6 bed detached house for sale

The Ride, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire LU6

Glebe House is an elegant and historically significant Regency former vicarage, dating from 1835, occupying a private and elevated position within the highly regarded village of Totternhoe. Set behind St Giles Church, the property enjoys a unique sense of heritage alongside far-reaching panoramic views across open countryside. Approached via a private gated driveway, complemented by beautifully landscaped formal gardens, mature trees and adjoining paddock land, with the total plot approaching two acres. Internally, the property has been comprehensively refurbished and meticulously maintained, combining classic period proportions, including high ceilings, symmetrical design and large sash-style windows. The ground floor offers an impressive reception hall leading to four principal reception rooms, many with floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames the surrounding landscape, while the heart of the home is a striking vaulted kitchen/dining/living space with expansive sliding doors opening onto the gardens. Additional accommodation includes a utility room, cloakroom, cellarage and a guest bedroom suite, along with a self-contained annexe. To the first floor are four well-proportioned double bedrooms, all with ensuite facilities and enjoying delightful views over the grounds.

Welcome To Glebe House

The frontage of Glebe House offers an exceptional sense of arrival, approached via a sweeping gravel carriage driveway that opens out to provide extensive parking and a striking first impression. The handsome double-fronted façade, constructed in attractive buff brick, is beautifully symmetrical and centred around an elegant arched entrance porch with decorative detailing, creating a refined Regency aesthetic. Mature, well-tended borders and clipped hedging frame the approach, complemented by manicured lawns and thoughtfully planted shrubs that soften the architectural lines and enhance the property’s kerb appeal. To one side, a substantial double garage building sits comfortably within the plot, echoing the main house in style and materials, while the overall setting is wonderfully private, with open countryside glimpsed beyond. The adjoining annexe section of the property was formerly the coach house. The combination of generous proportions, landscaped grounds and classic period styling results in a frontage that is both impressive and welcoming, perfectly befitting a home of this calibre.

Entrance Hall

The entrance hall provides a welcoming introduction, setting the tone for the elegant accommodation beyond. A generous and well-proportioned space, it reflects the home’s period origins with high ceilings, clean architectural lines and a natural sense of symmetry. Soft, warm tones are complemented by an abundance of natural light, drawn in through a large picture window which perfectly frames views across the gardens and surrounding countryside, creating an immediate connection to the setting. The staircase rises gracefully from the hall, adding a focal point and reinforcing the sense of scale, while doors lead off to the principal reception rooms, offering a seamless flow throughout the ground floor.

Dining Room (5.25 x 4.58 (17'2" x 15'0"))

The dining room is an elegant and beautifully proportioned space, ideal for both formal entertaining and relaxed family gatherings. Generous in scale, the room is flooded with natural light via large picture windows and French doors that frame uninterrupted views across the gardens and open countryside beyond, creating a wonderful connection to the setting. High ceilings, decorative cornicing and a central chandelier enhance the sense of period character, while warm, inviting tones add a welcoming atmosphere. A striking fireplace with an ornate surround provides a focal point, adding both charm and refinement. The layout easily accommodates a substantial dining table, with ample space for hosting, making this a superb room for entertaining in all seasons.

Drawing Room (5.24 x 4.58 (17'2" x 15'0"))

The drawing room is a beautifully proportioned and particularly light-filled reception space, perfectly embodying the elegance of the home’s Regency origins. High ceilings with decorative cornicing and a central chandelier enhance the sense of scale, while large picture windows and glazed doors draw in an abundance of natural light and provide uninterrupted views across the gardens and open countryside beyond. A striking fireplace with a classical surround forms a focal point to the room, complemented by soft, neutral tones that create a calm and refined atmosphere. Generous in layout, the room comfortably accommodates multiple seating areas, making it ideal for both formal entertaining and relaxed everyday living, with a seamless connection to the outside that further enhances its appeal.

