Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, RG40

A truly one-of-a-kind restoration and a masterclass in attention to detail.

Nestled in the wooded grounds of the magnificent Easthampstead Park, on the outskirts of Wokingham, Laboratory House started life in the 1880’s, as a grand pumphouse to the original mansion and is grade II listed by its association, sharing the same Dutch gables and cut Portland stonework.

In the mid-20th Century, the property was gifted to the local school and used as a Science and Drama space – hence the name today. Fast forward to 2019 when the current owners acquired the property from the council, it is safe to say the property was in desperate need of TLC. Five years on and having undergone significant development and modernisation, the result is a home that we are proud to present today. A true labour of love and showstopping, one of a kind residential dwelling set in a very private acre of land.

Laboratory House retains all of its original Jacobethan grandeur and charm yet offers a truly modern and endlessly flexible living space. Ideal for multi-generational living or those just looking for space, privacy, tranquillity and above all, quality.

The home is accessed via the main drive of Easthampstead Park and after passing the impressive hotel building you continue into the woods along a private, dead-end road to reach the gated entrance. The remote location and lack of passing traffic provides a peaceful setting with complete privacy, whilst still offering the ease and convenience of quick access to the vibrant towns of Wokingham and Bracknell as well as the popular village of Crowthorne. For commuters, you are within easy reach of the M4, close to the M3, and mainline railway stations into London, Reading and Guildford.

You enter the grounds to the home through remotely-controlled gates and are immediately struck by its sheer size as the plot opens up providing space all around. Ample parking for visitors to the front can house up to five cars, with the owners using the space to the right of the house, plus the motor barn, to park a further seven cars with ease.

Passing through the stone portico and hardwood double front doors to the entrance hall, guests are greeted with a view of the up-lit front gable via the skylight, and the length of the main hall beyond. Coats and guest bathroom are to the left, study (which makes an occasional bedroom if needed) to the right.

The centrepiece of the house has to be the open plan kitchen and living area. Combining cooking, eating and sitting, this is where the family spend most of their time and who can blame them. The space is dominated by a 4m high ceiling and is packed with period features, including original wooden up-lit beams, stonework and a stunning metal and oak feature staircase. The under floor heated oak boards, coupled to A+ thermally rated metal frame double glazed windows and modern insulation, all ensures the space is always warm and comfortable, without costing the earth (EPC band B). The huge wood burner adds a cosy feel to the casual sitting area on darker nights in.

The bespoke kitchen has been specified for chefs, offering a twin stack of Neff ovens, combi-microwaves and deep warming drawers. The matching 5-burner gas hob (power is available for induction too) is extracted via a rise and fall unit that compliments the island and quartz worktops perfectly. Full height fridge and freezer, as well as wine fridge and dishwasher are all fitted, along with masses of storage. Dining can be informal at the island or for up to 12, seated at the matching quartz table.

In summer, the huge French doors lead to the Portland stone terrace with pergola over and again, offers space for seating 12 guests, served from the covered outdoor kitchen and BBQ.

The Drawing Room to the rear offers a totally different feel; dark, cool and snug. With striking feature windows and 3m ceiling, it is perfect for a book in front the fire, an LP, or a blockbuster with surround sound and 75” screen viewed from twin sofas. This really is a statement room.

The 1st of the bedrooms, chosen for its French Doors to the main terrace, set in their original stone surround, has a feature fireplace and marble bathroom with separate bath and shower, entered via the dressing room (common to all wing bedrooms).

Above is bedroom 2 – ‘the blue room’, which shares the same layout and bathroom features. Care has been taken to add significant sound proofing though out the building, to maximise privacy.

Bedrooms 3 & 4 are reached via the feature metal staircase in the main hall. Both are large doubles, are light and airy, and have the beautiful beam structure visible, with integrated ‘arched’ doors. Both have fitted wardrobes and dressing tables and share a Jack & Jill bathroom, again with separate bath and shower. Bedroom 3 benefits from access to the huge and private roof terrace, which catches the sun throughout the day and evening.

The separate annexe, reached either by a lockable connecting door or the separate front or rear French Doors, offers a fully independent living space, with fitted bespoke kitchen (inc. 2nd dishwasher) lounge and dining on the ground floor, and bedroom suite (annex bedroom/bed 5) on the 1st floor.

The utility room, probably the most used entrance to the house, offers fitted washer, dryer, masses of storage and a thoughtfully sized butler sink with shower, that is ideal for dog baths and dirty jobs.

Externally, above the 3-bay motor barn (wired for a 22kw fast charger and housing a separate outdoor w.c for gardeners) you will find guest accommodation. The large lounge/kitchenette/desk space leads to separate bedroom and bathroom and has a multitude of configurations and uses ancillary to the main house, but again, quite separate.

As is the newly constructed garden room. Clad in beautiful Cedar and housing a kitchenette and bathroom, this space is gym, office and guest suite rolled into one, with no need to head back to the main house for a shower or coffee.

The gardens, surrounded by mature protected trees, offer a variety of private areas: a further sun deck, shaded seating areas, formal lawns, a wildflower and grasses area, huge raised brick planter and ‘secret’ woodland area. There is something for everyone.

In addition to the home, Easthampstead Park Hotel provides a 1st class gym, bar and restaurant. The golf centre is a short walk away, as are the meadows that are ideal for dog owners and runners.

Alongside the already mentioned modifications and updates, the property also benefits from: CAT7 cabling throughout (ensuring WiFi in all corners), wiring for future solar energy, 4K CCTV, alarm system, smart heating controls and is configured for traditional and Sonos audio requirements. This home truly is the pinnacle of modern luxury surrounded by period character and charm.

Viewings of this exceptional residence are highly recommended to truly understand the space on offer. For more information, please contact Daniel at MAiSON Estate Agency.

Garden

External images