6 bedroom detached house for sale

A beautifully restored and extended period house, with river frontage onto a mill pond adjoining the river Thames

Description

Church Cottage is an iconic six-bedroom cottage situated in an idyllic village setting overlooking Whitchurch’s historic mill pond which adjoins the River Thames. Formerly two cottages dating from the 16th century, Church Cottages has been thoughtfully combined and transformed by the current owners to create a wonderful family home, blending striking period features with turnkey finishes throughout.
Since 2019, the current owners have undertaken an extensive renovation, sympathetically enhancing the property while carefully retaining its period charm. The most notable transformation is the extended kitchen and dining space together with a newly constructed glass atrium, which links the main house to the annexe and brings the home elegantly into the 21st century.
Upon entering, the hallway leads to a combined dining and music room, cleverly separated by the original chimney breast. A cosy snug with wood-burning stove sits to one corner, while a separate cloakroom lies adjacent to the utility room, which provides ample storage, Miele appliances and integrated units.
To the left-hand side of the house is the impressive and recently extended kitchen. Upon entering, the space makes an immediate impression, with two full-height walls of glazing and a skylight above, flooding the room with natural light and providing views across the garden. The kitchen is centred around a beautiful island and complemented by walnut cabinetry and base units. Integrated appliances are all Miele branded (including an oven, microwave, dishwasher, full-height fridge and full-height freezer) while an electric AGA with induction hob forms the centrepiece of the room. A dining area sits at the far end of the kitchen, complemented by Amtico wood-effect flooring and underfloor heating and surrounded by wall-length bifold doors that open up the dining space to the garden on two sides.
The sitting room is rich in character and offers a wonderful sense of the home’s history. Fully exposed beams (all restored by the current owners) span the room and immediately draw the eye due to their impressive scale. A cosy seating area has been arranged around the charming open fireplace, while French doors provide access to the garden beneath a restored timber-framed wall. A fitted bookcase conceals hard-wired internet and television. A separate study with views onto the mill pond completes this original section of the house.
Also on the ground floor is a self-contained two-bedroom annexe, now connected to the main house via the striking glass atrium. This versatile space is beautifully designed and, much like the kitchen, benefits from extensive glazing and bi-fold doors, allowing the house to open seamlessly to the garden during the summer months. The atrium not only provides a contemporary connection between the two buildings but also offers a wonderful additional living space, ideal as a reading area or an elegant dining space for entertaining.
The annexe comprises two well-appointed bedrooms, a practical storage cupboard and a modern family bathroom, creating an ideal space for guests, a nanny or potential holiday-let accommodation.
On the first floor are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The charming principal bedroom enjoys views over the water and is complemented by a spacious en suite bathroom. The en suite is finished with an impressive marble-effect wall and floor tiles, a walk-in shower, underfloor heating and a generous vanity unit. The family bathroom is equally characterful, featuring a freestanding bathtub set against a backdrop of striking criss-cross beams. The double aspect guest bedroom at the end of the house provides further striking views over the mill pond.

Outside
Church Cottage is accessed via a private road and offers ample parking with two separate driveways.
To the front of the property lies a grassed garden with river frontage, with direct access onto the mill pond and the Thames beyond. This attractive area provides the perfect setting for enjoying a variety of water-based activities, mooring a boat, or simply relaxing during the summer months. It is common to see rare wildlife here such as otters, kingfishers and other waterfowl.
The rear garden is charming and fully enclosed, with a delightful view of the village church and its famous spire. Directly off the main living areas are shingled seating terraces framed by formal yew hedging and borders planted with spring bulbs and white hydrangeas. Beyond lies a generous lawned garden surrounded by rose bushes and mature shrubs, together with a home gym equipped with power, lighting and broadband.
A pathway leads to a handcrafted and recently restored wooden pergola, covered by a fig tree, fruiting vine and jasmine plants, which provides a beaut

Location

Whitchurch-on-Thames is an attractive and highly sought-after Oxfordshire village set on the banks of the River Thames. The village enjoys a picturesque riverside setting and a strong sense of community. Whitchurch offers a number of local amenities, including a village primary school, art gallery and two popular pubs, The Greyhound Inn and The Ferryboat Inn.
A short walk across the historic toll bridge leads to the neighbouring village of Pangbourne, which offers an excellent range of everyday amenities, including a superb family butcher, artisan bakery and independent cheese shop. Pangbourne also provides a mainline railway station with regular services to London Paddington, making it ideal for commuters
For motorists, the M4 (Junction 12) lies approximately six miles away at Theale, providing convenient access east to London and Heathrow Airport, and west towards Newbury, the West Country and the wider motorway network.
The area is particularly well regarded for its excellent range of independent and state schools. Notable nearby schools include Pangbourne College, Bradfield College, Queen Anne's School, St Andrew’s Berkshire and The Oratory.

Square Footage: 3,979 sq ft



Directions

What 3 words – ///wasp.bend.snuggled

Upon entering Whitchurch on Thames, proceed along to the bridge, before you reach the toll barrier, take the lane on the right (the last right before the bridge) and Church Cottage is the first house on the right.