Property description

951 sq ft / 88.3 sq m

Newbury 7.8 miles, Pangbourne 8 miles, Reading 11 miles, London 51 miles (all approx.)

An elegant first floor apartment within the restoration and conversion of a very beautiful Grade II listed period building, and it is probably one of the best positions on the development. Being first floor it enjoys wonderful views over the immaculate gardens and open farmland. This is one of the most spectacular and exclusive developments to be found in this part of the world.

The property is situated within stunning landscaped gardens, surrounded by and overlooking fields, in an area noted to be of outstanding rural beauty. The property is entered via a large arched porch way with a fine oak door giving access to a large communal reception hall. A staircase then rises gracefully with original hand carved stone hand rails to the first floor landing with another fine oak door giving private access to the property.

Abbey Gardens has been created from the conversion of the historic, stunningly beautiful, Grade II listed, Douai School, together with a number of outstanding, recently constructed, modern properties enjoying enormous charm and character, which Robert Adam, the world renowned architect of historic buildings, has created to complement the original abbey buildings. The formal grounds draw their inspiration from history with box hedging, a water rill, a flower meadow and small orchard, which will further improve the synergy between the old and the new. Ditcham Field has become a carpet of wild flowers for more informal enjoyment.

History in Brief: In 1615, six English monks established a house of studies in Paris where they set about the training the young and English missionaries as well as ministering to British exiles, one of whom was James II. Surviving the turbulent times of the French Revolution, the Order relocated to the town of Douai, northern France. However, further religious intolerance and the confiscation of their premises precipitated their repatriation to the current site in Woolhampton, where their seminary was combined with St Mary`s College to form the famous Douai School, which sadly closed in 1999. Every stone, brick and square foot of the Douai Abbey grounds is a testament to the stoicism and fortitude of the Order of Benedictine monks who made the Abbey their home in 1903.

It is the wish of the developer, Colin Brooks, Chairman and founder of the well-known national building company, Bewley Homes plc, that the purchasers of the property in Avalon, Douai School, will enjoy a life as peaceful as the surroundings and, with that view in mind, a full time estate manager has been employed to iron out all the day-to-day problems that may vary from looking after deliveries to management of the grounds and common areas.

It is very evident when arriving at the property that you are entering something very special. It is not only that immediately on entry to Abbey Gardens you pass the original Douai School buildings (the school has since closed), but also it is the meticulous care in which the whole development has been designed and landscaped; an absolute delight to the eye.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
The very beautiful setting, the peace and tranquillity of the area, fine architectural detail both to the exterior and interior of this apartment with its triple aspect drawing room and spectacular vaulted ceiling and carved mullion stone windows. The windows have been enhanced to the interior by tastefully created recently fitted secondary double glazing.

There is a video entry phone from the ground floor main access to the building. And there is private car parking for a single car to the front and a further space within the underground car park.

The property is in first class decorative order with a luxurious bathroom with shower ensuite to the master bedroom and a dressing room and an equally luxurious shower room serving the second bedroom.

The kitchen with its high vaulted ceiling is fitted with an extensive range of high quality light oak fronted cupboard and drawer units. A Bosch oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, fitted coffee machine, 4 ring ceramic hob, extractor hood and granite work surfaces. Twin sink bowl under mounted with waste disposal unit.

Front door access to the pretty courtyard Cypress gardens.

There is underfloor central heating throughout.

Purchased by the present owners from new, it is considered by them as they saw all the properties available, to have the best position and layout of accommodation for its size within this wonderful restoration conversion and development.

Although this property enjoys rural seclusion, peace and tranquillity, it is still within easy driving distance of large commercial centres and main lines of communication by road and rail to other large commercial centres. A very convenient place to live.


SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION:
Main communal entrance hall with video entry phone, staircase to first floor and landing, private entrance to number 10, reception hall, cloakroom, Inner hall, sitting room with dining area, 2 bedrooms, bathroom with shower ensuite to master bedroom, shower room, kitchen, communal grounds of 12 acres, car parking space to the front of the property, further private parking space in the underground car park, full electric underfloor central heating.

