Calleva
Silchester, Reading, Hampshire, RG7 2PS
Guide Price
£2,500,000
Residential Tags: N/A
Property Tags: N/A
Land Tags: Fishing Rights and Lakes, Vineyard
Summary Details
- First Marketed: Dec 2022
- Removed: Feb 2023
- Residential Tags: N/A
- Property Tags: N/A
- Land Tags: Fishing Rights and Lakes, Vineyard
An opportunity to acquire an organic vineyard with a spectacular two-storey winery, lake, land and barn with residential potential. Main residence available by separate negotiation.
WINERY & GROUNDS
In 2017, the vendor started to explore agricultural ideas and growing grapes struck him as an interesting challenge. The name originated from the Roman garrison of Calleva, being less than half a mile away from the site. English viticulture was in the news winning medals around the world. The wine world was taking English wines far more seriously than ever before – and with good reason. The fields are predominantly south-facing, the area to be planted always seemed to be warm and in 2018 he brought renowned vineyard experts to the site to give their opinions and advise on the suitability of the fields and terroir; soil samples were taken to ascertain the quality of the land. There were positive responses to all. A local vineyard manager brought along his vigneron who looked at the soil and agreed.
The 6 acre vineyard was planted in 2019 with 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier and 6% Rondo. At the same time, the vendor realised that vineyards were now becoming 'experience destinations'. There was already a well-stocked one-acre lake onsite with plenty of wildlife; a winery was added and completed in 2022.
The winery is in three parts. The far end, the tractor and machinery store, is high enough for wine tanks to be housed for wine making onsite; the middle section has a mezzanine floor for storing consumables and downstairs plenty of space for bonded wine. The final section has a tasting room with bar, catering kitchen and W/Cs on the first floor. In the tasting room upstairs the oak bar and windowsills were handmade from a 300-year-old tree from the land. There is plenty of space for tables and chairs, and access to the balcony outside for summer lunches enjoying the produce, with stunning views of the vineyard and countryside beyond. Downstairs there is room for a cellar door facility complete with more W/Cs with showers (ideal for vineyard employees or glamping guests in the future), staff kitchen and office space.
The first spray in 2020 led to another decision – the night before spraying with conventional chemicals, the vendor got cold feet. Why create something of a wine destination if the local biodiversity was going to be put under pressure?
The answer – become organic. Bat boxes were hung in the trees and beehives added around the vineyard and winery, increasing the biodiversity and encouraging bats to help combat moths in the vineyard rather than just using chemicals. The hares, deer, badgers, kites, buzzards, pheasants, partridges, bats and pond-life would not be compromised. The vineyard will receive full organic certification in March 2023.
There is potential for further south-facing vines as well as a ‘glamping’ site. In addition to all this there is a separate agricultural barn currently under residential planning application, which would be ideal for a Manager. The main residence is available by separate negotiation.
Now it is possible to sit on the balcony looking up the slope to the vineyard and across the pond, enjoying a glass of wine with blue skies overhead and wonderful views of the South Downs – and barely an hour from London.
ABOUT THIS AREA
Almost equidistant between Reading & Basingstoke, on the Hampshire / Berkshire borders, Silchester is most notable for the archaeological site and Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, first occupied by the Romans in about AD 45, and which includes what is considered the best-preserved Roman wall in Great Britain and the remains of what may be one of the oldest Christian churches.
The village has a thriving community with a primary school, pub, The Calleva Arms, as well as a village hall. With access to the Common and Pamber Forest, it’s an idyllic spot with inexhaustible options for lovers of the outdoors. There are number of excellent schools in the area including Bradfield and Cheam. 13 miles away lies Newbury, with its large open market square and famous castle ruins, is a bustling market town suffused in history. But what you might not know is that Newbury is home to a fresh and energetic vibe, stoked by some great independent shopping, a sparkling array of dining options and a thriving café culture. With both Reading (Paddington & Elizabeth lines) and Basingstoke (Waterloo line) within striking distance, Silchester is well-connected and well positioned for both the M4, M3 and A34.
