Grade II Listed Former Rectory, Lavendon, Nr Olney

Located in Lavendon, Buckinghamshire, The Old Rectory is a unique and outstanding Georgian residence, rich with character throughout, with extensive accommodation over three storeys, and positioned on a 0.42-acre south-facing plot in a secluded location.

Dating back to 1802, this Grade II-listed former rectory for the neighbouring 11th-century church has been a family home for the last few decades, seeing significant and sympathetic restoration since the current owners became stewards in 2001. They retained original shutters, skirting and sash windows, added grandeur and elegance, and brought features back to life, including the Corbel and Highgrove fireplaces.

Entering the plot down a lane off Olney Road, it’s only when you pass through the electric gates and along the gravel driveway do you first set eyes on the imposing Georgian property. The privacy the plot affords was one of many appeals for the owners, and a rare advantage. Other than the church’s clock tower, there’s very little overlooking the walled wraparound gardens. Tall trees screen the site (the Norway spruce and giant sequoias have TPOs), and the owners have toiled to take the garden from lifeless to lush, with beds stocked with flowers such as rose and peony, trees such as fig, hazelnut and plum, and dense jasmine and passionflower climbing the house. There’s also a side courtyard, a detached garage to one corner, and a useful 0.24 acres of land beyond the main garden reached through a wrought iron gate with potential for further development subject to planning permission.

Inside, the accommodation is flexible, with six bedrooms over the first and second floors, five being considerably sized, the sixth a small double used as a music room. Bedroom two is currently used as a dressing room. One of the top-floor bedrooms is used as a study and sewing room, benefitting from a large Velux window for working under natural light. The primary bedroom has an en suite shower room, and there are two bathrooms, one of which has a Royal Doulton sink and a freestanding cast iron bath. The galleried landing on the first floor is fitted out as a library, and this is a wonderful spot for reading, with a window seat for appreciating the outlooks of the church.

To the ground floor, there are two reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room and a utility/boot room. Both reception rooms are substantial, and have full-height windows drawing the eye to the garden. The owners have loved relaxing in the lounge by the fire in winter, and with the sun streaming in come summer. They’ve often entertained in the dining room, and this is particularly well suited for hosting formal feasts and celebrations for the whole family.

The kitchen/breakfast room is a sophisticated space, with wall panelling, display alcoves and built-in wine storage in the breakfast area, and Peter Jones Ltd pear wood cabinetry, black granite surfaces and a double ceramic butler sink in the kitchen. There are gaps for a range and a fridge/freezer, and in the utility for a washing machine and a dishwasher. The utility also has a Belfast sink, a huge storage cupboard, and access onto the side courtyard.

As for location, Lavendon is a well-connected village, surrounded by countryside, equidistant to Bedford, Northampton, and Milton Keynes city centre. Bedford is the closest of the three and offers a mainline station for quick commuter services into the capital in less than 45 minutes. The owners travelled to work in London on a daily basis, and they also enjoy a wander around the quintessential English village of Olney just a few minutes away, with Woburn and Stony Stratford only around 25 minutes away. Lavendon is equipped with all the essentials, with a local shop, village hall, playing fields, and two friendly pubs both serving food. There’s an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ primary school, a pre-school, and independent schools such as the Harpur Trust, Wellingborough School and Kimbolton School are only a short drive away.

With a peaceful village setting, square footage ideal for a family, a stunning plot, and all-important privacy, The Old Rectory could be your new home.