Bedford, Bedfordshire

MIDDLE GRANGESunderland Hall | Ravensden | Bedford | MK44 2SH

Fine & Country

Tel: +44 (0)845 603 [email protected]

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, Ireland, The Channel Islands, France, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Russia, Dubai, Egypt, South Africa, West Africa and Namibia 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 and more expensive 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. 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.

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MiddleMIDDLE GRANGE

It is easy to imagine the strains of Big Band classics “Moonlight Serenade” or “In the Mood” drifting through the panelled reception rooms of Middle House at Ravensden Grange, which is fitting as the house is known locally as the setting for the last performance of legendary Band leader Glenn Miller and his Orchestra.

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ENTRANCEStone steps with wrought iron railings to original tiled veranda. Lanterns to either side of panelled door with inset glazing, side lights and fanlight above.

SITTING ROOM21’2 X 17’9 (6.44M X 5.42M)Open arched fireplace with white painted brick hearth, surround and mantle. Quarter height original wall panelling. Ornate ceiling with mouldings and deep cornicing. High skirting. Oak floor. Picture rail. Central ceiling and wall lights. Television point. Two radiators. DINING HALL 36’10 X 9’11 (11.23M X 3.01M)Large double glazed skylight lantern above wide sweeping staircase with solid oak rail, carpet runner and chrome stair rods. Original half height wall panelling and high skirting. Original ceiling mouldings and deep cornicing. Oak floor with inset parquet panels. Short run of stairs with understairs log cupboard and raised area with glazed library bookcase. Ceiling and wall lights. Telephone point. Two radiators.


DRAWING ROOM25’1 X 21’1 (7.64M X 6.43M)Large sash window with functioning shutters to front aspect. Window to side aspect. Ornate decorative ceiling with gilt coloured ceiling mouldings and deep cornice. Open fireplace with white painted brick hearth, surround and mantle. Original quarter height wall panelling and high skirting. Oak floor. Central ceiling and wall lights. Television point. Two double radiators.

INNER LOBBY Oak staircase to kitchen and cloakroom. Telephone point.

CLOAKROOMWindow to rear aspect with white plantation shutters. Fully refitted two piece suite comprising traditional Savoy hand wash basin with chrome taps and fittings and low level W.C. Fully tiled in white metro style tiles with glass tile feature strip. Black and white ceramic tiled floor. Chrome heated towel rail.

KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM 45’4 X 14’1 (13.81M X 4.30M)Central chimney breast and housing for range cooker between the kitchen and breakfast areas.

Kitchen Area Sash window to rear aspect. Fitted with hand painted base and wall mounted wooden kitchen units and matching central island with solid oak and white marbled Carrara caesarstone work surfaces. White ceramic butler’s sink with chrome swan neck mixer tap. Integral dishwasher. Amtico oak strip floor with underfloor heating. Wall mounted air conditioning unit. Pendant lights and recessed ceiling lights. Television point. Part tiled. Oak staircase to utility room with understairs storage cupboard.

Breakfast Area Sash window to rear aspect with original shutters. Coordinating base and wall mounted units with solid oak work surface including glass front display cupboards, plate and wine racks. Amtico oak strip floor. Open feature fireplace. Pendant lights. Column style enamelled radiator.

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UTILITY ROOMWindow to rear aspect. Range of base and wall mounted wooden units with solid oak work surfaces. Inset stainless steel sink and taps. Space for washing machine. Oil fired boiler serving central heating and hot water systems. Part tiled. Amtico oak plank flooring.

BOOT ROOMWindow to side aspect. Part glazed door to rear aspect. Bespoke hand painted wooden unit with solid oak worktop. Space for tumble dryer. Wall light. Fitted oak coat rack.

SHOWER ROOMWindow to side aspect with plantation shutters. Refitted with a white ceramic shower tray, bespoke chrome folding door, electric shower and white ceramic hand wash basin in a traditional chrome towel stand. Fully tiled with Carrara marble coloured tiling. Ceiling light. Extractor fan.

UPPER LANDINGOriginal ceiling mouldings and cornicing. Tall skirting. Two radiators.

MASTER BEDROOM 25’1 X 20’11 (7.65M X 6.38M)Large sash window to front elevation. Painted fireplace with acanthus leaf central motif bespoke silver dragonfly tiles by ceramicist Alice Gibbons from the National History Museum collection. Acanthus motif ceiling rose, deep cornice and decorative moulding over the door. Ceiling light. Television and telephone points. Two radiators. Large full height loft above, which has the potential to be converted to a dressing area and bathroom, subject to planning consent.

