Property description

Mill Court and adjoining Mill House are positioned at the end of three long driveways on the edge of the Thames village. A large village, two miles south of the historic town of Wallingford, it lies between the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs. Rich in history, Anglo-Saxon masonry still survives in the present village church, most of which was erected in the 12th century. The novelist Agatha Christie made her home here and her grave can be found in the village churchyard. Further local amenities can be found in the neighbouring towns and villages of Wallingford, Goring-on-Thames or Henley-on-Thames, with more extensive shopping facilities at both Oxford and Reading. There is excellent access to London and the national motorway network between junctions 8/9 - 13 of the M4 or via junctions 6 – 9 of the M40. In common with Goring and Pangbourne, Cholsey has its own mainline train station and a regular, fast train service runs from Reading or Didcot Parkway to London Paddington, the journey taking approximately 30 minutes from Reading and 45 minutes from Didcot.

There are excellent schools close by with both Cranford House and Moulsford Prep located on the same road. Equally accessible are schools such as The Oratory, Pangbourne College, Chandlings Manor plus a wide choice of Oxford and Abingdon schools including The Dragon, Headington, St Edward`s (Oxford) and Radley (near Abingdon). Wycombe Abbey and St Mary`s Wantage are also within easy reach. The prehistoric road, the Icknield Way, crosses the River Thames at Cholsey and provides wonderful walking and riding opportunities, while the nearby Ridgeway offers a long distance path running some 40 miles to the standing stones at Avebury. Golf can be enjoyed at a range of local courses and there is racing at Newbury and rowing at Henley Royal Regatta.

Mill Court was first featured in Country Life on 6th October 1934; however, the following year part of it was rebuilt as an elegant `Georgian style luxury house` which still stands today. It appeared in Country Life for a second time in May 1952, where it was offered for sale by auction. It was then sold in 1957 and was then occupied until 1998 when it was purchased by the current owners.

Picturesque and secluded, adjoining Mill Court and Mill House are set on the banks of a shallow mill pond which is positioned to the rear of the properties. Water is an important feature to both the houses and the garden, lending great character and interest to both residents and local wildlife.

The brick built Mill Court is the principal residence, offering a luxurious six bedroom family home. Renovated to a high standard, impressive internal features include high, and where possible, original decorative ceilings, polished oak floors and staircase and an under floor heated porch. Most of the house is wired for B&O audio visual system together with full intruder alarm system and computer CAT5 cabling. Atriums and large windows flood the house with natural light and the main reception rooms – the drawing room and sitting room in particular – are well positioned to enjoy views over the charming mill pond and stream.

The neighbouring Mill House is the older of the two properties, recently renovated and cleverly designed to offer a very spacious self contained one bedroom guest wing ideal for staff or guests requiring more space and privacy and a two bedroom self contained home (currently let on an AST). This two bedroom property is approached via a bridge over the weir and offers additional, self contained accommodation with solar heating, a bespoke sauna and superb views over the ponds and grounds.

MILL COURT

GROUND FLOOR
The Dining Room is positioned at the far side of the Entrance Hall, complete with light, original, restored oak flooring, feature ceilings and fireplace. The Study lies to the left, with original floors and ceilings, double aspect views over the three approach drives and an attractive limestone fireplace. The Drawing Room again has original oak floors and feature ceiling but also has double door access to the elegant, stone balustrade Terrace and offers a superb view over the water to the arched bridge beyond, taken straight out of Monet`s water lilies painting. The well proportioned Billiard/Sitting Room, again with double doors, oak floors and unusual ceiling has extensive waterside views.

The Kitchen/Breakfast Room offers sleek, cream wall and floor units topped with a black granite work surface. Travertine stone floors run throughout the entrance, reception hall and kitchen. Neff appliances include an American style fridge/freezer, integrated freezer, dishwasher, microwave and extractor. A black oil-fired, four door Aga was also fitted by the current owners and has the benefit of the electric Aga module for summer use. There is an integral Neff microwave and the eating area is positioned under the principal window and the kitchen houses a discrete Larder to the rear.

The rear passageway offers access to the Utility Room and the one bedroom ground floor Staff Annexe, as well as a corridor leading to the Garage, with the ability to walk through to the Mill House. A restored drinking well, safely covered beneath reinforced glass with clever lighting, provides a striking, unexpected feature in this connecting corridor.

