Temple Lane, Marlow, SL7

The Granary is a striking architect-designed home created in the 1970s by award-winning architect Sir Stanley Merer as his own private residence. Set within the historic grounds of the Bisham Abbey conservation area, this distinctive four-bedroom home with a separate one bedroom annexe blends sculptural mid-century architecture with a wonderfully private riverside setting close to Marlow and Henley-on-Thames.

Approached via a shared gravel drive off Temple Lane, the property sits discreetly behind private gates in a wonderfully secluded position. The sense of arrival is immediate: a sculptural composition of brick and glass framed by mature planting and established trees, offering privacy and calm within a setting steeped in centuries of history.

Inside, the architecture reveals itself through a series of light-filled spaces defined by exposed brickwork, carefully angled walls and expansive windows that draw natural light deep into the interior throughout the day. The neutral interior palette allows the character of the architecture and the texture of the materials to take centre stage.

The ground floor centres around a welcoming entrance hall that leads to the principal reception spaces. A generous sitting room opens to the garden through wide French doors, creating an easy connection between the interior and the landscape beyond. A separate dining room enjoys views across the gardens, while the kitchen and breakfast room form a relaxed heart to the home, complemented by a utility and boot room that provide practical everyday functionality.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite offers a calm and private retreat, accompanied by three further well-proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom. The layout reflects the careful planning typical of architect-designed homes of this period, balancing openness with defined and comfortable living spaces. The loft also offers potential for further conversion, subject to the necessary consents, where an additional bedroom could enjoy elevated views across the surrounding countryside towards the River Thames.

A separate self-contained annexe provides valuable additional accommodation. Comprising a sitting room, kitchen and double bedroom with en suite, it offers flexibility for guests, multigenerational living, or independent workspace.

Sitting within approximately 0.75 acres of beautifully established gardens, where lawns are framed by mature hedging, flowering borders and well-established trees that provide privacy and seasonal colour. Several terraces and seating areas create inviting outdoor spaces for entertaining or quiet retreat. The property also benefits from a garage and covered carport, providing practical parking and storage alongside the generous driveway.

The Granary is a rare example of architect-designed mid-century living within an historic landscape. A home of individuality, architectural character and quiet distinction.

Local folklore also recalls that the property was once associated with the infamous Brinks-Matt gold bullion robbery investigation of the 1980s, a curious footnote in the history of this already fascinating home.

The Location:
Bisham is one of the Thames Valley’s most desirable villages, situated just south of Marlow on the banks of the River Thames. Marlow’s vibrant high street, renowned restaurants and cafés are around a mile away, while the surrounding Chiltern countryside provides miles of walking and cycling routes. The property enjoys direct private access into the grounds and facilities of Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, just moments away, and a slipway on Temple Lane provides convenient access to the river for launching a small boat or paddleboard. The property is also conveniently located for Henley-on-Thames, another of the area’s most celebrated riverside towns.

Rail services from nearby Maidenhead, around ten minutes away, provide fast connections into London via the Elizabeth Line, while the A404 offers convenient access to both the M4 and M40, connecting easily to London and Heathrow.

What the sellers say:
The Granary is a truly special home. From the moment we first walked in, the architecture created an immediate sense of calm and intrigue - the geometry of the space, the light and the connection to the surrounding landscape made it feel unlike anywhere else we had seen. It felt more like living in a piece of art than a conventional house. Every room has its own character and outlook over the gardens and woodland beyond, and the house feels full of light throughout the day.

It has been a wonderful place to raise our family. The gardens became the centre of our children’s lives - from summer birthday parties with bouncy castles and BBQs, to Easter egg hunts, football on the lawn and sledging down the slope when it snowed. The house flows beautifully for entertaining, with easy connections between the kitchen, living spaces and garden, and we have hosted everything from relaxed family gatherings to large celebrations with friends. We have also loved the lifestyle here, walking through Bisham Abbey to school, cycling along the river to Hurley for a pub lunch, and being moments from both Marlow and Henley. It’s peaceful, private and surrounded by nature, yet everything you need is close by. The Granary has always felt like a magical place to live, and it will always hold very special memories for our family.

Tenure: Freehold
Council Tax Band: TBC
Local Authority: Windsor And Maidenhead