Homes to Rent and Buy in Oakley

Oakley is about four miles north-west of Bedford, on the River Great Ouse, with around 2,500 people at the 2011 census. People have lived here a very long time; flint tools from around 7000 BC have been found.

The village owes a lot of its look to the Dukes of Bedford. The 4th Duke bought Oakley in 1737 and the estate wasn’t sold until 1918. Their cottages, built in blocks of six, still carry a ducal coronet and a carved “B” on the gable. You’ll also find 1920s homes and some larger, newer houses on the old Grange Farm land. St Mary’s Church was built around 1200.

It’s a strong choice for families, because children can go right through to 16 without leaving the village: Oakley Primary Academy and Lincroft Academy are both on Station Road. There’s a pre-school, a village hall on Grenidge Way, Oakley Sports and Social Club, and Pilgrims Oakley Cricket Club at the recreation ground. The Bedford Arms is a dining pub with a garden.

Buses run to Bedford, and the 50 goes to Rushden Lakes.