Local Facilities: Upper Bucklebury and Southend Bradfield have great village shops. Yattendon is not very far away with its world famous Royal Oak Country House Hotel and restaurant, a good Post Office/general store, a hairdresser, and a highly regarded primary school. In Woolhampton there is a post office, newsagent, pubs and restaurants. A Waitrose in Thatcham approximately 4 miles away and in Calcot at Junction 12 of the M4 there is a large Sainsbury`s which is approximately 15 minutes by car. Sporting facilities are open to public membership at the Bradfield College sports complex which has a fitness centre, squash courts, indoor tennis courts, a fine indoor swimming pool, and many other activities. Bradfield College also has a 9-hole golf course and it is understood that membership is still open. Schools within easy driving distance include Elstree, St Finian`s, Bradfield College, Pangbourne College, St Andrews and Downe House. There is a doctors` practice at Chapel Row, Bucklebury, which is just up the road. Excellent rail connections giving fast train services will be found from Midgham and Aldermaston both approximately 1.5 miles, Pangbourne or Theale. Pangbourne has a large selection of specialist shops and access to the River Thames and riverside pubs.

Communal Gardens: Approximately 12 acres of formal gardens, meadow and woodland.

Maintenance Charge: £3,600 per annum which includes a full time estate manager, garden maintenance, etc.
Tenure: Leasehold - 999 years from 2004.
The property has a Zurich 10 warranty relating to the building.


DIRECTIONS: From the offices of Dudley Singleton turn left, proceed out of the village passing through Tidmarsh, over the top of the M4 and turn right signposted to Bradfield. Proceed as far as you can along this road, passing through the heart of Bradfield College, until you reach a sloping T-junction with a War Memorial on your left. Turn right. Proceed through Bradfield Southend eventually entering the Avenue of Oaks. At the end of the Avenue of Oaks, where there is a village shop on your right, a cafe on your left, and the Bladebone pub, turn left. This is Hatch Lane. Proceed to the bottom of Hatch Lane where there is a little grass island and a T-junction. Turn left. Proceed down this road which eventually leads you past a fine church and the Abbey buildings. At the T-junction turn left and immediately left into Abbey Gardens. Proceed past the marked private parking bays (please do not park in the marked bays), a short distance down on the left hand side and park beside a small brick building before the bend in the road.

SERVICES: Mains water, electricity and drainage, electric heating. Post Code: RG7 5TZ Council Band: E

LOCAL AUTHORITY: West Berkshire Council. Tel: 01635 42400. www.westberks.gov.uk

Viewing by arrangement with vendor`s agent, Dudley Singleton & Daughter, No. 1 Station Road, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 7AN.
Tel: 0118 984 2662

Websites: www.singletonanddaughter.co.uk, www.primelocation.com, globrix.com, www.countrylife.co.uk, www.telegraph.co.uk, fish4homes.co.uk, www.mayfairoffice.co.uk, findaproperty.com, findanewhome.com, homesandproperty.co.uk.

E-mail: info@singletonanddaughter.co.uk

London Office : Cashel House, 15 Thayer Street, London, W1.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Dudley Singleton & Daughter for themselves and for the vendors of this property, whose agents they are, give notice that:
1. The particulars are intended to give a fair and substantially correct overall description for the guidance of intending purchasers, and do not constitute part of an offer or contract. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of individual items. We relied upon our own brief inspection and information supplied to us by the vendors. (i) The description, including photographs of the property and its contents, are intended to be a guide only rather than a detailed and accurate report and inventory. (ii) Floor plans, measurements, areas and distances are intended to be approximately only. (iii) Prospective purchasers are strongly advised to check measurements. The position of bathroom fittings as shown on the plan is indicative only – sizes, shapes and the exact locations may differ. Wall thicknesses, together with window and door sizes are approximate only and window and door openings are shown without frame details. (iv) Photographs are not necessarily comprehensive or current and no assumption should be made that any contents shown in them are included in the sale.
2. All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition and necessary permission for use and occupation and other details are given in good faith, and are believed to be correct, but any intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements or representations of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of each of them:
3. No person in the employment of Dudley Singleton & Daughter has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property or these particulars, nor to enter into any contract relating to the property on behalf of the Vendor.
4. No responsibility can be accepted for any expenses incurred by intending purchasers in inspecting properties which have been sold, let or withdrawn.
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS: The agent has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fixtures, fittings or services and so cannot verify that they are in working order or fit for their purpose. The buyer is advised to obtain verification from their Solicitor or surveyor.



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

Property Features :

• Elegant two bedroom apartment
• Vaulted drawing room
• Luxury Ensuite to master bedroom and family bathroom
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Video entry phone system
• Underfloor heating
• Communal gardens approx 12 acres
• Two parking spaces