10 bedroom house

Handsome Country House in a Majestic Setting with 34 acres


Description

Approached via tall wrought iron gates, down a long private drive, bordered by lawns, trees and hedging, The Old Vicarage is tucked away from view. The arched oak front door opens to large welcoming central hallway with its oak panelling, fireplace and wide oak staircase winding up to the beautiful galleried landing. The large roof lantern above floods the centre of house with natural light.

All main rooms lead off the hallway allowing the house a pleasing and effortless flow. The dining, drawing and sitting rooms have stunning southerly views across the terraced gardens and on down to the river. Each room has a character of its own, but all have the tall ceiling height, open fireplaces and full height windows with doors opening to the terrace beyond. The drawing room and dining room are both generously sized with panelled walls and make for striking rooms to entertain in.

The dual aspect kitchen/breakfast room is situated at the rear of the house with views over the enclosed courtyard as well as the landscaped driveway. Adjacent to the kitchen are two rooms, a playroom and another, presently used as an ironing room.

Leading off the kitchen is a light filled family room with an open fireplace and two sets of south-facing French doors opening to the courtyard. A utility/laundry room and a walk-in pantry are beyond. A separate corridor leads down to the swimming pool with its three sets of sliding doors to the south and west facing gardens. There are changing rooms, a wet room and a good-sized area for al fresco sitting. A door at the far end leads back through to the drawing room. A three roomed dry cellar is accessed off the kitchen, presently used as a wine cellar and extra storage.

The dual aspect principal bedroom with south and westerly facing views has a fireplace, fitted wardrobes and stairs down to the en suite bathroom. A further bedroom, with dressing area and walk-through wardrobe, has a Jack and Jill 1920’s bathroom, complete with rose marble bath surround and vanity unit. Doors from both main bedrooms open to areas that could be balconies taking full advantage of the extensive views beyond.

There are four further bedrooms on the first floor, one presently used as an office overlooking the gardens. There is also a nursery and linen room. These smaller rooms lend themselves to be a self-contained guest suite as they all interconnect.

On the second floor is a kitchen, bathroom and two further bedrooms. Stairs rise again to a mezzanine floor where there are three further rooms which would make an ideal self-contained office suite, or further bedrooms.

Location

The Old Vicarage is conveniently located close to Henley and Reading, yet sits amidst nearly 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Stunning views of the River Thames meandering beneath are afforded from the house. It comes with its own island located on the river and further block of woodland, amounting to approximately 26 acres. Transport links are excellent. There are rail links from Shiplake and Reading, the M4 and M40 corridors are nearby and Heathrow, Terminal 2, is just 27 miles away.

There is a wide choice of schools, including Shiplake College which is under a mile away St Mary’s Prep School, Queen Anne’s, Wellington College, Eton, Charterhouse, Marlborough College, Downe House, Harrow and Tudor Hall are all within easy reach.

The beautiful and historic market town of Henley is just 3 miles away with its pubs, restaurants, cafés and independent shops.

It is also well served for everyday shopping requirements with its weekly markets, monthly farmers markets as well as 2 large supermarkets. Home to the prestigious Leander Rowing Club, Henley also has two further rowing clubs, a rugby club and two tennis clubs.

Square Footage: 9,441 sq ft




Acreage: 34.13 Acres

Directions

Henley 3 miles, Reading 6 miles, Oxford 27 miles, Central London 40 miles, Heathrow (Terminal 2) 27 miles, Reading station (London Paddington from 24 mins) 5 miles, Shiplake station (London Paddington from 41 mins via Twyford) 1.5 miles (Distances are approximate)


Additional Info

The oldest part of The Old Vicarage dates to around 1690 with later additions. The Cedar of Lebanon trees in the garden, planted before 1728, feature in a print of that date. A Robert Drummond Rawnsley became Vicar of Shiplake in 1849. He and his wife, Catherine, were personal friends of Alfred Lord Tennyson who frequently visited the house.

During this time, Tennyson met Catherine’s cousin, Emily Sellwood whom he married at Shiplake. Rawnsley officiated at the wedding and Tennyson penned a poem to him on his wedding day, a framed copy of which is in the house.

One of the Rawnsley children was Hardwick Drummond, a far-sighted educationalist, writer and traveller. Drummond promoted a plan, initially with lifelong friend John Ruskin, that eventually became The National Trust. He was also a close friend of Beatrix Potter, a pioneer and conservationist in her own right.

Recognising his environmental credentials, the Blue Plaque Society are planning to erect a plaque in Rawnsley’s memory at The Old Vicarage.

The Old Vicarage, sold into private ownership early in the C20th, has twice provided the location for TV and film. In 1967 for part of the Forsyte Saga series and later for A Girl in a Swing, a Richard Adams film, better known for his Watership Down books.

The beautiful gardens are of particular note. The six giant Cedar of Lebanon trees spread majestically over the lawns, providing graceful shade on hot summer days. A loggia spans part of the house, festooned with an ancient wisteria, a charming entertaining space for friends and family. An evening, west facing garden, is bordered by raised beds, hedging and a summerhouse. This leads on to the Quiet Walk which connects to the tennis court and kitchen garden.

There are three separate cottages within the grounds, with storerooms, garages, tool shed and an outside wc.

Two pedestrian gates provide easy access to access Church Lane leading on to the river and The Warren. The 4.5 acres can only be accessed by boat. (It maybe possible to lease a mooring - Please contact the selling agents for more information).

Lot 2 - The Warren circa 24 acres of native woodland.

Marketed by: Savills, Country Houses