Storey Homes restores regal splendour in Bedford
Combine 19th century Victorian villas, a former university, a pioneer for physical education and a famous English explorer of Antarctica and you will get the illustrious history of Lansdowne Villas in Bedford.
Here, Storey Homes is proud to be restoring and recreating the splendour of this prestigious and desirable development of 18 detached Victorian mansion houses which were originally built in the 1880s. Launched in January this year, purchasers have been so keen to get their hands on one of the spectacular family homes, that twelve have already been reserved!
The site has an interesting history which dates back to 1886 when English explorer of Antartica, Apsley George Bennet Cherry-Gerrard was born at number 15 Lansdowne Road. At the age of 24, 'Cherry' was one of the youngest members of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's fatal Terra Nova expedition of 1912 and later became famous for writing one of the most celebrated and compelling books on Antarctic exploration ‘The Worst Journey In The World.’
In 1903, Margaret Stansfeld of 37 Lansdowne Road founded Bedford PE College which subsequently purchased the remaining villas and buildings in Lansdowne and Warwick Road. Margaret became a well known pioneer for physical education and the College later became De Montfort University. In 2007, De Montfort University relocated its Bedford campus. Storey Homes purchased the 3.24 hectare site shortly afterwards to develop Lansdowne Villas.
Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: “Lansdowne Villas is truly remarkable – a tranquil oasis with an illustrious history that any purchaser would be proud to be part of. Every need is catered for with a specification that is off the scale in terms of quality and technology ensuring residents can lead the low maintenance lifestyle they crave for.”
Sympathetically redeveloped by Storey Homes and completed to a superior, contemporary specification, these luxurious and historic period homes offer purchasers the unique opportunity to live in a property that combines the elegance of the past with the style of the future. Detail includes high ceilings, open fireplaces and the magnificent restored bay windows which were all very popular for the Victorian period.
Designed over two and three storeys, the substantial four to eight bedroom properties provide from 2,209sqft to 6,476sqft of living accommodation. Each property has a slightly different floor layout and all benefit from a designer kitchen featuring a choice of granite worktops, stainless steel American style fridge freezer, integrated dishwasher wine cooler and microwave, oven with 5 ring gas hob and extractor hood plus 1 ½ bowl stainless steel sink.
The location of Lansdowne Villas makes it ideal for both city commuters and those embracing local life. Bedford mainline railway station is less than half a mile away, with trains into London St Pancras taking approximately 40 minutes, whilst international travellers will benefit from the close proximity of Luton Airport.
Lansdowne Road is also close to the centre of Bedford, with the main shopping centre, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants offering different types of cuisine under half a mile away. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for; as well as local rowing and bowling clubs there are 2 golf courses within 1.5 miles and 3 gyms, the nearest less than 0.5 mile away. Priory Country Park is a couple of miles away, and there is also a cinema, theatre and museums within easy reach.
Schooling is excellent, with the Bedford based Harpur Trust collection of private schools famed for the quality of their education at all ages close by.
Prices at Lansdowne Villas start from around £435,000. For further information contact agents Urban and Rural.
