High Street, Dorchester-on-Thames, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10

Iconic Design - Sensational Historic Setting.

Description

Located at the edge of the village, in a conservation area, Bridge End House is situated on the banks of the River Thame. Framed with the backdrop of Dorchester Abbey, the juxtaposition of architectures and river setting is sensational.

History
Built in 1965 by the architects Julia Fielding and Donald Morrison, Bridge End House is Grade II Listed notably for its “early use of a welded steel frame” and as “an example of the influence of contemporary American design in the construction of private domestic architecture in England in the 1960s”. “The inspiration for Bridge End House is cited as the Ben Rose House in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, built in 1953 to designs by A James Speyer, a student of Mies van der Rohe. ….. Its form is a direct consequence of the particular setting, being raised on stilts over the flood plain and, with its raised walkway, bearing an appropriate resemblance to a pier or jetty”. (Historic England)

About the property
Constructed on a steel frame with a flat roof, the property has recently been entirely renovated and modernised by the current owners. Energy efficient materials include insulated panels and Valfac triple glazing. A Steibel Eltron Air Source Heat Pump provides hot water and underfloor heating throughout the house and annexe. Attention to detail includes sensor night lights to bathrooms, Duravit sanitary fittings, Hansgrohe taps and showers with remote controlled blinds in bedroom skylights. The single storey layout works well, with engineered oak wooden floors connecting the different spaces. The open plan kitchen with reception spaces enjoys the most incredible views and opens to a balcony with steps down to the garden and grounds below. The kitchen itself is a German Hacker design, with Neff appliances and Quooker water tap. The principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and fitted wardrobes has glazed windows opening to the balcony. There are three further bedrooms, two en suite and a cloakroom. A separate studio/annexe with kitchenette, is accessed from the walkway to the main house and is attached to the garage.

Gardens and grounds
There is a private driveway with a parking area in front of the property and a useful single garage. The feature designed pedestrian walkway leads to the front entrance. A second vehicular access is found to the side of the main entrance. The gardens, which slope down to the rivers edge, are mainly left to nature. On the opposite side of the river, between the Thame and Mill Stream are about 5 acres of pasture with access from the Hurst Meadow. The rushes and reeds, majestic willow trees cascading into the river, together with other established specimen trees provide a haven for all manner of wildlife including kingfishers, swans, herons, little and great egret, owls, woodpeckers, deer and ducks.

When you are immersed in the magic of Bridge End House, its hard to believe you are still within convenient reach of London and Heathrow. Best of both worlds!

Location

Situated in South Oxfordshire at the confluence of the River Thame and River Thames, Dorchester-on- Thames is steeped in history. Well known for its historic Abbey built for Augustinian monks in 1140, which later became the Parish church at the dissolution of the monasteries, the monastic guest house beside the Abbey is now a museum and tea room and two of the former coaching inns are now pubs. The enchanting village also offers pre and primary schools, Coop store, hair dressers, restaurants, hotels and Bishops Court Farm café with live entertainment. More extensive amenities are found nearby in Abingdon, Wallingford and Oxford.

Communication is good with Culham train Station, about 3 miles, Didcot Parkway Station, about 7 miles, (London/Paddington from about 40 minutes) and the M40 (J7) about 10 miles.

The area is well served for a wide selection of state and independent schools including St Birinus C of E Primary in the village and state secondary in Wallingford. Independent schools include Moulsford Preparatory School, Cranford House, The Oratory Prep, Abingdon Prep, Europa international school, Radley College, Chandlings, Manor School and Abingdon School as well as the highly regarded Oxford schools. The village also gives access to footpaths and bridleways to Wittenham Clumps and along the river.

Square Footage: 1,992 sq ft


Acreage: 6.5 Acres

Directions

From the Oxford ring road take the A4074 towards Henley-on-Thames, pass through Nuneham Courtney and over the Berinsfield roundabout. Take the right turn into Dorchester, as signed to the Abbey. On arriving in the village, proceed over the bridge and Bridge End House is found on the right, before the Abbey.

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Additional Info

Services - Mains water, drainage and electricity. Air Source Heat Pump provides hot water and heating. Broadband.

Brochure prepared and photographs taken May 2025