Breakfast Room (6.21 x 4.58 (20'4" x 15'0"))

The breakfast room is a wonderfully inviting and characterful space, perfectly suited to relaxed everyday living. Generous in proportion and filled with natural light, the room enjoys a pleasant outlook through French doors that open directly onto the gardens, creating an effortless connection between inside and out. At its heart sits an impressive brick-built fireplace with a contemporary inset stove, providing a striking focal point and a cosy atmosphere during the cooler months. The high ceilings and elegant cornicing continue the home’s period charm, while the layout comfortably accommodates informal seating or a breakfast table, making it an ideal setting for family mornings or unwinding throughout the day.

Office (5.08 x 4.34 (16'7" x 14'2"))

The office is a charming and versatile reception room, ideally suited to home working or as a quiet study. Well-proportioned and filled with natural light from dual aspect windows, the space enjoys a pleasant outlook over the ground. High ceilings with decorative cornicing continue the home’s period character, while the warm colour palette adds a sense of comfort and individuality. A feature fireplace with exposed brick detailing provides a focal point, enhancing the room’s character, and there is ample space for both desk and seating areas, offering flexibility for modern working or relaxed reading.

Kitchen/Diner (7.88 x 5.93 (25'10" x 19'5"))

The kitchen/dining room is an outstanding contemporary space, thoughtfully designed as the true heart of the home, combining everyday functionality with exceptional entertaining appeal. Set beneath a striking vaulted ceiling, the room is flooded with natural light from large skylights and an impressive wall of glazing, including expansive sliding doors that open directly onto the gardens and frame far-reaching countryside views. The kitchen itself is beautifully appointed with a comprehensive range of bespoke cabinetry, complemented by granite work surfaces and a central island that provides both preparation space and informal seating. A range-style cooker is set within a feature surround, creating a natural focal point, while integrated appliances and ample storage ensure practicality. The dining and seating areas are seamlessly incorporated, offering generous space for family gatherings and relaxed entertaining, further enhanced by a contemporary inset fireplace that adds warmth and atmosphere. Elegant yet highly functional, this open-plan living space perfectly balances modern design with the home’s character, making it ideal for both day-to-day living and hosting on a larger scale.

Cellar/Store (3.55 x 2.53 (11'7" x 8'3"))

The cellar/store, accessed from the kitchen, provides a highly practical and versatile additional space, ideal for a variety of uses including general storage, wine keeping or utility purposes. Accessed from the kitchen, it comprises well-proportioned rooms with good head height for a cellar of this type, offering ample capacity for household items or more specialised use. Naturally cooler in temperature and dry, it lends itself particularly well to wine storage, while also serving as a useful overflow area to support the main living accommodation. Functional and easily accessible, it is a valuable and flexible extension of the home’s overall space.

Utility Room (4.56 x 2.34 (14'11" x 7'8"))

The utility room is a generously sized and highly functional space, thoughtfully positioned to support the main kitchen and day-to-day running of the home. Offering ample worktop space and storage, it is ideal for laundry appliances and additional household use, helping to keep the principal living areas uncluttered. Well laid out and easily accessible, the room provides excellent practicality for a busy household, with space for further appliances, storage solutions and everyday tasks.

Cloakroom

The downstairs cloakroom is a neatly presented and conveniently located facility, ideally positioned for both guests and day-to-day use. Fitted with a low-level WC and wash hand basin, the space is finished in a clean, neutral style that complements the rest of the ground floor.

Principal Bedroom (5.39 x 4.7 (17'8" x 15'5"))

The principal bedroom is an impressive and beautifully proportioned dual aspect principal suite, offering both elegance and comfort in equal measure. The room is generously sized, with high ceilings and soft, neutral décor that enhances the sense of light and space. A large double bed is centrally positioned, flanked by matching bedside tables and lamps, creating a balanced and calming layout. Period features add character, including an attractive fireplace with a stone surround and a decorative mirror above, while a chandelier provides a classic focal point overhead. Built-in wardrobes offer practical storage without compromising the room’s openness.