LAYOUT
A two-storey winery with commercial kitchen, tasting room, bar (with balcony to enjoy the wonderful views), W/Cs on both floors, staff kitchen, tractor & machinery store with room for bonded warehouse; completed in 2022. In all circa 40 acres.
Marketed by: The Country House Department Limited, Oxford
WINERY & GROUNDS
In 2017, the vendor started to explore agricultural ideas and growing grapes struck him as an interesting challenge. The name originated from the Roman garrison of Calleva, being less than half a mile away from the site. English viticulture was in the news winning medals around the world. The wine world was taking English wines far more seriously than ever before – and with good reason. The fields are predominantly south-facing, the area to be planted always seemed to be warm and in 2018 he brought renowned vineyard experts to the site to give their opinions and advise on the suitability of the fields and terroir; soil samples were taken to ascertain the quality of the land. There were positive responses to all. A local vineyard manager brought along his vigneron who looked at the soil and agreed.
The 6 acre vineyard was planted in 2019 with 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier and 6% Rondo. At the same time, the vendor realised that vineyards were now becoming 'experience destinations'. There was already a well-stocked one-acre lake onsite with plenty of wildlife; a winery was added and completed in 2022.
The winery is in three parts. The far end, the tractor and machinery store, is high enough for wine tanks to be housed for wine making onsite; the middle section has a mezzanine floor for storing consumables and downstairs plenty of space for bonded wine. The final section has a tasting room with bar, catering kitchen and W/Cs on the first floor. In the tasting room upstairs the oak bar and windowsills were handmade from a 300-year-old tree from the land. There is plenty of space for tables and chairs, and access to the balcony outside for summer lunches enjoying the produce, with stunning views of the vineyard and countryside beyond. Downstairs there is room for a cellar door facility complete with more W/Cs with showers (ideal for vineyard employees or glamping guests in the future), staff kitchen and office space.
The first spray in 2020 led to another decision – the night before spraying with conventional chemicals, the vendor got cold feet. Why create something of a wine destination if the local biodiversity was going to be put under pressure?
The answer – become organic. Bat boxes were hung in the trees and beehives added around the vineyard and winery, increasing the biodiversity and encouraging bats to help combat moths in the vineyard rather than just using chemicals. The hares, deer, badgers, kites, buzzards, pheasants, partridges, bats and pond-life would not be compromised. The vineyard will receive full organic certification in March 2023.
There is potential for further south-facing vines as well as a ‘glamping’ site. In addition to all this there is a separate agricultural barn currently under residential planning application, which would be ideal for a Manager. The main residence is available by separate negotiation.
Now it is possible to sit on the balcony looking up the slope to the vineyard and across the pond, enjoying a glass of wine with blue skies overhead and wonderful views of the South Downs – and barely an hour from London.
ABOUT THIS AREA
Almost equidistant between Reading & Basingstoke, on the Hampshire / Berkshire borders, Silchester is most notable for the archaeological site and Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, first occupied by the Romans in about AD 45, and which includes what is considered the best-preserved Roman wall in Great Britain and the remains of what may be one of the oldest Christian churches.
The village has a thriving community with a primary school, pub, The Calleva Arms, as well as a village hall. With access to the Common and Pamber Forest, it’s an idyllic spot with inexhaustible options for lovers of the outdoors. There are number of excellent schools in the area including Bradfield and Cheam. 13 miles away lies Newbury, with its large open market square and famous castle ruins, is a bustling market town suffused in history. But what you might not know is that Newbury is home to a fresh and energetic vibe, stoked by some great independent shopping, a sparkling array of dining options and a thriving café culture. With both Reading (Paddington & Elizabeth lines) and Basingstoke (Waterloo line) within striking distance, Silchester is well-connected and well positioned for both the M4, M3 and A34.
LAYOUT
A two-storey winery with commercial kitchen, tasting room, bar (with balcony to enjoy the wonderful views), W/Cs on both floors, staff kitchen, tractor & machinery store with room for bonded warehouse; completed in 2022. In all circa 40 acres.
Marketed by: The Country House Department Limited, Oxford
Land Registry Data
- No historical data found.