4 bedroom house

Uniting traditional with modern living, Fern Lodge is a unique residence on a plot of a third of an acre, combining a substantial detached property with three double garages, a studio, a summerhouse, and self-contained annexe opportunity.

Designed, planned and built by the owners, they’ve created an outstanding property. Finishing the build in 1996, Mr describes completing it as his proudest moment. Overcoming the challenge of first finding a plot in this location, once it was theirs, it was “all hands on deck” for construction. After taking inspiration from a previous project, they amended the plans to fit their own family, for example, ensuring four very generous bedrooms, which are set around a galleried landing (the master and third bedrooms have air conditioning units). Personal touches were added throughout the accommodation, and you’ll find intricate details such as ornate coving, roses and ceilings, all made of “proper plaster” and all individually tailored to each room.
Initially moving to be in the catchment of desirable schooling, the owners were hugely drawn to the position on the border of the quaint market town of Newport Pagnell. A stone’s throw away and behind the plot are a group of lakes, where there’s a sailing club, a country park and a nature reserve.

Still, over 25 years later, the early draws of the Blakelands area remain, with quick, convenient access to the City centre, as well as local amenities, services, cafés, and restaurants with an array of cuisines—Magic Wok being their favourite. Travelling into London is as easy as jumping on the train from Milton Keynes just 10 minutes away, and Wolverton has a rail station too.
Over the years, there have been big updates. The cloakroom, the en suite shower room and the bathroom were refitted in March 2022 with gorgeous Burlington period-style suites. The kitchen saw its third refit about two years ago, now with bespoke, hand-carved oak cabinetry, perhaps more extensively fitted than we’ve ever seen. Both Mr and Mrs spend most their time at home in the kitchen, particularly as it’s been opened up to incorporate a dining and lounge area. It’s here the whole family gather for Christmas, adults at the table, kids sat around the central island.

They’re at their most comfortable in the lounge, and we can entirely understand why, sitting by the gorgeous inglenook fireplace on a cold winter’s day.

With children moving out to their own homes, Mr and Mrs have adapted to life as a couple here, with the introduction of spaces for their hobbies. Mr built Mrs a studio that’s absolute heaven for creatives, where she often stays crafting “for hours on end”. Affording versatility, this would also work brilliantly as premises or an office for at-home businesses just as well as a space for hobbies.
Mr holds regular takeaway and snooker nights with friends in the games room conservatory. With tranquil, panoramic outlooks over the garden and paddocks beyond, this room is appealing to everyone and flexible for many uses, especially for entertaining.

Mr’s true passions, however, are cars and bikes. There’s a driveway for several vehicles (which has seen 32 cars at one point), as well as three double garages at this address: the two-storey detached, the timber garage that used to be stables, and the showroom-standard spectacle. The latter is a car enthusiasts dream. There’s a wall of lockable storage, a wood worktop and even gloss-tiled flooring.

For privacy and security, there are electric double gates and a full external CCTV system controlled by app from anywhere in the world, and the super-high double-walled conifer hedging secludes the plot.

The outbuildings don’t stop there. Set to the back corner of the garden is a brand new summerhouse made from Scandinavian pine. There’s a cabin-like yet airy atmosphere, with vaulted ceilings, triple aspects, and a stove to the corner for ultimate cosiness. Along with the room above the garage, the summerhouse could also be utilised as another home office, an annexe, or for renting out for an income stream.

Handsomely laid out in shaped patios, artificial lawns and an abundance of beautiful planting, the south-facing garden presents wonderful prospects for the green-fingered to continue the excellent work the owners have clearly put in. Adjoining the summerhouse is a covered hot tub enclosure, where you’re immersed in the surrounding flora and foliage of the immaculate garden, and where Mr can’t wait to be at the end (and beginning) of the day.