House For Sale £675,000
MODERN FAMILY HOME, WITH GUEST SUITE, LOVELY GARDEN, AND VIEWS OVER CHURCH AND FIELDS
An attractive, 5-bedroom home in an exclusive, sought-after late ‘80s development on the former Chelveston air base in the historic, North Bedfordshire village of Yielden. Extended above the double garage to incorporate a super suite of rooms for extended family, and with its gorgeous garden and wonderfully peaceful surroundings, it’s little surprise that just one family has lived at Mintaka since it was built.
It’s difficult to imagine that where now is such a peaceful place for families to live was once where American airmen of the 305th ‘Can Do’ Group ate and socialised before their World War II bombing missions to Germany; where once the sky was alive to the roar of B-52 Flying Fortresses, birdsong now fills the air. Yet, wandering down the quiet lane to the beautiful 13th century Church of St Mary the Virgin, and beyond the allotments to the motte-and-bailey castle, one of the most interesting earthworks in the county, it’s fascinating to think of the part this small village has played in our Country’s history.
Today, Yielden, which has umpteen variants of its name, is a delightful place to live away from the madding crowd – a joy to work from home or to come home to. London is very commutable from Bedford, Wellingborough or St Neots railway stations, all within 20-25 minutes by car. Catchment schools are Upper Dean, Riseley and Sharnbrook, between 3 and 7 miles away, and the outstanding private schools at Bedford, Wellingborough and Kimbolton are within easy reach.
A few minutes’ drive from the village is the superb Rushden Lakes Shopping Village, and popular pubs at Melchbourne and Newton Bromswold are a lovely, summer’s evening stroll away. Moreover, Yielden’s friendly community, who also look forward to their annual Strawberry Fayre, get together each month in their pop-up bar within the village hall. After 35 years, they are getting ready to welcome only the second family to live at Mintaka.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Seamlessly extended, Mintaka, with its striking glazed porch and central window, attractive brickwork and vertically hanging tiles reprising a 17th century craft, fits happily into its rural environment along with its individually designed neighbours. A lovely pink-blossoming cherry tree bows over the front lawn to welcome you to your new home.
Natural light pours through the tall radius window above the quarter landing, bouncing off distinctive wall coverings onto the Karndean wood floor of the spacious hall, where you and your dog can sit, patiently, and await those who take a little longer to get ready for one of the wonderful, circular cross-country walks straight from your front door.
Mintaka oozes that special family feel. Room to work (with great internet speeds) and to play, room to gather around the breakfast table in the kitchen, with its painted, Shaker-style furniture (what a super pantry cupboard!), beautiful travertine stone underfoot, and, more formally, in the dining room. Room to relax together or alone, and room to entertain.
And lovely bedrooms for everyone, all with views to the church or, beyond the bungalows, to meadows of special scientific interest with their rich variety of plant life; from the main bedroom with its super wet room to a guest suite complete with sitting room at the top of the spiral staircase, which might just bring a competing claim from any teenager with an eye also on the games room in the loft above..
A feast for anyone’s eyes though, is the west-facing garden, whether through the French doors and sidelights of the sitting room, or from various sitting areas outside; a cornucopia of beautiful roses, peonies and sweet-scented lavender, as much a joy for the bees as for those fortunate enough to live here. Even the oak barrel water butt is great to look at.
Pick your own apples and plums, grow your own tomatoes, eat al fresco on the terrace. Relax in sun or shade with morning coffee and evening glass of wine. The summerhouse has even been used for a hot tub. All this and still space to kick a ball around and build a den behind the cedars. Delightful!
