High Street, Newbury, RG20

Coombe House enjoys an imposing position set directly on Chieveley’s charming High Street, in expansive grounds of about 0.75 acres. The property is believed to have been built in circa 1790 and offers a wealth of character, though is unlisted allowing for certain freedoms with décor and plans for expansion. Indeed planning permission has been granted to convert and extend an outbuilding, which could offer a variety of uses. Internally the property has been lovingly updated by the vendor who has added a number of desired additions, including three wood-burning stoves, double glazing, three new bathrooms and a kennel and log store outside, where they also installed an outdoor heated swimming pool. The expansive main house offers almost 6000 sq ft of accommodation over four floors and is set within beautifully landscaped gardens designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal award winners Urquhart & Hunt. Elegantly appointed interiors stylishly combine period features including expansive fireplaces, coving and ceiling roses, sash windows, wood-panelled walls and floors and picture rails with modern additions like an attractive farmhouse kitchen to great effect. The kitchen is a real highlight, with plenty of storage and premium appliances including a six-burner AGA, and ample space for a table for informal family meals, with an adjoining laundry and pantry keeping food and laundry machines out of view. On the lower ground floor, there are cellars with excellent storage for wine. The two formal reception rooms offer space for big family celebrations, while there is a separate study which could equally be used as a snug. Additional ancillary rooms include a boot room, shower room and cloakroom. The bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors, including a principal bedroom with en suite shower room, five further bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms (two en suite). There is also a useful loft. The rooms are generously proportioned, light and attractively presented throughout.

Outside

The property has a grand reveal on the high street, with wrought iron gates opening to expose the elegant red brick elevations, framed by box topiary and mature trees. The grounds are walled to the sides, enclosing a large gravel driveway to the front and an expansive lawned garden to the rear, where there are a variety of well-established trees, a paved terrace adjoining the house and a number of flowerbeds. Towards the end of the garden there is a picturesque outdoor swimming pool inset within a paved terrace supporting a timber summerhouse. There is also electric car charging, a shed/log store and a detached two-storey brick outbuilding with excellent conversion potential (planning permission confirmed).

Situation

Chieveley is a charming village with a well-established community situated within the rolling Wessex Downs landscape, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just north of the M4. The village has a number of amenities including a convenience shop, post office, doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, pub, preschool, primary school and village hall/recreation centre. There are more extensive amenities in nearby Newbury (5 miles) including leisure centres, high street shopping, a racecourse and marina on the River Kennet. Newbury also has a train station offering regular services to London Paddington, Reading and the West Country. Chieveley is well placed for access to the A34, and therefore the M4 at J13 and the South and West Country via the A303/M3. There are many excellent schools locally including Downe House, Bradfield College, Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools, Elstree and Pangbourne. Regional attractions include the Kennet and Avon Canal, the North Hampshire Downs including Watership Down and the delightful Bourne Valley, with the area ideal for walking, riding and cycling, plus golf at West Berkshire and Sandford Springs.

Additional Information

Local Authority: West Berkshire Council. Council tax band H.
Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage are supplied to the property. Oil-fired central heating.