A rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a striking home and boat house on the banks of the River Thames.

Description

This lovely house, originally Lord Hambleden’s dry boathouse, built 45 years ago, has been lovingly renovated and extended by the present owners with meticulous attention to detail. The integrity of the original design has been thoughtfully maintained, whilst substantially extending its footprint and creating a warm, welcoming, and light filled home.

The extended part of the house is Cheshire cladding giving a nod to its previous use. The Gothic arch detailing to the front door and internal glazed doors mirror the design of the loggia from the original boathouse. This is also replicated in the full height maple doors in the kitchen, creating a
pleasing continuity of shape and design.

The stunning kitchen/breakfast and living room has bi-fold doors spanning two sides of this generously proportioned room, with apex glazed panels above. This maximises the ability for inside/outside living and entertaining space and makes the most of the spectacular views beyond. The bespoke kitchen has painted wooden units under granite worktops with feature full height maple doors to the fridge and freezer.

All appliances are Miele and include a full height wine fridge, fridge/freezer, second fridge, dishwasher, microwave, oven, and induction hob. A large central island has a breakfast bar at one end. There is also a two door Aga. The living end of this room has a wood burning stove set within a striking stone fireplace surround with bespoke bookshelves to two walls.

The principal bedroom suite is on the ground floor with a glazed arched door and windows overlooking the river. The bedroom, generous dressing room and bathroom all have bespoke cabinetry, maximising the use of storage space.

The bathroom features a double ended bath set into a marble surround, a large shower with bespoke limestone tray
and vanity unit with drawers beneath and cupboards either side.

Also on the ground floor is a study, a second bedroom with en suite bathroom, a utility room and cloakroom.

Stairs rise with a quarter turn to the first-floor landing where there is a walk-in linen cupboard.

Off the landing is a generous third bedroom, also with views over the river. The en suite bathroom has an inset bath
and separate shower and double vanity unit.

Outside.

Sitting at the apex of an Oxbow curve in the river, the situation of the house and garden is spectacular. Southerly views across and down the river to the meadows beyond, and Hambleden Lock, create an ambiance of serene tranquillity.

The house sits centre stage within its gardens, surrounded by lawns that sweep down to the river. Mature beech, box and pyracantha hedging defines different areas of the garden with box topiary adding interest and shape.

Old red brick walls wrap around the house, supporting semi-circular terracing accessed from the kitchen and living room as well as the principal bedroom. The loggia outside the principal bedroom is framed by a mature wisteria and a stunning Ballerina rose hedge forms the boundary to the river.

The Boat House Dock has space to house two boats and has electric roller shutter doors. There is a further mooring approached from the garden. The double garage forms part of the Boat House and has an electric car charging point outside. The flat above can be accessed via the garage or by its own separate entrance.

Between the house and the Boat House is a separate building with a small office, presently used as a store, and cloakroom.
The ‘working’ part of the garden housing the air source heat pump, photovoltaic panels, the generator, oil tank and shed are screened by mature high hedging.

In all approximately 0.75 acres.

The Boat House.

Above the Boat House Dock and garage is a self-contained secondary guest accommodation with its own access.

The front door opens to a hallway with plenty of storage cupboards to both sides. Stairs rise to a wonderful open plan kitchen/living room. Open to the eaves with painted tongue and groove walls, this room echoes the atmosphere of the boat house that it is. The fully glazed end wall opens to a balcony overlooking the river.

Two further doors open to smaller balconies overlooking the garden. The kitchen area has bespoke cabinetry housing a Miele induction hob, microwave, oven, fridge and dishwasher. Stairs rise again to a bedroom, bathroom and separate
cloakroom.

Location

Tucked away behind high mellow red brick walls and tall wooden gates, Ferry Cottage sits high on the banks of the River Thames, the ultimate antidote to the hustle and bustle of 21st century living. A truly magical setting with spectacular, far-reaching views.

There are myriad footpaths and trails to enjoy from the house, in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including to Hambleden village.

Transport links are excellent. There are rail links from Shiplake and Reading. Once Crossrail is complete there will be a direct line from Reading to the City of London. The M4 and M40 corridors are nearby and Heathrow is about 26 miles away.

There is a wide choice of schools within easy reach including ShiplakeCollege, St Marys Prep School, Queen Anne’s, Wellington College, Eton, Charterhouse, Marlborough College, Downe House, Harrow and Tudor Hall. Gillotts Academy School is just under five miles away in Henley and there is Sir William Borlase school nearby in Marlow.

Everyday shopping requirements are well served by the beautiful and historic market towns of Henley-on-Thames and Marlow, just three and five miles away respectively. Both have weekly markets, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, cafés and independent shops. Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin starred The Hand and Flowers is under five miles away.

Hambleden village has a shop and post office, 14th century church and village hall. This picturesque village, with its brick and flint cottages, is mentioned in the Domesday Book and has often been used as a film location.

The prestigious Phyllis Court Members Club is under three miles away with tennis, swimming, gym, studio and dining facilities.
Henley, home to the Olympic triumphant Leander Rowing Club, boasts two rowing clubs, a rugby club and two tennis clubs.

Square Footage: 3,239 sq ft


Acreage: 0.75 Acres

Directions

From London take the M40 towards Oxford. Take exit 4 onto the A404 towards Marlow. After two miles bear left onto the A4155 towards Marlow and Henley. Remain on the A4155 for approximately six miles. The property can be found on the left, shortly after the left turn for Hambleden Mill.

From Henley take the A4155 towards Marlow. After approximately three miles the property is on the right just after the Henley Business School

Postcode: RG9 3AX