The Drive, Abbottsbrook

An exceptional and rare opportunity to acquire a unique residence, exquisitely finished with meticulous attention to detail, set in an idyllic and highly desirable location.Tucked away on the prestigious private Abbottsbrook Estate, this extraordinary character home enjoys a sought-after and secluded waterside position on The Drive, one of Bourne End’s most exclusive addresses. The Abbottsbrook features a network of artificially created and maintained steams that allow those owners with rowing boat sized vessels to navigate all the way to The Thames through the smallest hand operated lock in England. The property is accessed across a footbridge over the stream and is located on the favoured western side of the village, the area offers excellent transport links with fast and easy access to the A404(M), Marlow and surrounding areas and more widely fast rail access to London with the Elizabeth Line. Steeped in history, the original barn is believed to date back to the 12th century and was later converted around 1860, successfully blending its medieval roots with Victorian elegance. Throughout the home, many original features have been preserved, including a striking fireplace, exposed timber beams and charming leaded light windows, all of which contribute to the timeless character and historic allure of the property. Internally, the house has been lovingly enhanced to a superior standard, creating a contemporary living environment that honours its rich heritage while providing comfort and style for modern life. Highlights include the impressive Mahogany spiral staircase which acts as a dramatic centrepiece, a beautifully crafted and fully integrated cottage-style kitchen, warm American Cherry wood flooring, a bright and stylish principal suite with balcony overlooking the gardens and a collection of well-appointed bath and shower rooms that add an extra layer of luxury.This is a home that invites you to live beautifully through the seasons. In summer, the west-facing gardens are a true sanctuary, bathed in sunlight throughout the day and perfect for entertaining, relaxing or al-fresco dining. The kitchen and breakfast room’s double slide-and-stack doors open fully to the driftwood decked terrace, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living where family gatherings and evening drinks flow easily into the garden. The balcony off the principal bedroom is an idyllic spot for a quiet morning coffee in the sunshine, or for winding down with a late-night gin and tonic beneath the stars.In winter, the house transforms into a warm and welcoming retreat. The striking fireplace becomes the perfect backdrop to a crackling open fire, while the rich tones of the Mahogany staircase and American Cherry Wood flooring add a natural warmth and depth to the living spaces. Thoughtfully designed mood lighting throughout the house enhances the atmosphere, perfect for cosy movie nights, intimate dinners or festive holiday celebrations with family and friends. Together, these elements create an inviting environment that makes winter here every bit as special as summer.Entry to the home is via a charming and welcoming entrance porch, which leads into a light-filled, double-aspect open-plan living and dining space, with the spectacular spiral staircase creating a gentle division between the two areas. From here, glazed double doors open into the extended kitchen, breakfast and family room, the true heart of the home, fitted with bespoke cabinetry, a Rangemaster oven and those stunning glass doors that extend living space into the garden. On the first floor, the principal bedroom boasts its tranquil balcony, built-in wardrobes, and an ensuite shower room with a glass-fronted walk-in shower. Two further spacious bedrooms and a separate cloakroom complete this level.Ascending once more via the spiral staircase, the second floor reveals a luxurious four-piece bathroom suite featuring a Philippe Starck stand-alone bath, a walk-in shower, and a bespoke pear wood vanity with marble tiling. Generous eaves storage is also available, including a large walk-in cupboard offering outstanding storage options. The views from the skylights on this upper level are stunning, providing a sense of peace and elevation rarely found in properties of this nature.Altogether, this exceptional home represents a rare blend of architectural history, refined restoration, and a lifestyle that embraces both the vibrancy of summer and the warmth and intimacy of winter — all in a peaceful riverside setting on one of Bourne End’s most exclusive addresses.

EPC: D
Council Tax Band: FLocation: Bourne EndPopular with commuters, young families and retirees alike, Bourne End, nestled on the edge of The Chilterns, offers one of the best combinations of country space and a quick commute to London. The new Elizabeth line into London Paddington is easily reached from Bourne End village station via Maidenhead, plus a mainline train service to London Marylebone with a journey time of less than 25 minutes from neighbouring town Beaconsfield. The M40 London-bound is accessed at Junction 3 being just 3 miles away; the M4 is approx. 6 miles away at Junction 8/9.The village amenities provide for everyday needs including a doctor’s surgery, dentist, pharmacist, supermarkets, bakers, coffee shops, hairdressers, as well as clothing and furniture stores and a selection of pubs and restaurants. The adjacent and larger historical market towns of Beaconsfield and Marlow provide more comprehensive facilities with wider shopping and an eclectic mix of independent and national retailers.The riverside village of Bourne End is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoys its own Marina and Green Belt rolling countryside views. Outdoor pursuits are numerous, such as sailing, rowing, golf, football, cricket and rugby.Abbottsbrook itself is one of the area’s most prestigious private estates, highly regarded for its architectural heritage, leafy avenues and unrivalled tranquillity. Originally established in the early 20th century mainly to facilitate Londoners who wished to also have country homes, the estate today retains its exclusivity and charm, with its elegant homes and peaceful waterside setting and proximity to the River Thames. The Drive, in particular, is considered one of Bourne End’s most desirable addresses, offering a unique combination of privacy, natural beauty and convenience, a truly rare environment where historic character and modern living sit side by side.Schooling around the area is renowned, with a number of state, grammar and private options available. Bourne End has a varied catchment area offering choice of a number of really good schools for primary and secondary age, with great bus routes to most of the local secondary and private choices and has both Ofsted-rated "Good" Primary and Secondary Schools in the village itself. It is no wonder families tend to stay in the area when they discover this hidden gem.Additional Information:

Other charges include an annual service charge of £275 for the private estate management of which each resident has 1 share in the management company.
In addition the cost of the upkeep and maintenance of the footbridge, shared with one neighbour, is split 50:50 and agreed between the two parties when and what work is required. Having recently been improved this would not be expected for some time to come. Likewise the larger bridge at the end of the properties of which you have a right of way over, the upkeep and maintenance of this is split between all the homeowners with Barn Cottage being responsible for 10% of the costs. Again works has been completed recently so there is no expectation of any works in the near future.