BEDROOM TWO14’10 X 14’4 (4.53M X 4.37M)Sash window to rear elevation. Wash stand with circular sink in a mosaic tiled surround with storage under. Ceiling light. Wall light. Radiator. Door and stairs to two unmodernised attic rooms (suitable for conversion to an en suite bathroom, subject to consent). Door to oak staircase leading to kitchen.

BEDROOM THREE14’6 X 14’1 (4.42M X 4.29M)Sash window to rear elevation. Two panelled fitted wardrobes to either side of the chimney breast. Ceiling and wall lights. Radiator.


As a Captain in the US Army Air Corps in the Second World War, Glenn Miller

was posted to nearby Bedford in early 1944

to play a series of concerts for the BBC - which

had been evacuated to the town as a result

of the Blitz – and for US airmen stationed in

the surrounding airfields. The Grange had been

requisitioned to house the officers of the US

air squadrons and Miller and his Band played

at a huge party in the house shortly before his

flight to France, to arrange a celebration concert

following the liberation of Paris, during which he

disappeared in a mystery which has never

been solved.

vendor


insightThe house’s connections to aviation history go further: it was built in 1898 by pioneering pilot Lt. Col. Thomas Joseph

Sunderland, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, who is said to have

planted the range of stately cedars and redwoods in the

extensive grounds in his own initials for his amusement when

he flew overhead.


Kathryn and her family have preserved and restored the architecture of their exceptional home over the past nine years, while ensuring that it works well as a modern

family home. The exceptional interiors highlight the original

features including moulded soaring ceilings around fourteen feet

high, wide cornices, panelled rooms, polished oak floors and a wide

oak staircase. But the owners have ensured period splendour and

style has been combined with the requirements of modern family

life : with a huge open plan kitchen/breakfast room, refitted bath

and shower rooms and an external office with wi-fi and

telephone connections.




Kathryn and Andy Watts, who live here in Middle Grange with their two sons, say “We have always loved the house’s connections to Glenn Miller.”



Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents 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 13.05.2015

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BATHROOMRecently refitted with a traditional white suite comprising a pedestal hand wash basin with chrome mixer tap, bath with chrome mixer tap and hand held shower attachment, large shower with glass and chrome surround and overhead Savoy style shower rose and low level W.C. Fully tiled with feature panels of hand painted shells by ceramicist Alice Gibbons from the Natural History Museum collection. Travertine tiled floor. Two wall lights. Recessed ceiling LED spotlights. Silent extractor fan.

BEDROOM FOUR12’0 X 9’0 (3.65M X 2.75M)Window to rear elevation. Wall and ceiling lights. Cupboard housing insulated hot water tank and hanging rail. Column style radiator.




Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 0845 603 2825

OUTSIDE The property is accessed via two entrances leading to the front and rear of Middle Grange. Large gravel drives offer ample parking for numerous vehicles and access to the garage, detached office and outbuildings.

The grounds to the front of the property include open parkland with mature trees including walnut, beech, maples, apple, plum and ornamental cherry, shrubs and large and well stocked herbaceous borders. Within the open park land there is a private lawned garden with a traditional summer house (5m x 4m), large terrace, Japanese garden and box edged parterre. The private garden is well stocked with roses, perennials and spring flowering bulbs.

To the rear of Middle Grange there is a second private walled garden ideal for outside dining. There are well stocked beds with box edging, gravel paths and traditional Georgian style smaller summerhouse.

DETACHED OFFICE 12’6 X 9’6 (3.81M X 2.89M)Brick built and fully insulated. Sash window and door with canopy to front aspect. Telephone point. Recessed ceiling and wall lights. Original fireplace. Wooden floor.

FURTHER OUTBUILDINGSThere are three further brick-built outbuildings owned by the house comprising two stores and a double garage with timber doors and electricity.

AGENTS NOTES Property Age – 1898 Council Tax Band - GReed bed and septic tank drainage


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GrangeMIDDLE GRANGE

Open country surrounds the gardens which blend together with views of adjoining arable fields, creating a seamless landscape enhancing the far reaching views of the house. This also means that it is a haven for wildlife, visited by deer, one of whom gives birth to a fawn and raises it in the Japanese garden each year.



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Bedford, Bedfordshire