En-Suite

A particular highlight is the direct access to a luxurious en suite bathroom, which is exceptionally spacious and well-appointed. It features twin pedestal wash basins, a separate shower enclosure, WC, and a bath, all finished in a clean, timeless style.

Bedroom Suite Two (4.64 x 3.94 (15'2" x 12'11"))

Bedroom two is a bright and welcoming double bedroom, combining period charm with a warm and comfortable feel. The room is decorated in soft yellow tones, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, complemented by high ceilings, decorative coving and a central chandelier. A large window allows plenty of natural light to fill the space while offering attractive views over the surrounding grounds. A double bed is positioned along one wall, with ample space remaining for additional furniture. The fireplace itself, with its exposed brick interior and simple surround, adds character and a sense of heritage to the room, enhanced by a mirror above.

Bedroom Two En-Suite

Bedroom two also benefits from direct access to its own bathroom, which is well-appointed with a bath, wash basin and WC, finished in a simple, clean style. The bathroom enjoys natural light from a window, creating a bright and fresh space.

Bedroom Suite Three (5.32 x 4.72 (17'5" x 15'5"))

The room features soft, neutral décor with a subtle two-tone wall finish and high ceilings, complemented by decorative coving and a central chandelier that adds a touch of classic character. A traditional metal-framed double bed sits comfortably within the space, with ample room around it, reinforcing the sense of openness. Natural light pours in, enhancing the calm and inviting atmosphere, while the layout allows space for additional furniture such as a dressing table and occasional seating.

Bedroom Three Ensuite

Bedroom three also benefits from access to its own bathroom facilities, in keeping with the property’s layout of multiple ensuite bedrooms.

Bedroom Suite Four (4.5 x 3.42 (14'9" x 11'2"))

Bedroom four is a charming and spacious double bedroom. The room features pale lavender walls with contrasting cream tones above the picture rail, enhancing the sense of height and period character. A central ceiling light adds a traditional touch, while two large windows on adjacent walls flood the room with natural light and provide pleasant views of the surrounding greenery.

Bedroom Four En-Suite

Bedroom Four has a classic white ensuite bathroom.

Annexe Lounge (4.53 x 3.09 (14'10" x 10'1"))

The annexe lounge is a bright and comfortable reception space, designed to provide a cosy yet independent living area within the self-contained suite. The room is well-lit by two large windows, each fitted with simple roller blinds, allowing plenty of natural light while offering pleasant views of the surrounding greenery. The neutral walls enhance the sense of space and light, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

Annexe Kitchen (3.52 x 2.6 (11'6" x 8'6"))

The annexe kitchen is a compact yet well-appointed space, designed to function independently while maintaining a bright and welcoming feel. It is fitted with a range of white wall and base units, providing good storage and a clean, neutral finish. The worktops incorporate a stainless steel sink with drainer, and there is an integrated oven with an electric hob and extractor hood above, offering all the essentials for day-to-day cooking. Natural light is provided by a window overlooking the gardens, enhancing the sense of space and connection to the outdoors. Beneath the window sits a radiator, while the flooring features a light patterned vinyl, practical and easy to maintain. There is also room for a small dining setup, with a wooden table and chair positioned to one side, making it ideal for casual meals or a breakfast area.

Annexe Bedroom One (3.32 x 3.08 (10'10" x 10'1"))

The annexe's bedroom one serves as a double bedroom with ample space for freestanding furniture, while maintaining a view overlooking the extensive grounds.

Annexe Bedroom Two (3.34 x 3.26 (10'11" x 10'8"))

The annexe bedroom is a bright and comfortable double room positioned on the ground floor finished in soft neutral tones, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere; it features a large window with a roller blind that allows plenty of natural light while offering a pleasant outlook, a radiator beneath for warmth, and a simple yet practical layout with a bed, bedside unit, and wooden chest of drawers, complemented by tasteful decorative touches such as a wall mirror and artwork, making it an ideal and well-proportioned space for guests or independent living within the self-contained annexe. Alternative uses could be a study, play room or further family room. This room also has an en-suite making it ideal for multi generational living if single story living is required.

