The Common, Reading, RG7

This distinctive home was created from the original back-to-back cottages in 1910 to create the ‘quaint bijou gentleman’s residence’ described in the 1916 Book of Silchester. Approached via a private driveway, the exterior of this house is richly detailed with red
clay tile hung upper elevations paired with black and white timber framing synonymous with the period.
Having retained many of its original features, this home combines character and charm with cosy modern living. Throughout, the interiors are colourful and full of personality, while remaining true to the home’s original character. Well-proportioned rooms are enhanced by original features such as decorative leaded windows,
brick fireplaces and solid wooden flooring. The accommodation is both flexible and practical, with plentiful storage and a layout that is easy to maintain.
Largely enclosed, the house enjoys far-reaching views of the gardens and surrounding 600 acres of heathland where local wildlife abounds. Landscaped gardens provide ample space to relax and entertain whilst the property also benefits from multiple versatile outbuildings. Despite its peaceful, rural setting, this
house is ideally placed for commuters and is just a stone’s
throw from local village amenities.

The house is approached via a covered loggia. The traditional entrance hall opens into a welcoming reception room featuring an attractive brick fireplace fitted with a log burning stove and impressive leaded light window. It’s the heart of the house, around which the ground floor accommodation is conveniently arranged. To the rear, the kitchen is designed for day-to day life, with an AGA, travertine tiled floors and space for family meals around the table. It is fitted with bespoke oak cabinetry, complemented by granite work tops and the range of integrated appliances include a Neff induction hob, combination microwave/oven and fridge. The adjacent utility room provides a practical space for laundry and features fitted cupboards, a large double sink with extendable tap
and a door to the back courtyard, gravel drive and the garden. It flows through to a walk-in pantry with further access to the outside space. A formal dining room is decorated in keeping with the Arts and Crafts style, with solid timber flooring and a half-glazed door to the garden to the side of the house. A cosy and characterful study sits adjacent. The well-proportioned drawing room features a grand original open fireplace, bay window and original timber flooring, offering a particularly comfortable setting for evenings in the colder months. It flows through to a sunroom, with three glazed bi-fold
doors on two aspects, opening onto an enclosed terrace, naturally extending the livings space outdoors. Just off the central reception space, a downstairs WC and cloakroom is located adjacent to stairs to the first floor. On the first floor, the bedrooms are conveniently
arranged around the main landing. The spacious principal bedroom features a bay window and walkin wardrobe. There are a further four characterful bedrooms, three of which are double in size and one of which includes an adjoining dressing room. The bedrooms are served by two family bathrooms, one of which has a shower and a separate WC. The landing also provides multiple good-sized storage cupboards and stairs to the loft with access to a viewing platform on the roof that offers far-reaching views over the countryside beyond.

Outside

Formally landscaped, the gardens and grounds offer a great degree of privacy, being enclosed by high walls and clipped yew and holly hedging. They includeareas of lawn and a variety of areas thoughtfully paved or laid to gravel for seating and al fresco dining,
all interspersed with formal planting and include a decorative pond and water feature, creating a tranquil and elegant outdoor setting. The grounds also feature an enclosed vegetable garden with raised beds and block-paved pathways, providing a beautiful and
productive space to grow fruits and vegetables yearround. There is a light filled vinery – useful as a home office, gym or studio – with adjacent implement store and potting shed. There is also a range of versatile outbuildings, including the vinery, a log/store boiler room, second utility, two separate single garages and a workshop/double garage – a two-storey space with power and water, offering flexibility for storage, hobbies or a home office.

Situation

Silchester Common is north of the village of Silchester which is situated on the Hampshire/Berkshire border within the popular triangle of Reading, Basingstoke and Newbury, in an excellent setting for commuters. Being located on the common, this house is conveniently located for accessing a variety of footpaths and exploring the wonderful countryside on the doorstep. The village itself has a thriving community and a number of amenities including a primary school, recreation ground and a pub, and is also well known for its Roman ruins and historic amphitheatre. The town of Tadley is nearby with Sainsbury’s and Lidl supermarkets, DIY store, opticians, chemist and vet and GP practices. The larger centres of Newbury and Basingstoke have superstore shopping, restaurants and a variety of services, while Reading has an impressive shopping centre including John Lewis, plus a Crossrail station for fast links into London.
Mainline trains also run from Newbury/Reading into London Paddington whilst there are frequent mainline trains from Basingstoke to Waterloo. Road communications are excellent, with both the M4 and M3 motorways and the A34 accessible within 20 minutes. There are many excellent independent schools in the local area, including Cheam, Elstree, St Andrew’s Prep, Wellesley Prep, St Neot’s, St Gabriel’s, Downe House, Sherfield School and The Oratory, Bradfield, Pangbourne and Wellington colleges.

Property Ref Number:

HAM-62865

Additional Information

Mains water, drainage and electricity are supplied to the property. Gas-fired central heating.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Council Tax Band G.