Church Hill, Wickham, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20

A Grade 2 listed thatched cottage with parts dating back to c.17th century, with three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and occupying a plot of just over 1/5 of an acre in this historic rural village west of Newbury.

Thoroughly refurbished in 2016 by the current owners, the property is a wonderful family home with accommodation arranged over two floors, plus a cellar.

The thatched roof has also been updated as part of the refurb, with the rear face and ridge both being replaced, along with thatch netting across the whole roof.

The listing describes a thatched C.17th century cottage that is of painted brick and exposed timber framing, plus a gabled front porch and a central chimney stack that pushes through one and a half storeys.
In more detail, this wonderful cottage is a charismatic exhibit of yesteryear heritage, with gorgeous fireplaces, spacious rooms with exposed timber beams and a sympathetic mixture of modern elements, to create a safe and secure family home.

The entrance porch and hall, with space to store shoes and coats, splits access to the two main reception rooms. On one side is the comfortable dual aspect sitting room with a fireplace that includes a wood-burning stove and a cubby in the corner for family displays. The other side is a sizeable dining room with direct access from the kitchen, a second wood-burning stove and stairs to the first floor. Another doorway opens to steps down to the cellar that stores the laundry appliances and oil-fired central heating boiler. The long and well-equipped kitchen features plenty of block-wood worktop space with an abundance of storage and a classic design and space for the main appliances including a luxurious range cooker. Behind the sitting room is a generous ground-floor bedroom that enjoys a dual aspect and the benefit of an attractive en-suite shower room. The family bathroom halfway up the stairs, boasts a roll-top slipper bath and a shower enclosure. Across the top floor are two good-size bedrooms, separated by a split landing and the listed chimneybreast. Both have been decked with reclaimed oak timber floors, imported from a church in France and treated for longevity.

A full electrical rewire and new oil fired central heating system with radiators was installed in 2016, while the thatch update was completed in 2024. A fully hardwired in alarm system was installed in 2020 for complete peace of mind and cheaper insurance premiums.

Outside, the property was originally approached by a lychgate in the hedgerow with a footpath leading to the front porch. During earlier ownership, the driveway was created and now provides gravelled parking for three vehicles abreast.

The generous gardens wrap around the cottage from the front porch side, around the rear and by gentle gradient to the lower section where an old smithy pit was thought to be located, nodding to more historic occupations of this gorgeous property. The gardens are mainly laid to lawn and enclosed by timber fencing, mature hedgerow and gated access in two areas. A large timber workshop stands at the rear of the gardens and includes power sockets and lighting.

Wickham is a quiet, close knit village in rural West Berkshire, set within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Its peaceful countryside setting gives residents immediate access to extensive walking, cycling, and riding trails, reinforcing the village’s strong outdoor character.
Community life centres around a handful of key landmarks: the well regarded Welford & Wickham C of E Primary School, the active village hall, the historic Five Bells inn with its thatched roof and welcoming atmosphere, and St Swithun’s Church, both a place of worship and an architectural focal point. Together, they shape a friendly, traditional village with a strong sense of local identity.