Reading, Berkshire

HENWOOD

A spacious four bedroom family home situated on a sought after road in Upper Basildon.

SUMMARY

This fabulous, spacious, family home in the pretty village of Upper Basildon is surrounded by the Berkshire Downs. The house enjoys total privacy in its setting along a quiet, leafy, lane, and has been a much-loved family home since it was built forty-three years ago. The property offers four good sized bedrooms, the principal bedroom having en-suite facilities, four reception rooms, double garage and beautiful mature gardens.

STEP INSIDE

Ground Floor

Nestled in the coveted village of Upper Basildon, Henwood is a welcoming and adaptable detached family home. The property includes four bedrooms and four reception rooms, ensuring ample space for a variety of needs. The entrance hall, currently hosting a boudoir grand piano with extra space to spare, gracefully leads to the main reception areas. The centerpiece is the 22ft, triple-aspect drawing room, featuring sliding glazed doors that open to the rear garden, a feature brick-built fireplace, and glazed double doors leading through to the dining room. There is also an adjoining study which could be used as a fifth bedroom, if required. To the rear, a light-filled conservatory offers exquisite views over the garden. The well-equipped kitchen boasts units at base and wall levels, a built-in breakfast table and a Rayburn. An adjacent utility room provides further space for appliances and storage, also having access to the double garage.

First Floor

The first floor landing area is spacious with room for an office area and access to all bedrooms. The principal bedroom is a generous size with fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. There are a further three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, and the family bathroom.

SELLER INSIGHT

We were gifted this quarter acre piece of land by Lizzie’s father who also designed the house. Thus we were able to be involved with the construction, high specification, and design of our lovely home. The entrance hall is particularly spacious and welcoming and is large enough to feature a boudoir grand with space to spare. The generous amount of glazing in each room lets natural light flood the interior while also providing a clear outlook of secluded garden greenery from every aspect. The design of the house gives a logical and sociable flow throughout and has been perfect for three generations of family life with plenty of space for everyone when grandchildren come to stay. Ten years ago we fitted solar panels which have proved to be very cost effective. In addition, we added a year-round Amdega conservatory which has enhanced our living space considerably. As this room opens out from the kitchen, it is a very companiable space and very much the hub of family life. The conservatory underfloor heating is rarely needed as the solid-fuel Rayburn keeps a comfortable but economical warmth throughout autumn, winter and spring. Cooking, dining and hospitality all take place in this part of the house. We love to welcome friends and family and Henwood seems to come into its own at Christmas, particularly when our grandchildren are here.

Forty years ago - once the terracing and hard landscaping had been completed – gardening began in earnest for us both. Over the years, through design and planting, the garden has matured into a wealth of colour and seclusion with fruit and vegetables as well as shrubs and trees. It has been the host of many outdoor celebrations. The variety of plants gives us pleasure and delight throughout the seasons, and our young Italian albizia ombrella tree has been a spectacular success, planted at lawn level where its beauty can be seen best from the house and terrace. There is also a greenhouse and two raised beds made of railway sleepers. Best of all there is Lizzie’s garden studio which whether for artwork or office is a cosy haven, access to which is usefully lit after dark by two garden lights. Although small, our village does have a special ambience with lots of social and sporting amenities. Schools, both state and independent, are excellent and it is an easy commute from Pangbourne into the capital.

This has been an idyllic home for our family and our move is reluctant. However, it is also sensible and we wish the new owners as much happiness here as we have had living here for so long.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

STEP OUTSIDE

The captivating rear garden is a real gem. Japanese acers provide wonderful colour in Autumn, alongside the mature shrubs, well stocked borders and lawned areas. The front garden features a gravel driveway providing ample parking and access to an integrated double garage. The rear garden welcomes with paved terracing and steps leading past well-stocked flowerbeds and established shrubs to a lawned area. There are also two lily ponds, one equipped with a waterfall, pump, and goldfish. In addition, there are raised vegetable beds, a greenhouse, and a small shed. Lastly, a detached, insulated studio with power, water, and Wi-Fi offers an ideal space for home working or hobbies.

LOCATION

Upper Basildon, a sought after and popular village, boasts a recreation ground, public tennis courts, and a vibrant village hall hosting community activities. There is also a primary school, preschool, and the Red Lion public house. Just three miles away, the Thameside village of Pangbourne provides an excellent range of local shops and services, including a renowned butcher, artisan baker, and specialty cheese shop. There is also a mainline rail link, getting you into Central London in around 45 minutes. If you’d like to drive into Central London, it’s just an hour and a half and Heathrow is just under an hour’s drive away. For comprehensive amenities, Reading, situated about nine miles away, offers a plethora of options. The area is renowned for prestigious independent schools like Pangbourne College, Oratory Prep, St. Andrew’s, Bradfield College, and The Oratory.

Registered in England & Wales. LMSY2 Limited. Company No: 13409087.

Registered Office Address: Amelia House, Crescent Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1RL

copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

INFORMATION

Services

Mains electricity, mains water and drainage, oil fired heating

Tenure Freehold

Local Authority West Berkshire Council

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country – Adrian Beatty 07899 875966.

Website For more information visit www.fineandcountry.com/reading

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 8.00am – 10.00pm

Saturday 8.00am – 8.00pm

Sunday 8.00am – 8.00pm

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 13.09.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in over 300 locations, spanning Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia, we combine widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation –leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.

Adrian has been in the property industry for a number of years having previously worked in finance in the City. He has extensive knowledge of new builds and property developments having completed a number of successful projects himself.

His ethos is to work transparently with his clients on a one-toone basis and put them first, listening to their requirements and getting them the outcome they want with uncompromising integrity and discretion.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.