Castle Square, Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10

A smart glazed door, set to the right of the handsome former shopfront, opens into a bright and welcoming entrance hall that immediately sets the tone for this wonderfully characterful home. From here, there is access to the principal reception spaces, while a cloakroom and staircase are conveniently positioned off the hall. The magnificent sitting room occupies the front of the house, where the original shop windows flood the space with natural light while retaining privacy. Rich in period character, the room features original shop shelving spanning one wall, exposed brickwork with original alcoves, tongue-and-groove panelling and a cosy log-burning stove creating an inviting focal point. An elegant archway leads through to a charming snug, complete with fitted shuttered cabinetry, log burner and Crittall-style glazing overlooking the courtyard. To the rear of the house lies the impressive open-plan kitchen/dining room, an exceptional entertaining space fitted with extensive bespoke cabinetry. A fascinating reminder of the building's former life, the original bread oven remains proudly on display, alongside exposed brickwork and a traditional bread-warming plate set within an alcove. Above the dining area, a striking pitched glazed roof fills the room with daylight, while double doors and an additional single door open directly onto the enclosed courtyard, creating a seamless connection between inside and out. The first floor provides four well-proportioned bedrooms. The principal suite overlooks the village street and enjoys elegant painted panelling, together with a dedicated dressing room fitted with extensive storage. Beyond lies a luxurious ensuite bathroom featuring a freestanding roll-top bath and separate walk-in shower. Three further bedrooms are arranged across this floor, one of which benefits from its own ensuite shower room beneath a beautifully panelled barrel-vaulted ceiling, while the remaining bedrooms are served by a spacious family bathroom. Occupying the entire second floor is a delightful fifth bedroom (or playroom/study), a peaceful retreat characterised by exposed beams and rafters that celebrate the building's historic fabric.
Below the house, the generous cellar has been thoughtfully adapted as a cinema/games room, with original stone walls and exposed timbers creating an atmospheric and highly versatile space that could equally lend itself to a cinema room, gym or hobby area.

Outside, the private walled courtyard garden has been designed for both relaxation and entertaining. Combining paved and decked seating areas, it offers ample space for outdoor dining beneath a pergola, while borders and pots provide opportunities for herbs and seasonal planting, creating a tranquil and sheltered setting at the heart of this remarkable former village bakehouse.

Location

The property is situated within the popular village o Benson. Benson is close to the River Thames and just off the A4074 Henley-on-Thames to Oxford Road. Wallingford is a short distance away, Henley-on-Thames, Reading and Oxford are all within easy reach and the M40 junction 6 is approx. 8 miles away for access to Birmingham, Heathrow and London. The village has many amenities including a supermarket, public houses, doctor`s surgery, infant and primary schools. Further schooling includes The Oratory, Abingdon School, Pangbourne College, Radley, The Abbey, Queen Anne’s, Cranford House and Milford Preparatory. Sporting and social activities of all types in the area including golf at Henley, Temple & the Springs, horse racing at Ascot, Newbury & Windsor along with fishing & boating on the River Thames.

Directions

From Ballards Office in Hart Street turn right at the traffic lights onto the A4130 and continue along this road for approximately 11 miles until you reach the roundabout at Crowmarsh Gifford. Take the third exit onto the A4074. Proceed for just under 2 miles and take the right filter lane and turn into Church Road. At the next T-junction (next to the war memorial) turn right. The property will be found shortly afterwards on your left and the road bends round to the right.