Church Road, Farley Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG7

STUNNING LODGE HOUSE - noir by david cliff

I first fell in love with this house many years ago and didn't want to leave, nor did the owners; so when they moved away, they chose to rent the property out rather than part with it and we were fortunate enough to manage it for them

Some years on they decide to let go with a move to the coast and the current owners swooped in and secured this absolute gem…..but now the opportunity has come around again.

I am now absolutely delighted to have been called back to find West Lodge its next owners, and it could be you.

Michael and Caroline have carried out further extensive works over the years and gone to some quite extraordinary lengths to preserve, improve, and maximize what this stunning home can offer, and it really doesn't disappoint.
Built in the late 1800s, West Lodge truly shows the precision and attention to detail that the craftsmen of this era prided themselves on, with stunning elevations showing off the intricate brickwork, roof lines, and period features.

As you approach, just turning off Jouldings Lane, it is worth noting that the ground running alongside to the right is all owned by West Lodge, so you really do control the whole approach as you get your first glimpse of this striking building. Turning into the cleverly redesigned driveway, you have two stages here: the initial parking area provides good space for multiple vehicles, and then you have the cobbled, gated courtyard. This provides even more parking if needed, but more interestingly for me, it leaves a great area for the dogs to roam. It might seem strange to make so much of a courtyard, but to me, this space speaks volumes about the history of the property and offers true practical benefits.

Walking through the courtyard to the covered entrance area, you really can't wait to get inside. The huge entrance hall offers your first glimpse of just how well the contemporary feel has blended with the period exterior. Looking left and right, your eye line is drawn to both ends of the property, and you begin to understand how there can be over 3,000 square feet of space here. Double doors take you left into the most incredible triple-aspect vaulted living room with windows over two levels—a feature you may not have seen before—and doors leading out onto one of the many redesigned terrace areas. The central log burning stove (multi fuel) gives a warm, cozy feel to such a vast room, making it so easy to imagine relaxing here.

Moving back through the hall, you pass a large snug before reaching the heart of the home: a spectacular 32-foot kitchen and dining room. This is a brilliant social space featuring a large central island and double doors that open the room up to the gardens. For added convenience, a substantial utility room sits just off the kitchen and provides direct internal access to the double garage. From here you'll find a large mezzanine level above that makes for excellent storage or that could be converted into an additional work space.

Heading upstairs, the sense of space continues with four impressive double bedrooms. To the far end of the house, the principal bedroom serves as a private sanctuary, complete with its own en-suite, while the remaining two bedrooms are served by a large, modern family bathroom.

The experience of West Lodge is completed by the beautiful grounds that wrap around the property, offering a seamless blend of manicured lawn and curated terrace areas that catch the sun at different times of the day. It is a garden that feels private and established, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining or quiet reflection. Beyond the gates, the location in Farley Hill offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, leafy setting with a strong sense of community, yet within easy reach of Reading and the M4, ensuring you never feel disconnected from the amenities of town life. It truly is a home that balances period charm with every modern necessity.