5 bedroom detached house for sale

Henwick Old Cottage is located in the quiet hamlet of Henwick, on the edge of the desirable village of Cold Ash near Newbury, yet is only a short stroll to the nearest shops and local pubs. Built in 1537, and now almost 500 years old, it is one of the oldest continually inhabited houses in West Berkshire. Located in a prominent position on a quiet country road, and with immediate access to local walks across farmland and woodland, it is a very special building in the local area. Built during Henry VIII’s reign, and originally owned by and built to serve Reading Abbey, it has a long history, rumoured to have been a hiding place for Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, when he fought battles in the nearby area, as well as being the home of the founders of the Thatcham Fruit and Flower Farm School, who were also the first ever women to win awards at the Chelsea Flower Show. The house has been beautifully updated to provide stylish and modern living whilst carefully maintaining the historic charm and character. There is a beautiful vaulted kitchen with a large fireplace, dining room, drawing room, two further reception rooms, study, and utility room on the ground floor. Accessed by a choice of two staircases, the first floor consists of three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. There are a further two bedrooms on the top floor. The house also benefits from natural light flooding in throughout and has a great mix of practicality along with its carefully maintained historic elements.

Local amenities in the area include two popular pubs, post office, and local shops. Highly regarded primary schools, as well as a range of good local private and state schools. Close to the A4, A34 and M4 for quick access to the motorway network, as well as high speed train services into London with the new Crossrail service linked in from Reading, as well as services to the West Country and beyond.

The gardens have been fully restored, recently winning Berkshire Life magazine's Best Garden award, with a low maintenance Tudor style to the front of the house, with formal lawns, topiary and box, and wisteria to the front and side which flower dramatically every year. Coming up the terraces you pass through a dedicated area overlooking the lawns, with direct access to the house and kitchen area, perfect for BBQs and entertaining, as well as the original well which was once the source of water for the house. To the rear of the house is a second main garden which comprises a wraparound classic cottage garden, as well as a dedicated vegetable garden with oak raised beds, and an area for sun loungers in what is a perfect sun trap on a hot day. There is also a third garden area to the rear of the property, adjacent to the double garage and also the neighbouring woodland. This is perfectly level and laid to lawn with a further section beyond home to the original orchard and a wild flower meadow, and finally, a secluded space to the rear for relaxing on a hammock in the shade. This area could also readily be adapted to install a separate summer house, home office or other building, with electricity terminated in place for this purpose already. The third garden is adjacent to a large oak clad double garage, with integrated storage and racking, as well as large storage space above running the length of the building. To the rear of this building, is a large 25m2 room, perfect as a gym, yoga studio, party room, or numerous other potential uses. The gardens extend to 0.7 acres in total. In addition, the neighbouring woodland is rented on an annual basis from the landowner and available subject to separate agreement.