Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

FURZENHALL FARM

KEY FEATURES

Victorian residence, measuring approximately 3500 square feet, set in approximately 11 acres with far-reaching views over Bedfordshire. The property includes a selection of outbuildings and equestrian facilities including garaging, carport, barn with stables and a dressage size manege (60mx20m). Located just outside Biggleswade, the property offers a high level of privacy, while superb amenities and transport links are easily accessible.

The heart of this home is the large open-plan kitchen breakfast room, which has been refitted to include Dekton work surfaces, a butler sink, and a fireplace recess housing a range cooker. French doors open onto the garden, allowing for outdoor entertainment and family dining. A boot room and utility, with access to the drive sit next to the kitchen breakfast room. A large study, accessed off the kitchen, could also be used as a family room or snug. The two elegant principal reception rooms boast high ceilings, fireplaces with multi-fuel burners, and large sash windows overlooking the gardens. The first-floor landing with a reading area opens onto the principal bedroom, benefiting from a luxury en suite with a modern freestanding bath, twin sinks, and a separate shower. There are two further bedrooms on the first floor, both with feature fireplaces, served by a bathroom and cloakroom. There are three further double bedrooms on the second floor, sharing a bathroom.

The property is accessed via gates with brick pillars and curved walls. An extensive gravel drive and turning circle with a central fountain leads to the house, outbuildings and carport. The gardens wrap around the south, west, and east-facing facades of the house and are mainly laid to lawn. A large south-facing porcelain tiled terrace enjoys superb views.

A brick-built outbuilding with power, light, and water comprises garaging, a workshop, a store, an office, and a gym. A large barn of 2411 square feet has 11 American-style stables and is conveniently located next to the all-weather manege. There are seven paddocks with post and rail fencing and a water point.

“When we first saw the house, we were immediately struck by the amount of versatile space that it offered, with high ceilings, large windows and lots and lots of natural light,” say the current owners of this beautiful Bedfordshire home. “We have a large family, so this is an active home with all the bedrooms in use. Despite this we have never felt crowded or cramped. The house and generous grounds gave us the opportunity to bring all our animals onto fantastic grazing land too, and we were even able to rescue more. At one stage we had six pigs, two alpacas, eleven horses, twenty-two ducks and thirty chickens –and we still had space to spare!”

“As alluded to above, we have Farm in our house name, but it was anything but when we first moved here,” the owners continue. “Outside, we had the possibility to update the use of the land, which was either grass lawn, meadow or unused. We installed brand new post and rail fencing with full electric and a new water point, to create 7 new grazing paddocks. There is a further opportunity to add more if they were really needed. We have also installed 11 American-style indoor stables (which includes a Shetland box) and an all-weather dressage size manege with herringbone drainage. For the human inhabitants, we installed a new 18 x 8m non-slip porcelain patio and an external electric supply for a hot tub and airsource-heated above-ground swimming pool.”

Now, this is the ideal home for everyday life and entertaining alike. “The new kitchen is a space for the family to gather during a normal week,” the owners say. “During the summer months, we transition to the huge patio and garden in the evenings. We have taken full advantage of the scope for al fresco entertaining, hosting over 50 people for birthdays and end of rugby season parties. Our sons regularly gather with their friends and camp out during the summer in the grass paddock, where they can make as much noise as they want to without bothering anyone!”

The location of the property has much to recommend it, too. “You can be in the kitchen and then within two minutes be on Biggleswade common walking amongst the cattle,” say the owners. “Despite the secluded setting, we have very easy access to all amenities and transport links. It takes less than 10 minutes to drive to the train station and 5 minutes to get to the supermarkets.”

“The space, versatility, and complete seclusion that this property offers are a very rare combination.” *

*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.

Local information

Biggleswade is a bustling market town set on the banks of the River Ivel about 12 miles from Bedford and 20 miles from Cambridge. The town centre has a variety of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants and additional brand shopping is available at the Retail Park on the outskirts of the town. The Charter Market, held since the 13th century, runs on Saturdays with an array of stalls including locally produced foods as well as plants, clothing and gift stalls. The town is also well severed with several of the large supermarket chains. There are plenty of parks and open areas providing walks - some by the river, children’s playgrounds and sports areas to enjoy. There is a sports and leisure centre and a wide selection of sports clubs ranging from archery and bowling to rugby and squash to suit young and old alike.

Transport

Biggleswade is perfectly located with easy access to the A1(M) and the national motorway network and is convenient for access to Letchworth, Stevenage and Hatfield home to a variety of major employers in the area. For the London commuter, Biggleswade railway station is a short walk from the town centre and offers fast train services into London King’s Cross in about 35 minutes and Thameslink also offers services through to Horsham via London St Pancras, London Bridge and Gatwick Airport.

Schools

Biggleswade schools adopt the three tier school system of lower, middle and upper schools with St Andrew’s (aged 4-9), Edward Peake Middle School (aged 9-13), Biggleswade Academy (encompasses two tiers - aged 4-13) and Stratton Upper School (aged 13-18). There is also a community special school, Ivel Valley, for children aged 3-19.

INFORMATION

• Substantial Victorian Residence

• Six Double Bedrooms

• Approx. 11 Acres

• Paddocks & Stables

• Dressage size Manege

• Outbuildings

• Far Reaching Views

• Excellent Transport Links

Agents Notes

Tenure: Freehold

Year Built: 1840s

EPC: E

Local Authority: Central Bedfordshire Council

Council Tax Band: G

To conform with government Money Laundering Regulation 2017, we are required to confirm the identity of all prospective buyers. We use the services of a third party, Lifetime Legal, who will contact you directly at an agreed time to do this. They will need the full name, date of birth and current address of all buyers. There is a nominal charge of £60 including VAT for this (for the transaction not per person), payable directly to Lifetime Legal. Please note, we are unable to issue a memorandum of sale until the checks are complete.

We may refer you to recommended providers of ancillary services such as Conveyancing, Financial Services, Insurance and Surveying. We may receive a commission payment fee or other benefit (known as a referral fee) for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use the services of the recommended provider. The ancillary service provider may be an associated company of Fine & Country or Thomas Morris Sales & Lettings.

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 06.04.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

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, 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.

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