** An Exceptional Rural Residential Smallholding with Development Potential- Now Available With Even More Land**
A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial rural holding extending to in excess of 10 acres, centred around an impressive detached barn conversion and situated within the highly desirable Bedfordshire village of Studham, on the edge of the Chiltern Hills.
Longyards occupies a private and secluded setting, offering a unique combination of residential accommodation, extensive land ownership and future potential. The principal dwelling comprises a substantial barn-style residence extending to approximately 5,000 sq ft, positioned at the head of a private driveway and surrounded by mature grounds.
The property enjoys a highly attractive rural environment, with open agricultural land lying to the north, paddock land adjoining Dunstable Road to the south, and established residential properties to the east and west. The site is enclosed by mature woodland, established hedgerows and trees, creating an exceptional degree of privacy and screening. As a result, the property is largely hidden from public view and cannot be readily seen from either Dunstable Road or the surrounding countryside.
The current owners sympathetically converted the former agricultural building into a spacious family home, whilst leaving scope for further refurbishment, enhancement and reconfiguration subject to individual requirements. The combination of an established residential use, extensive grounds and strategic location presents a compelling opportunity for purchasers seeking a private country residence with potential for future development opportunities, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents. Three-phase electricity is connected to the property.
Land Ownership
The property is now available with an expanded landholding extending to over 10 acres, offering a diverse mix of residential grounds, paddock land and agricultural acreage. The holding is split across three title numbers:
Main Longyards residence and primary grounds: Title No. BD265913
Barn and surrounding land: Title No. BD270122
Southern field adjoining Dunstable Road: Title No. BD268819
The enlarged acreage further enhances the property's appeal for equestrian, smallholding, lifestyle and potential future development uses, subject to the necessary consents.
Development Potential
The site lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the Chilterns National Landscape (formerly the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Whilst these designations require careful consideration, several factors enhance the site's future prospects.
Key planning strengths include:
• Established lawful residential use confirmed through the recently granted Lawful Development Certificate.
• The presence of a substantial existing residential dwelling.
• A location within the recognised village boundary of Studham.
• Land ownership extending to in excess of 10 acres.
• Central Bedfordshire Council's acknowledged challenges in maintaining a full five-year housing land supply, which may engage the presumption in favour of sustainable development in accordance with national planning policy.
• Potential opportunities for redevelopment, extension, replacement buildings, ancillary accommodation, equestrian use, diversification projects or other forms of residential-led development, subject to planning permission.
Interested parties should undertake their own planning investigations and seek professional advice regarding any future proposals.
Summary
Longyards represents a genuinely rare opportunity to acquire a substantial residential holding in one of Bedfordshire's most desirable village locations. Combining a substantial 5,000 sq ft barn conversion, more than 10 acres of private grounds and land, lawful residential status, exceptional privacy and potential future development prospects, the property offers significant appeal to owner-occupiers, investors, equestrian purchasers, lifestyle buyers and strategic land investors alike.
Guide purchasers are encouraged to undertake an early inspection to fully appreciate the scale, setting and potential of this unique opportunity.
The buyer signs a Reservation Agreement and makes payment of a Non-Refundable Reservation Fee of 4.5% of the purchase price inc VAT, subject to a minimum of £6,600 inc. VAT.
Services may be recommended by the Agent/Auctioneer in which they will receive payment from the service provider if the service is taken. Payment varies but will be no more than £500 inc. VAT. These services are optional.