Reading, Berkshire

ROWES FARMHOUSE

A distinctive six-bedroom, three storey unlisted farmhouse with origins dating back 300 years boasting an abundance of charm and character.

STEP INSIDE

Ground Floor

The flexible accommodation comprises, on the ground floor, a spacious entrance hall which leads through to the living room with exposed beams and inglenook fireplace. There is also a separate dining room, study/bedroom and a kitchen with Aga which leads to the rear porch. Two cloakrooms and a useful utility room complete the ground floor accommodation.

First Floor

Stairs rise to the first floor landing with access to the principal bedroom with en-suite and also access to a large storage room, three further bedrooms and the family bathroom. There is a further staircase which leads to the second floor which is currently used as a self-contained annex with a kitchen diner, living room, bedroom and shower room. There is also access to attic storage too.

SELLER INSIGHT

We moved into Rowes Farmhouse in September 1971 and at that time I would describe the property as a shell which needed restoration. I spotted the property for auction and could immediately see the potential of the property in this lovely rural hamlet. We engaged the relevant trades to help us create a beloved family home we have enjoyed living in.

Rowes Farmhouse is shown on the first maps 300 years ago. It is an unusual 3 storey red brick and fishtail tiled attractive property with character, especially in the attic which is beamed, ‘quirky and fun’. We have carried out many improvements in the 52 years of ownership and reconfigured the property in a variety of ways to suit the family’s needs over the years. In 1990 a conversion of the attic took place so the children could live separately up there before entering the world of work and moving on with their lives.

My favourite room is the lounge with the inglenook fireplace and wood burning fire on which I have cooked when there has been the occasional power cut. Christmases have been very special here. The layout of the ground floor has lent itself to entertaining and celebrating many birthdays too.

As much as the house is cherished, the gardens are pleasing too. Originally the gardens were very overgrown, which the children thought was great for dens! Over a long time a wildlife garden has been created including a pond hosting dragonflies, newts, mallard ducks and the occasional heron. There are also damsons, Bramley apples and greengage trees.

Although we are in a rural location and surrounded by farmland, there are local amenities including a shop and post office in Swallowfield village with other small supermarkets nearby and a farm shop on the Wellington Estate. There is also a Parish Hall with various activities, recreation ground, tennis court and a children’s playground.

I’ll miss the ambiance and space at Rowes Farmhouse, the Aga and the warmed bathroom and also the fruit crops as I am a home cook. I leave behind many happy family memories and hope the new owners will treasure the home as we have.”*

* 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 is approached over a sweeping driveway with ample off-road parking. There is a central open 37’ barn with two attached stores. This barn could potentially be converted into a home office, games room, hobby space (subject to obtaining the necessary consents. The farmhouse is set in mature gardens which are mainly laid to lawn with a pond and flowerbeds, providing a haven for wildlife, a well and a greenhouse.

LOCATION

Rowes Farmhouse is located on the edge of the pretty village of Swallowfield and is surrounded by farmland. Within the village is a shop/post office, public houses including the gourmet George & Dragon across the road, doctor’s surgery, church and parish hall. Reading, Wokingham and Basingstoke are all within easy reach and provide a broader range of shopping, recreational and educational facilities.

The M3 and M4 motorways are just a short drive away and Central London is approx. 1¼ hours by car. There are mainline stations at Reading to London Paddington and Basingstoke, Hook or Wokingham to London Waterloo providing fast and regular services with Central London via fast train in under 30 minutes. Heathrow Airport is only 45 minutes’ drive from the property.

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 and water, oil fired heating, private drainage.

Tenure Freehold Local Authority Wokingham Borough 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 01.09.2023

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.