FIRST FLOOR
The bespoke, locally made staircase rises to the exceptionally light first floor. The Master Bedroom Suite, with two Dressing Areas and a private roof terrace, boasts a well equipped en-suite Bathroom complete with power shower, twin basins and circular bathtub. The B&O Audio Visual System adds a nice touch. There are a further two bedroom suites on this floor, both with en-suite facilities.

SECOND FLOOR
Holding a further three or possibly four bedrooms (Bedrooms 4,5,6 and 7) there is a shared Bathroom with a feature cast iron roll top bath. The recently installed glass atrium above has automated temperature and rain sensor fitted for ventilation and provides ample natural light.

STAFF ANNEXE
Located within the main house, on the ground floor the Staff Annexe comprises a Living Room with fitted kitchenette to one end, a double Bedroom (with good storage) and an en-suite Bathroom. Independent heating, broadband, satellite and telephone are all present.

MILL COURT GUEST WING
Located beyond the current Garage that runs between Mill House from Mill Court, this smaller property has the option of remaining entirely separate or could be connected through to Mill Court. This has other possibilities such as a more substantial annexe, music room or home office.

GROUND FLOOR
Wonderful beamed ceilings run throughout this older property. A spacious Kitchen/Living Room with oak flooring lies to the right of the Entrance Dining Hall with access to the Utility Room and Cloakroom. Under floor heating is fitted to most places.

FIRST FLOOR
The spacious Master Bedroom, with original fireplace and beautiful vaulted ceiling with exposed trusses, occupies most of this top floor which is covered with a mix of solid hardwood flooring with inlay detailing and Travertine stone in the bathroom. There is space for a desk at the top of the stairs and broadband, satellite and telephone points are present. The bathroom is fully fitted with a white and chrome theme.

LOWER GROUND FLOOR
The extensive cellars have high ceilings, natural light and several entrances. They offer the potential for further accommodation, a gym, billiard room or workshop.

MILL HOUSE
If required, this property offers further potential and could be united with the next door Guest Wing on either a ground floor or lower ground floor level. Currently self contained and could be let out easily. In recent times it has achieved £1500 per month yielding £1800 per annum. Mill House is accessed via a bridge over the Cholsey Brook which flows beneath.

The kitchen and sitting room are positioned at a raised ground floor level. The basement offers under floor heating, a bespoke Sauna and Shower Room as well as a cloakroom, utility area and Store next to the Mill. The first floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom.

PROPOSED LEISURE/GARAGE COMPLEX
Detailed Planning Consent exists for an indoor pool, garaging for up to 8 cars with self contained flat above (see floorplan). Full details of the scheme are available for inspection.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS
With private grounds extending to over 8.36 acres, the dominant and most striking feature is the large, peaceful mill pond which is lit at night, complete with a trickling brook making its journey to the Thames. There are a number of waterways and lakes through out the grounds, with islands accessed via a series of attractive bridges and pathways. A breeding ground for many waterfowl and Kingfishers, it offers a secluded and most idyllic setting.

Mature trees interspersed throughout the gardens and grounds include horse chestnuts, several varieties of pine, beech and laburnum. A striking herbaceous border originally designed by the Royal Horticultural Society occupies the banks of the principal mill pond, lying opposite the grand, and balustrade terrace.

A hard Tennis Court, with brick Pavilion, is cleverly hidden from view, along with a vegetable garden and green house. Outbuildings include a period Squash Court, housed within a timber framed building and several additional sheds again hidden behind mature trees.

IN ALL 3.38 HECTARES (8.36 ACRES)

Sold by Lesters at the end of 2007. Similar properties now required for potential purchasers on our mailing list.

TENURE - Freehold with vacant possession upon completion, subject to existing Mill House occupancy (AST).

SERVICES - Each of the properties benefits from its own services.

Mill Court: Mains water, Septic tank drainage, oil fired central heating, electricity and broadband and satellite wired throughout.

Mill Court Guest Wing: As above. Oil-fired AGA, Rayburn controlled central heating.

Mill House: Mains water, Septic tank drainage, Solar panels backed up by Calor Gas heating, broadband and satellite throughout and electricity.

This property was sold by Lesters and completed in June 2007.



Notice
Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Purchasers must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only.