Property description

Dating back to c1800 Rose Bank is a hugely characterful period home with a combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture set in a superb location close to the heart of the busy market town of Biggleswade and a short walk to the train station.

The property has been fully refurbished and modernised whilst retaining many of the character features of the home. On entering the property through the period doorway with arched transom window into the entrance hall you are immediately drawn into a bygone era with high ceilings, traditional woodwork, original wood floor and staircases leading to both the cellar and first floor; the hallway also leads straight through to the rear entrance. The living and dining rooms have attractive working open fires with feature surrounds and walk in bay windows whilst the dining room also has its original wood floor and period fitted cabinets. The music/family room has lovely views over the rear garden and also boasts built in period cabinets and original wood floor. The kitchen with original tiled floor has been sympathetically designed and has a gas range oven. The kitchen leads through to a useful utility room and cloakroom. On the first floor there are four bedrooms with the principal bedroom and second bedroom being large double rooms both with walk in bay windows and open fire places with feature surrounds. The remaining two bedrooms are both of a good size with bedroom three overlooking the rear garden and bedroom four has a window to the side.

To the front and side of the property is a gravel driveway providing parking for two to three vehicles. The front garden is surrounded by hedging providing plenty of privacy and an established low maintenance garden. To the rear of the property is a courtyard, low maintenance garden with a wishing well, several seating areas, a summer house and woodstore. The original washhouse has been transformed into a lovely home office complete with internet connection and air conditioning for those who wish to work from home.

Seller Insight

Dating back to c1800, Rose Bank is a beautiful period home that enjoys a superb location close to the heart of the busy market town of Biggleswade. The property was purchased by the current owners back in 1992 and has been a much-loved family home ever since. “i’d say that it was the character of the house that initially attracted us to the property, ” says the owner. “My wife and I love antiques and old things, and this house with its combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture is hugely characterful, quite quirky in a way, and therefore totally unique. We also loved the location. We have a fantastic array of shops and restaurants just a stone’s throw away, we can walk to the station, so it’s an ideal spot for a commuter, and there are lots of wide-open green spaces to enjoy. All in all, it’s a place that offers the best of everything.”

“Despite being a very solid house with great curb appeal, when we first moved here it’s fair to say that it was in need of quite a bit of tlc. It had been renovated I presume at some point in the 1960s and so was crying out for an update. We had it rewired, a new heating system was installed and we decorated from top to bottom. It’s been beautifully modernised, but in a very sympathetic way so it still retains its lovely period features. I’d say we’ve struck an ideal balance between old and new. The layout is very simple, very traditional – we’ve always resisted the temptation to knock through – but the rooms are all spacious, and because we have so many they are very flexible in terms of how they can be used; they can essentially be adapted and changed depending on the family’s needs.”

“We’re also lucky enough to have pretty gardens both front and back, ” continues the owner. “The front has been designed to attract the birds – I think my wife single-handedly manages to keep the whole of the Biggleswade bird population fed – and at the back, whereas originally it was designed to be a space that our son could enjoy, it has now evolved into low-maintenance garden for sitting and relaxing in, and a natural habitat for wildlife. It really is a lovely place to be, and when you sit out there it’s so very peaceful that it’s often hard to believe we’re so close to the centre of town.”

“i’d probably say that the main sitting room is my favourite part of the house. It has a big marble fireplace as the focal point, and at the weekend, when it’s cold and miserable outside, I love nothing more than to tuck myself away in there, sit in front of a roaring fire and watch the rugby on the TV.”

“The location really couldn’t be more perfect; I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve stayed for so long. We have an excellent selection of shops and amenities right on the doorstep, there are lots of lovely walks and there are some very good local schools, all of which are just a walk away, so it’s a fantastic place to raise a family.”

“Out in the courtyard there’s an old washhouse that we’ve converted into a fantastic home office. I’ve run a very successful business from it for the past thirty years, and what i’ve loved most is the fact that there’s a nice degree of separation between it and the house, and the daily commute is super quick!”

“Our son has flown the nest and so we’re embarking on a new chapter of our lives in Norfolk, ” says the owner. “We’ll be sad to leave Rose Bank, it’s been a wonderful home for the past thirty years, but it’s crying out for a new family to fill it and enjoy living here, and i’ve no doubt that they will.”

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 offering locally produced foods as well as plants, clothing and gift stalls. The town is also well served 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 approx. Three minutes’ walk away and offers fast train services into London King’s Cross in about 35 minutes with Thameslink offering 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.

Agents Information

Tenure: Freehold
Year Built: 1800s
EPC: E
Local Authority: Central Bedfordshire Council
Tax Band: F
When refurbished the property underwent rewiring, new heating system, damp course, full rot treatment and roof re-slated.
There are parking restrictions along London Road. Resident parking permit is currently £10 p.a. If needed.<br /><br /> <b>Important Note to Purchasers:</b><br> We endeavour to make our sales particulars accurate and reliable, however, they do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract and none is to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact. Any services, systems and appliances listed in this specification have not been tested by us and no guarantee as to their operating ability or efficiency is given. All measurements have been taken as a guide to prospective buyers only, and are not precise. Please be advised that some of the particulars may be awaiting vendor approval. If you require clarification or further information on any points, please contact us, especially if you are traveling some distance to view. Fixtures and fittings other than those mentioned are to be agreed with the seller.<br><br>BWE220098
Amenities

Beautiful Period Property

Bursting With Character Features

Driveway Parking For Two-Three Vehicles

Home Office

Low Maintenance Rear Garden

Close To High Street &amp; Train Station

No Forward Chain