5 bedroom house

Osborn Cottage is a Grade II-listed quintessential English country thatched cottage set in approximately 0.8 acres of mature grounds and situated in the heart of Eggington's historic conservation area, with front and rear views over woodland. The cottage has been restored and extended over the years to create over 2,600 sq. ft. of contemporary living accommodation whilst retaining many original features. Oak beams have been restored and inglenook fireplaces revealed. Flooring is of solid oak, flagstone, and slate tiling with localised underfloor heating. The redesigned landscaped gardens frame the property with their ever-changing hues through the seasons.

HISTORY

Osborn Cottage was built in the 17th century with a timber frame and washed brick nogging. It was originally a row of three cottages with lean-to sheds and a wash house. The name comes from William and Sarah Osborn who lived in the middle cottage and ran a china shop from the end cottage selling bric-a-brac. In the 1950s the three cottages were bought by Mr and Mrs Wildsmith who converted them into one property. The property underwent extensive improvements and expansion in 2007 with the restoration of the thatched roof over the original property and the construction of additional living space both upstairs and at ground level. The current owners have relandscaped much of the gardens with the creation of wonderfully-stocked borders and lawn improvements.

ACCOMMODATION

An oak timber-framed porch with traditional peg tiles and leaded-light windows and a solid wood door opens into the snug which has a flagstone floor and a brick inglenook fireplace with an open fire. The sitting room is dual-aspect, featuring a restored inglenook fireplace with a multi-fuel burning stove, and solid oak flooring. The dual-aspect family room, currently used as an office, similarly features a restored inglenook fireplace with a flagstone floor; feature window to the utility room and a built-in cupboard. The inner hall acts as a hub to most of the downstairs rooms and stairs. The open-plan kitchen merges seamlessly with the contemporary garden room/family room featuring two sets of double doors to the garden; vaulted ceiling, and a slate floor with partial underfloor heating. The kitchen comprises new bespoke units; wood cupboards and drawers; glass display cabinets and shelving. A granite-topped island unit provides wine storage and shelving. The centre piece of the kitchen appliances features a four-oven AGA adjacent to a full-height integrated fridge, and space for a dishwasher. Additional storage includes an understairs pantry with shelving and fuse/meter boards. The utility room is ideal for housing clothes washing/drying machines; overhead pulley air drier; space for spare fridge/freezer and even a running machine! Adjacent to its butler's sink and solid wood worksurfaces access is provided to the cloakroom and to the stable door which opens to the rear porch and garden. The first-floor landing features an exposed original brick chimney breast. The master bedroom is dual-aspect with glorious views over the rear gardens and woodland beyond. The dressing area leads to the en-suite shower room. The guest bedroom and bedrooms three, four and five overlook the gardens with the guest bedroom additionally benefitting from having an en-suite shower room and WC. The family bathroom enjoys wonderful views of the rear gardens and comprises a four-piece suite including a heritage-style freestanding roll top bath.

GROUNDS AND OUTBUILDINGS

The thatched cottage is approached via a timber five-bar gate and gravelled driveway. The front garden is laid to lawn with flower and shrub borders, a central circular flower bed, mature fruit trees and well-maintained hedges on all sides; a paved path with box hedging leads to the front porch. Timber double gates lead to the expansive sandstone paved rear terrace bordered by a curved brick wall with steps leading to the lawned garden. Two central, banked and richly-stocked flowerbeds with floodlit ornamental steps lead to a further upper lawned area. The garden's features include a log store, an ornamental well, an enclosed space used as a children's playground and vegetable garden with raised plots, and a small timber shed. The upper end of the garden has benefitted with the addition of a gazebo which is a perfect spot for morning coffee. The ample garage has double timber doors, power, and a mezzanine level for storage. A brick outbuilding provides further storage and space for spare fridges. The upper garden benefits from a further two substantial timber-clad and timber workshop/storage sheds respectively; also with power/external power sockets and wide barn doors for garden equipment access. The mature grounds measure approximately 0.8 acres in total and back onto woodland. Both the front and rear of the house and gardens benefit from ornamental night lighting features creating a wonderful 'nightscape' to enhance the property's heritage features.

LOCATION

The old village of Eggington was known as Egonesham which is recorded in a chronicle of AD 571 and is situated in Central Bedfordshire close to Leighton Buzzard. Eggington today is a relatively small village with some 225 residents and under 100 houses. The quiet village offers an Indian restaurant, a church and a village hall which was formerly the village school. Local schools include Leighton Middle School and Vandyke Upper School. Swanbourne House School (Independent) is approximately 14 miles. Leighton Buzzard is approximately 2.5 miles away and offers a wide variety of shops, supermarkets, and social facilities. Mainline railway stations are in Leighton Buzzard – approximately 3.3 miles with trains to London Euston in 30 minutes and Harlington Station – approximately 7.2 miles with trains to London St Pancras in 45 minutes. Junction 11A on the M1 is approximately 6.2 miles.

Marketed by: Fine & Country, Edlesborough