Ascot Road, Holyport

The Story

Strolling out across their paddock, pausing to say hello to the sheep, Charlotte and Sinclair can follow a bridle path from Silver Firs Farm to Holyport. Their home sits in an enviable position, not far from the sought-after village and its renowned school Holyport College. "Using the path It only takes twenty minutes to walk into the village, or ten minutes if you cycle,” Charlotte explains. “We are also only twenty minutes by bike from the train station at Maidenhead, or a ten minutes drive. This really is an exceptional place to live. We have beautiful walks and all the benefits of country living and yet we can get to everything we need so easily, without even having to get into the car.”

PERIOD APPEAL

Believed to date back to the very early 20th century, the impressive, red-brick, Victorian-style property was once a working farmhouse. Today it still sits in 1.3 acres of its own land, including the paddock that has had all sorts of uses over the years, from rounders pitch to badminton court and more recently as home to the family’s sheep. It has also been the perfect place for the children to camp out. “It was the incredible space both inside and out that initially appealed to us,” Charlotte recalls. “The house felt very private because of the fields around it and there was also plenty of internal space: lots of rooms with high ceilings.”

SYMPATHETIC RENOVATION

The couple bought Silver Firs Farm thirteen years ago with the intention of upgrading and extending it – and work began just a couple of months after moving in. Since then they have been through the entire house, installing a new heating system and boiler, reconfiguring certain areas, and returning many of the windows back to bespoke timber sash versions. Rooms have been renovated, new bathrooms installed and some new flooring laid; the interior has been redecorated in carefully selected heritage shades. “Where original features, such as the floorboards, were intact, we have retained them,” she explains. The other great change to the house was the addition of a completely new kitchen breakfast room. This exquisite extension has a vaulted ceiling and bi-folding doors. “This beautiful room is quite a size and can be opened right up on to the garden on two sides,” she adds.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The accommodation at Silver Firs Farm offers extraordinary flexibility. At ground-floor level, there are two reception rooms to the front, both with bay windows. These are currently arranged as a drawing room and study, but one could equally be a dining room if required. There is also a family or television room, which gives on to the splendid new kitchen, with its underfloor heating, central island and granite work surfaces. “This part of the house is now a fantastic family space,” Charlotte agrees. “But it has also been wonderful for entertaining. We often have up to sixteen people here for Christmas dinner and about the same number for drinks after carol singing on the green in Holyport.”

FAMILY LIVING

In addition to a laundry room and cloakroom downstairs, there are also two bedrooms (one used as a second study), shower room and dressing area. “This has been an excellent space for guests as they can have privacy,” she observes. “There is plumbing here so new owners could install a kitchen and create a completely self-contained annexe if they wished.” The upper floor of the house has been remodelled to create three large bedrooms, including a generous master suite. This has its own dressing area and shower room. There is also a large family bathroom. “This arrangement has worked very well for us,” she adds.

PERFECT PLACE

Charlotte and Sinclair have enjoyed sharing their home with visitors. Their children have been able to have their own space yet there has also been plenty of room for spending time together as a family and welcoming friends. “At the end of each rugby season we have always had big summer barbecues here with all the team members and their families,” she says. “This is the perfect house if you like socialising.” Now downsizing, they hope to be able to stay in the area, with its superb balance of country living and convenience. “We will miss the house but it only seems right that it now becomes home to another growing family,” she suggests. “It is such a lovely place to be. Sometimes when I am up very early for work, sitting in the kitchen, looking out at the sun rising over the field, I do think there is nowhere else I would rather be.”

SETTING THE SCENE

The house opens up on to a terrace and lawned garden, with ample space for outside dining, relaxation and children to play. Beyond the garden is the large paddock where the family have kept sheep, but could become home to a pony. There is very generous, driveway parking, plus a large garage and car port.

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.