Reading, South Oxfordshire

2 GABLE COTTAGES

An attractive Victorian four bedroom cottage constructed in approximately 1880, sympathetically extended and offering a blend of charm, character and thoughtfully designed living spaces. For sale with no upward chain.

SUMMARY

Located in the sought after hamlet of Gallowstree Common, this extended Victorian cottage offers a blend of charming original features with modern enhancements. With four good sized bedrooms, the principal having ensuite facilities, three reception rooms, large kitchen diner and gardens to the front, side and rear, off road parking and garage.

STEP INSIDE

Ground Floor

Approaching via the garden gate into the pretty entrance porch with a practical bench, you’ll enter into the living room with its reclaimed floorboards, window overlooking the front garden, stairs to the first floor and feature brick chimney breast with solid fuel burner, perfect for cosy nights in. From here we move into the large kitchen diner which is the heart of the home. The kitchen diner is a bright space which overlooks the rear garden having wooden fitted units, terracotta floor tiles and enough room to accommodate a large dining table. There’s also a stable style door leading out to the garden and a further door leading to the spacious family room, making this sociable space perfect for entertaining. The family room is a real gem, being triple aspect, it is light and airy with bi-fold doors that open out into the rear garden, fitted storage and shelving and a lovely open fireplace. Completing the ground floor accommodation is the study which looks out onto the front garden and benefits from fitted bookcases and cupboards.

First Floor

Stairs lead from the living room up to the first floor landing with access to all first floor accommodation. The principal bedroom is a bright and airy space, with two windows providing lovely views and access to the en-suite shower room. There are a further three good sized bedrooms and a delightful family bathroom with a roll top bath.

SELLER INSIGHT

2 Gable Cottages has been a much-loved family home where we have lived very happily for the last 28 years. We were first attracted to the character and period of the house as well as the location, which is not too far from any amenities and good schools, but far enough to enjoy the quietness as well as being able to walk into the woods without having to drive anywhere.

The property is an 1880 cottage, set back from the road with an orchard and fields at the back. The home has been lovingly refurbished and thoughtfully extended to double its size, creating a welcoming space for us and our children.

We have found the house is a calm place to live, and it had a homely feel from the day we moved in. We have loved living in it and also made the most of the garden, using it as an extra-large room in the summer. The garden is large enough for children to play in and our two boys have played football as well as other games there. They have even pitched their tent up, invited friends and spent warm summer nights outside. We have left nature to take care of itself in places and we always had different flowers come up in the spring. The bench in the porch is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The house has been fantastic for entertaining as the large kitchen and living room are adjoining so people can move easily between the two and the large kitchen table invites everyone to linger and sit and chat even when someone is busy cooking and preparing food. Both these rooms have doors that lead into the garden which in the summer becomes part of the entertaining space, the large table outside accommodating up to 10 people and there is enough space for children to run around too.

Our favourite room is the main bedroom, painted a dark red it is a very calming room and everyone who has slept in it says it was their best nights’ sleep in a long time. It also has a fireplace (not used currently) which makes the room look quite special.

The cast iron slipper bath in the family bathroom is a stand-out feature and great for long soaks as well as fitting up to three children in at bath time.

In terms of the local area, we have some lovely neighbours that we have known a long time, some of whom have become friends. We have all either looked after each other’s children or pets at some point and help out where we can with most of the residents on the Whatsapp group chat where we keep each other up to date with various things. There is a strong sense of community in the village and there are various events that take place at the cricket club where everyone is welcome, such as the Queen’s Jubilee last year, the coronation this year and various other events over the years. With regards to local amenities and schooling, both primary and secondary schools are very good, there are shops in Sonning Common, but Henley or Reading are not too far. Public transport is either from Sonning Common for Reading or there is a bus stop at the end of Horsepond Road either for Reading or Oxford.

We will miss the whole house as it is the place where we have spent a big part of our lives and it is where our children grew up. It has given us happy memories and seen us through various stages of our lives and although we are sad to go, it is time for a new adventure.*

* 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 property has gardens to the front, side and rear giving the plot a feeling of space and offering the opportunity to extend further, if required in the future (subject to planning). Laid primarily to lawn, the private rear garden features a patio area, ideal for al-fresco dining, adjacent to a useful garden room. There is also a gravel driveway, providing plenty of off-road parking, which leads to the garage.

LOCATION

The property is located in the highly sought-after hamlet of Gallowstree Common. You’ll find shopping nearby in Sonning Common or Goring-on-Thames, and Henley-on-Thames and Reading are just a short drive away. Reading also has train services to London, making it easy to get around. And if you love the outdoors, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking and riding in the surrounding countryside, plus there’s boating on the Thames and racing at Newbury and Ascot. And don’t forget about the excellent schools in the area, including The Oratory, Cranford House, and Moulsford.

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 gas, mains electricity, mains water, septic tank.

Tenure

Freehold

Council Tax Band: E

EPC Rating: C

Local Authority

South Oxfordshire District 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 13.07.2023

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.