address is close to Renhold and Putnoe primary schools, Mark Rutherford secondary, as well as recommended local childminders.

Being next to Renhold, residents benefit from nearby Pells Farm Shop, and the popular Polhill Arms pub, where there are food trucks on Fridays during the summer. There are rural walking, dogwalking and running routes on the doorstep, and the owners like the route along the river to Danish Camp, or the walk that passes a field of pigs, for which they’ll have apples or carrots ready.

As well as connection to nature, there’s also accessibility to amenities. The property is close to retail parks and supermarkets, gyms and sporting facilities, and places to eat and drink. It’s minutes to the A428 and A421 for getting into town and venturing further afield, and you can be in London by rail in only 40 minutes from Bedford station. The town centre offers a wide range of restaurants, an array of entertainment, and the renowned riverside Embankment. There’s something for everyone.

As for the accommodation on offer, there are good-sized rooms throughout the home. The owners have cleverly laid out the lounge to include play space for their son and a workspace for them, and have had fibre installed directly to the home (FTTH), which is a real advantage for homeworkers. It’s bright, light, cute and cosy, yet with capacity for a big corner sofa. With a smaller sofa instead, you could incorporate a dining area, giving the ability to host dinner parties. French doors onto the patio are great for garden parties.

For the cooks, the kitchen has everything you need, with ample cabinetry and surfacing, a stainless steel sink and drainer, a gap for a washing machine, and integrated appliances including a fridge/freezer, an oven, hob and extractor.

Across the hall, over Karndean Australian walnut flooring, is the cloakroom to the front, and a cupboard under the stairs, handy for things like the hoover. There’s a hatch from the landing to the loft, which provides additional storage for suitcases, seasonal and sentimental items.

Upstairs, bedroom one is a good-sized double with a generous built-in wardrobe and another storage cupboard. Currently a hybrid of bedroom and office, bedroom two is big enough for a double bed, still with space for furniture, and a desk if needed. The contemporary bathroom is fitted with a wc, sink, and a panelled bath with a shower over and a glass screen. There’s vinyl flooring and attractive stone tiling too.

The garden is zero maintenance, consisting of paving and artificial grass, all surrounded by fencing, keeping dogs and toddlers enclosed. There’s space for seating, a barbeque, toys for little ones, and a shed for extra storage. A gate leads to the two allocated parking spaces at the rear, and there’s bay and road parking to the front for when friends and family come to visit.

It’s clear the owners have really looked after this property. It’s been their pride and joy, their first home, their son’s first home, and somewhere they’ll be sad to leave behind.