Church Lane, Shiplake, RG9 4BS by Luxury Property Partners

THE OLD VICARAGE

Church Lane, Shiplake, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 4BS

ACCOMMODATION SUMMARY

The Old Vicarage is secluded and private. An elegant country house paired with a quintessential two bed cottage in a remarkable setting with world class views.

This charming home offers a rare opportunity to transform and extend a historic property. Planning consent has already been granted for an impressive extension of over 5,000 square feet, allowing for the creation of a spacious and modern living environment.

The plans include rebuilding the existing structure into a grand 16,000-square-foot house, thoughtfully designed to blend luxury and comfort. The proposed design features external staff accommodation, extensive gym and spa facilities, as well as enhanced views of the nearby river, offering the perfect balance of privacy, luxury, and natural beauty. This is a truly unique chance to develop an extraordinary residence that combines heritage with contemporary elegance.

GROUND FLOOR

The oak front door opens to a welcoming central hallway, featuring oak paneling, a fireplace, and a grand staircase that ascends to a beautiful galleried landing, flooded with natural light from the overhead roof lantern.

GROUND FLOOR

The main rooms radiate from the hallway, offering an effortless flow throughout the house. The dining, drawing, and family room each provide stunning southerly views of the terraced gardens and the river beyond. Each room boasts tall ceilings, open fireplaces, and full-height windows with doors leading to the terrace. The drawing and dining rooms are generously proportioned with panelled walls, ideal for entertaining.

GROUND FLOOR

At the rear of the house, the dual-aspect kitchen/breakfast room enjoys views over the enclosed courtyard and landscaped driveway. Adjacent are two rooms—currently used as a playroom and ironing room—providing additional versatility.

GROUND FLOOR

A light-filled sitting room, off the kitchen, features an open fireplace and two sets of south-facing French doors opening to the courtyard. A utility/laundry room and walk-in pantry are nearby.

GROUND FLOOR

Beyond the kitchen, a corridor leads to the swimming pool area, offering three sliding doors opening to the south and west-facing gardens. The pool area includes changing rooms, a wet room, and a spacious al fresco sitting area, with a door leading back to the drawing room.

GROUND FLOOR

A three-room dry cellar, currently used as a wine cellar and additional storage, is accessed from the kitchen.

FIRST FLOOR

The principal bedroom, with dual-aspect south and westerly views, includes a fireplace, fitted wardrobes, and a staircase leading down to the en suite bathroom.

FIRST FLOOR

The second bedroom features a dressing area, a walk-through wardrobe, and a Jack-and-Jill 1920s bathroom with a rose marble bath surround and vanity unit. Both main bedrooms open to areas that could serve as balconies, offering expansive views.

FIRST FLOOR

On the first floor, four additional bedrooms are located, one currently used as an office overlooking the gardens. A nursery and linen room complete the floor, and these smaller rooms are ideal for use as a self-contained guest suite.

SECOND FLOOR

The second floor includes a kitchen, bathroom, and two further bedrooms, with stairs rising to a mezzanine floor containing three additional rooms. This space could serve as an office suite or additional bedrooms.

OUTSIDE

The gardens are a highlight, spanning two acres with six majestic Cedar of Lebanon trees providing shade and a beautiful backdrop. A charming loggia, draped in ancient wisteria, offers an inviting space for entertaining, while the west-facing evening garden is bordered by raised beds, hedging, and a summerhouse.

PLANNING PERMISSION

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Old Vicarage’s oldest part dates back to around 1690, with later additions. The property’s stunning gardens feature Cedar of Lebanon trees, planted before 1728, which are depicted in a print from that era. The house was once the residence of Robert Drummond Rawnsley, Vicar of Shiplake from 1849, and his wife Catherine, who were close friends with Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson met and married Catherine’s cousin, Emily Sellwood, at Shiplake, with Rawnsley officiating the ceremony. Tennyson wrote a poem to Rawnsley on the day of his wedding, a framed copy of which is displayed in the house. Rawnsley’s son, Hardwick Drummond, was an influential educationalist and a co-founder of The National Trust with his lifelong friend, John Ruskin. Drummond was also a close friend of Beatrix Potter, and the Blue Plaque Society plans to commemorate Rawnsley’s contributions with a plaque at The Old Vicarage.

The house has appeared twice in TV and film productions: in 1967 for the Forsyte Saga series and again for A Girl in a Swing, a Richard Adams film, known for his Watership Down books.

LOCATION

Nestled within nearly 2 acres of landscaped gardens, The Old Vicarage offers exceptional views of the River Thames. Situated conveniently near Henley and Reading, the property is well connected by excellent transport links. The nearby Shiplake and Reading train stations provide direct routes to London Paddington (from 24 minutes), while the M4 and M40 motorways are easily accessible. Heathrow Airport (Terminal 2) is just 27 miles away.

The property is in proximity to a variety of prestigious schools, including Shiplake College (less than a mile away), St Mary’s Prep School, Queen Anne’s, Wellington College, Eton, Charterhouse, Marlborough College, Downe House, Harrow, and Tudor Hall.

Henley, a charming and historic market town, is just 3 miles away, offering a range of pubs, restaurants, cafés, and independent shops. The town also hosts weekly and monthly farmers’ markets and is home to two large supermarkets. Henley is renowned for the prestigious Leander Rowing Club and offers excellent sporting facilities, including additional rowing clubs, rugby, and tennis clubs.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SERVICES:

Mains electricity, water and gas. Solar panels are connected on the roof of the indoor pool.

TENURE:

Freehold

LOCAL AUTHORITY & TAX BAND:

South Oxfordshire District Council | Council Tax Band: H

VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS

Strictly via the vendor’s sole agents Luxury Property Partners with Damion Merry, 07369 211 735.

AGENTS NOTES:

All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents 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 and 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.

BULLET POINTS:

• Planning Permission Granted to Extend by 5,000 sq ft

• Rare Opportunity to Rebuild the Original Structure

• Private & Secluded Setting

• Just under 9,500 sq ft of Living Accommodation

• Incredible Gardens, Spanning Two Acres

• Swimming Pool

• Plus a Two Bedroom Cottage

• Stunning & Desirable Location

• Proximity to Prestigious Schools

• Freehold | EPC: E | Council Tax Band: H

Energy rating and score

This property’s energy rating is E. It has the potential to be C

Properties get a rating from A (be and a score. The better the rating a lower your energy bills are likely to b

For properties in England and Wale the average energy rating is D the average energy score is 60

GROUIND FLOOR

FIRST & SECOND FLOOR

ROBIN HILL COTTAGE

Robin Hill Cottage is a charming and versatile addition to the property, offering a cozy and comfortable living space. With two well-proportioned bedrooms, a welcoming lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a modern bathroom, the cottage provides everything needed for convenient living. Its peaceful and private setting makes it an ideal choice for guest accommodation, offering a homely retreat for visitors. Alternatively, it could serve as a perfect space for staff, providing them with a comfortable and functional home within close proximity to the main property. Whether for guests or staff, Robin Hill Cottage enhances the overall appeal of the estate.

Damion Merry

Luxury Real Estate Consultant

M: 07369 211 735

E: damion@luxurypropertypartners.co.uk

Luxury Property Partners

4 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London,

United Kingdom, W1K 1QW

Important Notice