3 bedroom detached house for sale

CHARMING THATCHED COTTAGE IN ONE OF BEDFORDSHIRE'S BEST VILLAGESIt’s one thing to live in the sought-after village of Carlton, it’s quite another to be fortunate enough to own one of its oldest detached and thatched cottages. But the 17th century, Grade II-listed Bumble Cottage, with its limestone and old brick, thatch and Welsh slate, offers just that opportunity. Oozing with character and with quintessential cottage gardens, three bedrooms, gas-fired AGA, garden room, garage and driveway parking, you might ask what more you could wish for. But there’s scope for adding value too, the garage hinting that it might like to be part of the home – ask us for our ideas.Bumble Cottage is set in the conservation area of a village which lies in the heart of the beautiful North Bedfordshire walking country, away from any main road traffic noise, yet within easy reach by bus or car of the county town, its fast trains to London and its world-renowned Harpur Trust private schools. The outstanding village pre and primary school feeds the secondary Academy and Sixth Form in nearby Sharnbrook.Carlton is unusual for having not one but two excellent pubs, each offering something different, as well as a post office and little village stores that attracts people from miles around for its freshly baked loaves and local produce. The Anglo-Saxon Church of St Mary, the super allotments, and societies such as WI are just a few of the options many in the friendly community take advantage of. Every sporting facility is on your doorstep, and the surgery, not to mention a beautiful country park, lies just over the ancient bridge that spans the wonderful River Great Ouse. This is one of those times when you have no need to choose between perfect location and irresistible home.ABOUT THE PROPERTYAubrieta cascades over the low stone wall either side of the little garden gate, bee friendly planting spills over gravel paths, roses reach for the thatch on the limestone wall between the stable doors. Even before you set foot inside, Bumble cottage provides you with a sense of well-being.It never leaves you as you wander, in the footsteps of generations of families, from room to lovely room, none huge but each one a delight. Beamed and sloping ceilings, mostly higher than expected, quirky walls, little display niches (just how many?), not one staircase but two, one perhaps steeper than the other, and gorgeous old ledged doors, the occasional one through which you must duck or grouse.Which bedroom will you choose? One allows you to wake up to both countryside and garden views. Or perhaps you’ll prefer the one adjoining the bathroom, with the lovely Victorian fireplace. You might prefer to sleep downstairs and have your study to the other side of the bathroom. Delightful options to have.There’s huge character throughout the cottage. A true inglenook fireplace in the sitting room warms the soul before you even light the fire. The dining room demands intimate candlelit suppers. Another beautiful room is currently used for music and study, but it could equally be a lovely bedroom. And the kitchen, with its painted Shaker-style furniture, rare and beautiful granite, thick oak display shelf and wonderful AGA, makes both cooking and breakfasting a joy.But surely, you’ll take the morning papers and the cafetiere into the garden room. Just so peaceful, gazing out at the garden, looking forward to that glass of wine on the old brick terrace come spring, the heady scent of jasmine over the bower, an array of foxgloves keeping the bees busy as they delve into their tubular bells. So private, just bird song from lovely trees breaking the silence, a gorgeous magnolia showing off, apple trees hiding away at the bottom of the garden. You can’t help but fall in love with Bumble Cottage – the only question is what you do with the garage.