Spring Lane, Cookham Dean, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6

Owned by the same family for the past 50 years, The Mount presents a unique opportunity to acquire a grand period property with a rich literary and artistic heritage, offering considerable potential for renovation and enhancement. The house's oldest sections are thought to date back to the 16th century, while a substantial late 19th-century extension transformed it into a more imposing and stately country home. This addition introduced impressive “Tudor revival” architectural elements, including a bell tower. The property currently spans nearly 7,500 square feet of living space across three levels.

Not only is the house one of the most striking period properties in the area, but it is also steeped in fascinating history. It was the childhood home of author Kenneth Grahame, who is said to have drawn inspiration from the nearby River Thames and Quarry Wood, for the beloved classic The Wind in the Willows. Additionally, the renowned early 20th-century painter Sir Stanley Spencer, who had strong ties to nearby Cookham, painted several of his works here. Interestingly, some of the original Victorian floor tiles in the greenhouse still remain, matching those depicted in Spencer's painting Greenhouse Interior.

While the house would benefit from a comprehensive renovation to bring it up to modern standards, its historic charm and period features remain intact. Among the standout rooms is the expansive 600 sq.ft drawing room, featuring ornate wooden panelling and a bay window that overlooks the gardens. The more historic portion of the ground floor includes a bright formal dining room with a feature fireplace and original wooden floors, as well as a cosy informal sitting room currently used as a family room with a large open fire. At the rear of the house, a series of spacious rooms, once part of the servant's wing, offer the perfect opportunity for reconfiguration to suit modern living needs. Potential uses for these rooms include a boot room, laundry, utility, larder, wine store, study, or games room. Additionally, there is a small cellar.

On the first floor, there are eight bedrooms, served by three bathrooms, with the larger rooms offering magnificent views of the beautiful gardens and mature trees to the east, extending across the surrounding countryside. With two staircases and ample space throughout, there is significant potential to reorganise the layout, adjusting the number and size of the bedrooms and bathrooms. A back staircase leads to the second floor, which likely served as the servant's quarters in the past. This level features an additional four bedrooms, a bathroom, a study/living area, and a kitchen. The views from this floor are even more impressive, offering an unobstructed perspective of the surrounding countryside to the east.

The beautifully landscaped formal gardens that exist today were redesigned in the late 1800s, likely around the same time the house was extended. A large lawn is bordered on one side by an Italian-style sunken garden, framed by meticulously shaped yew hedging that encloses a mature wisteria. A gravel path leads to an ornamental pond, adding a tranquil touch. The grounds feature several notable specimen trees, including two impressive and towering cedars. A pathway meanders through the estate, allowing visitors to explore the full expanse of the property, taking in well-established flowerbeds, expansive rhododendron and azalea bushes, and serene wooded areas, all contributing to the enchanting and adventurous atmosphere of The Mount, while ensuring complete privacy. Additional amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a historic greenhouse, a triple garage and store, and a few dilapidated outbuildings that could potentially be restored or replaced with a substantial annexe, subject to planning permission. The property is accessed via a long gravel drive, flanked by woods, leading to a parking area beside the house. The entire plot extends to around 3.5 acres.

Spring Lane, located in Cookham Dean, offers a semi-rural setting, perfectly positioned on the edge of the desirable towns and villages of Marlow, Cookham, and Maidenhead, and is close to the River Thames. The nearby village of Cookham provides a pharmacy, independent shops, popular pubs and restaurants, along with a station offering services via Maidenhead, connecting to London and the new Elizabeth Line. Marlow and Maidenhead offer a wider range of shops and amenities. The area is home to several local schools, including the highly regarded Sir William Borlase Grammar School in Marlow, as well as independent options like Saint Piran's, Claires Court, and Herries. Junction 8/9 of the M4 is easily reachable by car via the A404 bypass in about 15 minutes.
(All distances and times are approximate)