Willow Barn, Greenfield, Central Bedfordshire

Available with no upward chain is this aspirational home on generous acreage is the epitome of a hidden gem, tucked away in a peaceful position, where a luxurious rural lifestyle can be lived at Willow Barn, on its beautiful plot along the River Flit and backing onto woodland.

Greenfield is a great spot, and the residence is among all it has to offer. Firstly, the popular potato race! A village indeed… The community is served by pubs, a sports facility and a village hall, holding groups, classes and film screenings. There’s ‘Outstanding’ Greenfield Lower in the village, Arnold Academy in Barton-le-Clay, and Harlington Upper, as well as Bedford’s Harpur Trust. The quaint, quintessential towns of Ampthill and Woburn are nearby, and Flitwick is the nearest station just over a mile away for travelling into London or even to Brighton.

Built in 2012 and seeing recent additions of the annexe and detached garaging, the Potton Heritage property has quality and charm throughout, from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Glossy and herringbone floors with underfloor heating meet sturdy exposed beams, rising to vaulted ceilings and skylights for flooding sunshine into all corners.

Since change of ownership in 2017, the kitchen has been expanded and refitted, showcasing both style and practicality. Light grey and copper-edged cabinetry is topped with sparkling quartz surfaces, integrated appliances include a Neff oven, grill and induction hob, while the large central island has further storage, the Blanco sink and the Smeg dishwasher, with a glittering bar top for seating. Around the corner is the adjoining utility for extra appliances, storage and a secondary sink. The footprint of the open plan was extended to create the dining area, where a wall of windows draws in heaps of natural light through fitted shutters. To the opposite end is a snug area with co-ordinating fitted storage.

Across the reception hall is the lounge, where wow-factor awaits. Providing separation away from the social space at the front of the accommodation, there are huge proportions for big, comfy sofas, to snuggle up for at-home film screenings, or to gather with guests. The bi-fold doors open onto the patio for spectacular summertime living inside and out. Two further reception rooms deliver flexibility, with one benefitting from an en suite, making it ideal as a bedroom.

To the first floor, up the oak staircase and off the galleried landing, are three bedrooms, each with an en suite. The master, with those ceilings and that window, gives gorgeous panoramic views all the way over the plot and to the trees beyond from the Juliet balcony.

Connected to the main house via a light-filled walkway, past a delightful seating area with lots of storage provision, is the one-bedroom annexe. The ground floor room is utilised by the owners as a dog washing station for their pup Wilf, but this would easily convert into a kitchen to self-contain the annexe. Externally, the substantial detached garage/workshop has the potential to introduce a studio above, for additional accommodation, a secluded home office or as business premises.

The grounds of Willow Barn sealed the deal for the owners, who have spent the last few years truly appreciating everything the 2.2 acres (STS) have presented them, their children and Wilf. They’ve paddleboarded on the river, played rounders on the grass, and they’ve had a bouncy castle party. The 200ft garden is prime for hosting, combining a new patio and neat lawn, and requiring little maintenance. Mint for mojitos is in the herb garden, and eggs for post-party breakfasts come from their chickens, happily cooped in the paddock area. Mrs would love for alpacas to join them, neighbours have had horses, and their nature cameras have captured all manner of wildlife.

Edged by mature hawthorns, the flat, expansive grassland is entirely unoverlooked and supremely private, with unobstructed outlooks. Remote controlled electric gates with video entry system afford another level of security, and the gravelled driveway and car port allow for multiple vehicles. Mr’s favourite vehicle has got to be his ride-on mower, vital at this vast property…