The Old Vicarage by Fine & Country

Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1234 607999 bedford@fineandcountry.com 38 Mill Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 3HD

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The Old Vicarage 67 Main Road | Biddenham | Bedfordshire | MK40 4BE 07/02/2018 10:21

FINE & COUNTRY THE OLD VICARAGE Situated within the desirable village of Biddenham on the outskirts of Bedford town centre is The Old Vicarage, an extremely elegant Grade II listed family home set in 0.61 of an acre of delightful grounds. “The house is historically one of the most important properties in the county, and one that I’ve had my eye on for quite some time,” says the owner, “so when it finally came up for sale in 2011 I jumped at the chance to own it.”

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals. Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION

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This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques. We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation

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it is rare that such a significant and prominent home comes to the market. This magnificent property standing in its own grounds of around 0.61 of an acre has been tastefully and sympathetically refurbished by the present owners. The Old Vicarage dates back to the mid 18th century when the land was purchased by the Bishop of St Albans who subsequently had the vicarage constructed. For the following 185 years the building served as a vicarage and to date there have as far as records can ascertain been only 6 custodians of this fine property. The present owners have extensively improved the dwelling during their occupation, a project which exceeded two years until completion. Now this imposing dwelling would make a fine home for the most discerning of buyers. The generously proportioned accommodation provides four reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room, 5 bedrooms and additional attic space formerly the servants quarters. This area offers potential for further accommodation if required. A triple garage and beautifully maintained formal gardens displaying many mature trees further enhance the property.

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The house is hugely impressive throughout, but everyone who visits seems particularly drawn to the main living room,” says the owner. “It’s a very elegant room with an open fireplace and French doors that lead straight out onto the garden.”

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Seller Insight It was built in 1751 and owned by the church for 187 years, in fact I’m only its seventh owner in its entire history, and each custodian has taken great care of it. A previous owner had it beautifully renovated and went to great lengths to preserve its character and charm; he even enlisted the help of a leading builder of churches to construct beautiful arches in the main reception hall. So when we purchased the property six years ago it was in excellent condition throughout, although not quite to our taste, so over time we too have enhanced it further. We’ve updated the décor and carried out a complete aesthetic makeover bringing it right up to modern standards. It’s such an elegant home and boasts not only beautiful proportions but also some stunning period features throughout. It’s truly one of a kind.” “The house sits beautifully within the grounds, which were landscaped in the 1970s, so are now wonderfully mature,” continues the owner. “To the front there is a large, gravelled driveway, an open lawn and the most stunning Cedar of Lebanon, which was planted over two-hundred years ago. And to the back is an open lawn that’s edge with a mature border of shrubs and trees.” “The house sits within this lovely little village just a few miles from town, so we enjoy the very best of both worlds,” says the owner. “Everything you could possibly want or need is very close at hand.” “The house is stunning, but there’s still potential to enhance it further,” says the owner. “The servants quarters up in the attic space are unmodernised, so extra accommodation could be created up there, and at one point there was planning permission in place to build a house on what was a tennis court at the bottom of the garden.” “When you are lucky enough to live in a house like this you are merely the custodian,” says the owner. “I’ve put my stamp on it and I would say that I’m leaving it in better condition than I found it, but there’s still so much potential for it to be enhanced further. It’s a uniquely beautiful home.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 12.09.2017

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THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION

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The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation

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Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1234 607999 bedford@fineandcountry.com 38 Mill Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK40 3HD

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The Old Vicarage 67 Main Road | Biddenham | Bedfordshire | MK40 4BE 07/02/2018 10:21