Green End, Maulden, Bedfordshire, MK45

This quite superb four bedroom thatched cottage dates back to the 17th century and occupies an enviable position at the foot of Maulden Woods, set within approximately 0.8 acres of wonderfully private grounds. Rich in history and character, the home displays an abundance of original features including exposed wall and ceiling timbers, timber latch doors, quarry tiled flooring and impressive inglenook fireplaces.

Approach to the home is via a quiet no-through road, with gated access opening onto a generous private driveway providing parking for numerous vehicles. Entry is initially into a useful utility area, complemented by a cloakroom, before moving through into the kitchen/breakfast room. This has been fitted with a comprehensive range of traditional Shaker style floor and wall mounted units with complementary work surfaces over, whilst attractive views extend across the paddock to the rear.

An inner lobby provides access to much of the remaining ground floor accommodation, including a further cloakroom and three beautifully individual reception rooms. The formal sitting room provides an elegant principal reception space, whilst a separate study offers the perfect work from home environment. Completing this area is the snug/dining room, creating a particularly cosy and versatile family/sociable space.

The wonderfully individual nature of a property of this age continues upstairs, with three separate staircases serving the bedroom accommodation. A staircase from the snug/dining room leads to a generous double bedroom/guest room, whilst a second from the inner lobby rises to a further double bedroom and gives access into another bedroom which interlinks with the guest room – a charming and typical arrangement for a home of this era. These bedrooms are served by the ground floor family bathroom.

A third staircase rises independently from the kitchen to what has been cleverly designed as an impressive master suite. This creates a more private retreat and incorporates a dressing area, fitted wardrobes and its own en-suite facilities.

Externally the property is every bit as impressive. The established front and rear gardens have been beautifully maintained and enjoy an exceptional degree of privacy, with the tiered rear garden adjoining a picturesque wooded backdrop. Various seating areas provide wonderful spaces from which to enjoy the surroundings, whilst a summer house commands attractive views back towards the cottage and beyond.

Further enhancing the versatility of the property is a substantial detached two-storey garage with an adjoining workshop, together with a separate stable and tack room. In our opinion, this collection of outbuildings could offer exciting potential for conversion into ancillary/annexe accommodation, subject of course to the necessary planning and listed building consents.

To the side of the cottage lies a sizeable paddock, enclosed principally by post and rail fencing and previously used for grazing livestock. The paddock benefits from a water supply and offers potential for the addition of a field shelter if required, subject to any necessary consents. Combined with the approximately 0.8 acre plot, historic character and idyllic position bordering Maulden Woods, the property represents a particularly rare opportunity to acquire a truly individual village home.

The village of Maulden is well positioned to cater for the commuter with the M1/A1 motorways both within a 20-minute drive, alternatively there are regular train links into London St Pancras from either Flitwick or Harlington platforms, taking a matter of 35/40 minutes respectively. Furthermore, the Thameslink line runs north to south through London and links to new cross rail/east to west London rail terminal at Farringdon. The area is renowned for its autonomous schooling for all age groups, with Maulden village infant/primary school being within walking distance and, 'Russell Lower', ‘Firs Lower’, 'Alameda' and 'Redborne' just a short distance away. There is also a local pick-up point for the Bedford Harpur trust private schools for both boys and girls. There is a local convenience store and two well-established pubs within walking distance, further and more substantial amenities can be found in Ampthill offering a selection of small individually owned shops, hairdressers, and a Waitrose Store. The house has easy walking access to Maulden Woods which provides up to 11 miles of unspoilt woodland walks.