Peaceful Lakeside Retreat with Highland Cows

Welcome to your cosy corner of the Bedfordshire countryside - a peaceful rural escape, yet minutes from the M1, Milton Keynes and major transport links. You'll have Highland Cows grazing in the field right behind you and a lake with swans and ducks in view across the grounds. And if you're a dog person, expect a warm welcome from Evie, our very friendly dog. It's the kind of place where you can hear the trees rustle and birdsong drift up from the lake. The space We live next door in the 130-year-old cottage, once the workers' cottages for the village Manor House, with Evie our friendly dog. Your studio is tucked away above our timber-framed garage, so you get your own private little bubble, with us right on hand for anything you need. Inside, vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light make it bright and airy, and the bed is something special (guests routinely tell us it's the comfiest they've slept in, and we're inclined to agree). There's a proper king bed with lovely linen, and a few welcome touches to arrive to: tea, a kettle, and a L'OR Barista capsule coffee machine (with decaf and sustainable "Wonky Coffee" pods). We don't provide milk, so do bring your own if you'd like it. The large kitchen island with seating doubles as a great spot to work, with fast 73 Mbps wifi throughout. One honest note on the outlook, so it's exactly what you expect: the studio's windows look out over our gated, tree-lined driveway, with its mature oaks and silver birches, rather than onto the lake. The lake (which once served the Manor House too), garden and the Highland Cows just over the back fence are all part of the setting to enjoy around the grounds; the view from the windows is the leafy driveway. It's a working country lane, so there's a fair bit of passing traffic during the day, particularly at commuting times, though it settles in the evenings and is much quieter at weekends. The studio is set back from the lane and double-glazed, so inside stays peaceful. Your bathroom is stocked with eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and the kitchen has the essentials for relaxed cooking (hob, oven, cookware), though it's compact by design and set up more for easy suppers than a full banquet. Guest access Access is through our electric gates onto the driveway, with plenty of parking and your own private entrance and stairs straight up. We'll send you What3Words directions right to the gate (our map pin can sit a little off) plus a simple keypad code for easy self check-in, whenever suits you. Solo travellers often tell us they felt safe and at ease here, with the gated driveway and us being right next door. Other things to note There's lovely countryside walking nearby, and we're always happy to send our favourite routes, including the best way to get up close to the Highland Cows, a highlight for so many guests. Our resident pair, Ernie and Little Ernie, are a nosy father and son who often wander over to the back fence to see what's going on (though, being cows, they roam, so we can't promise a private audience!). One honest note so you can plan: our lane has no pavement and the odd car comes through at a fair pace, so it's ideal for couples and solo travellers happy to walk the verge, but less suited to little ones or a buggy. Families may prefer to drive the short distance to the footpaths and villages. The Swan pub is a two-minute drive, or a longer countryside walk if you'd rather avoid the roadside - that's what we do! Its Sunday roast is a must: proper Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and endless gravy. Historic Woburn (High Street, Safari Park, Deer Park, Center Parcs) is around ten minutes away. Milton Keynes Central is 17 minutes' drive, with trains to central London in just over half an hour; Bedford and Flitwick stations are within 20 minutes. Public transport is limited out here, so ideally you'll have a car (or a healthy taxi budget!). We've loved our own adventures staying in Airbnbs over the years and kept all the little touches we loved in mind when creating this space, which we keep spotless between every stay. For your security and peace of mind, there are exterior security cameras covering the driveway and parking area (outside only). Any questions before you arrive, just get in touch, we'd love to host you.