Annexe Bathroom

The annexe bathroom is a bright and neatly presented space, finished in soft, neutral tones that create a fresh and calming atmosphere; it features a classic white suite comprising a pedestal washbasin with mirror above, a WC, and a panelled bath with chrome fittings, while two windows allow for excellent natural light and ventilation, complemented by simple roller blinds, and practical touches such as a heated towel rail and easy-maintenance flooring ensure the room is both functional and comfortable, making it well suited to the independent living arrangement of the annexe.

Double Garage (6.08 x 4.6 (19'11" x 15'1"))

The double garage is an excellent size and practical outbuilding, providing ample room for storage for tools, equipment, or outdoor items; accessed from the sweeping driveway, it offers easy convenience and flexibility for modern living, and is further enhanced by the inclusion of a separate WC, adding useful functionality for those working in the garage or spending time outdoors, making it a highly versatile space that complements the property’s extensive grounds and lifestyle appeal.

Glebe House Plot & Gardens

The grounds of Glebe House are a defining feature of the property, extending to just under two acres and offering a beautifully balanced mix of formal gardens and open paddock land, all set against far-reaching panoramic countryside views. Approached via a private drive and opening onto a sweeping gravel carriageway, the setting immediately conveys a sense of arrival and privacy, while the gardens themselves wrap elegantly around the house, predominantly laid to expansive, immaculately maintained lawns interspersed with mature specimen trees, shaped hedging, and well-stocked borders. The rear grounds open out to gently rolling paddocks enclosed by post-and-rail fencing, creating a seamless transition into the surrounding farmland and enhancing the feeling of space and seclusion, while thoughtfully positioned seating areas and pathways invite enjoyment of the outlook. Aerial views highlight the property’s attractive positioning beside the historic St Giles church and within a richly green landscape, combining manicured garden design with a more natural, parkland-style setting that is both visually striking and highly usable.

Local Area

Totternhoe is a sought-after Bedfordshire village nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, offering a semi-rural lifestyle with convenient access to nearby towns. The village is home to Totternhoe Church of England Academy (lower school) with further schooling available in neighbouring Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard as well as many public school options. Transport links include regular bus services such as the 61 and 61A connecting to Dunstable, Luton and Aylesbury, with journey times of just a few minutes into Dunstable for onward rail links to London. Local amenities include traditional pubs such as the historic Cross Keys and The Old Farm Inn, with more extensive retail and supermarkets available in nearby Dunstable. The area is particularly renowned for its green spaces, with Totternhoe Knolls, Dunstable Downs and surrounding countryside providing excellent walking, cycling and panoramic views. The village also benefits from recreation grounds and community facilities. Road connections are strong via the A5 and M1 (Junction 11a), making the area attractive for commuters seeking a quieter setting without sacrificing accessibility. Totternhoe is within easy reach of Leighton Buzzard which offers many amenities including the mainline railway station offering direct links to London Euston in circa 30 minutes.

Material Information

About the property; Council Tax Band: H (Central Bedfordshire Council), Construction Materials: Traditional

Utilities; Electricity supply: Mains, Water supply: Mains, Sewerage: Mains, Heating: Gas, Broadband: FTTP, Broadband speed:, Mobile coverage: 4G

Parking; Availability of parking: Driveway Parking, Double Garage

Issues with potential impact; Property accessibility adaptations: None known, Building safety: None known, Planning permission or proposed developments: None known, Flood risk: No, Coastal erosion risk: No, Coalfield or mining area: No, Restrictions: Yes, Rights & easements: No

Marketing; Sale price: £1,850,000, Tenure: Freehold