Property description

A very valuable, detailed Listed Planning Permission has recently been approved for a substantial extension.

Approx 1,339 sq ft / 124.4m². Extension of 516.6 sq ft / 48 m²

M4 Junction 12 – 3.5 miles, Reading 7 miles, Newbury 11 miles (distances approximate)



An historic, very beautiful, Grade II listed, detached period cottage situated amidst idyllic natural countryside, and entered from a peaceful lane in a timeless rural area. Moat House Cottage was probably constructed in and around 1620 and is reputed to be the oldest residential building within this area. English Heritage has listed the moated site and two fishponds as Ancient Monuments under an Order dated 18th day of January 1977. It is understood there are only around 6,000 moated sites known in England. The peak period during which moated sites were built was between 1215 and 1350 and this is one of the few to survive in Berkshire. The moat and the fishponds are now mostly dry, as they have been breached to allow drainage, but could be filled again, if desired. Medieval fish ponds and moats were very often constructed and tended by the monks as a source of food and are still quite clearly found within the marvellous bluebell woodland belonging to the property and there is still the original well within the wood that used to serve the house. The gardens and woodland extend in all to approximately 1.66 acres with the woodland extending to approximately 1.26 acres and the gardens approximately 0.40 acre.

It is rare that a cottage of this quality and period and of such historic value is placed on the open market for sale. The property has had love and care lavished on it over many years in maintaining and improving the very pretty cottage gardens which surround the property. Just before the entrance to the woodland there is a pretty, natural small pond with fountain and a recently installed bridge over the moat.

Sulhamstead Abbots is so called because it used to be under the jurisdiction of the Abbot of Reading Abbey. There are pretty views to the rear across the fields to St Mary`s Church which is, in part, Norman and was reconstructed in the 13th century; originally named Vanister Church in 1120, perhaps all that is left of the original Norman church is the font and the present St Mary`s church was built in 1912-14. Moat House Cottage is reputed to be the surviving part of Moat House or Foxhills Court, which the Parkyn family owned before they went to Ufton Court. There is a curious brass inscription in the Abbot`s Church, of which this is a translation:

`Meditate, oh passerby, on the last end of life, seeing now seest that all things born so soon die, turn thine eyes to heaven, embrace that which will win praise at last and avoid the accursed allurements of Eve.`

Ralph Eyer, Rector, Sulhamstead Abbots, constantly meditating to himself about death, erected this monument in his own lifetime in the year of our salvation 1524.

Special Features: The flooring in the sitting room is the original deal planked flooring which has been restored, stripped and polished and, similarly, the flooring to the master bedroom and the staircase leading to the first floor. * There is a fantastic inglenook within the sitting room which has a Jotul wood-burning stove which is quite capable of heating the whole house on its own, a modern central heating and hot water system has been introduced by the present owners which is a direct mains fed pressure system. * Unusual for a cottage of this age, the ceilings are high with original stripped and wax polished beams. * Both bathroom and kitchen have been updated of recent times. * Recently installed Ignis oven unit. * There is room for further garaging, if required.

Local Facilities: There is very easy access to Reading by car and the M4 Junction 12 at Theale is just down the road. There are excellent shops within the area at Theale and Thatcham and mainline stations giving intercity fast train service connections to London Paddington from Theale, Pangbourne and Reading. There are excellent local schools within the area, a fine health and sports centre at Bradfield open to public membership with an excellent swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, squash courts, fitness centre, etc. At Calcot is the Sainsbury`s Superstore. Bridle paths and footpaths abound, leading through some of the most beautiful countryside in Berkshire.

SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION: Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, fully fitted modern kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms to first floor. Full oil-fired central heating. Detached single garage, timber constructed wood store, attached secure tool store. Pretty gardens with gazebo.

Note 1: A valuable and expensive planning permission has been achieved for both Local Authority planning and Listed planning permission for a substantial extension to the rear of the property which would create a new drawing room with an archway access creating an open plan area to include a large kitchen/dining room which runs right across the back of the house and overlooks the fields to the rear with a total glass wall gaining full effect of the fantastic views. This room would lead onto a large decking area for summer dining use which cantilevers over the moat. To the first floor the existing staircase which leads to the first floor landing has an entrance to the new master bedroom with en suite bathroom, once again with matching glass wall taking full advantage over the wonderful views across natural countryside to St Mary`s Church in the distance; this room also has a balcony for summer use (see plans held at the offices of Dudley Singleton & Daughter, Pangbourne).

Note 2 : There has been some tree root damage to the property which has now been completely repaired under structural engineer supervision appointed by the vendors insurance company underwriting the claim.

Gardens & Grounds: Gardens and woodlands approximately 1.66 acres.

SERVICES: Mains water, electricity, septic tank drainage.

POST CODE: RG7 4EN

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

From the offices of Dudley Singleton turn left, proceed over the mini roundabout, pass The Copper Inn and out of the village towards the A4. On meeting the A4 roundabout, turn right towards Newbury. Proceed down the A4 until you find a restaurant on your left hand side, The Spring Inn. Turn left. Proceed over the Kennet, and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Proceed up this lane and there is a signpost that says The Willink Recreation Centre, Willink School and Burghfield Common. Turn left, this is Whites Hill. Proceed up and down Whites Hill, eventually passing a broad lay-by on the left. Moat House Cottage will then be found a short distance on the left hand side.

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

Tel: 0118 984 2662.
Fax: 0118 984 5490.

Email: 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.






Directions
From the offices of Dudley Singleton turn left, proceed over the mini roundabout, pass The Copper Inn and out of the village towards the A4. On meeting the A4 roundabout, turn right towards Newbury. Proceed down the A4 until you find a restaurant on your left hand side, The Spring Inn. Turn left. Proceed over the Kennet, and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Proceed up this lane and there is a signpost that says The Willink Recreation Centre, Willink School and Burghfield Common. Turn left, this is Whites Hill. Proceed up and down Whites Hill, eventually passing a broad lay-by on the left. Moat House Cottage will then be found a short distance on the left hand side.

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 :

• Grade II listed cottage
• Valuable listed planning permission
• 1.66 Acres
• Ancient moat and fishpond
• Two bedrooms
• Two reception rooms
• Gaedens and woodland
• Garaging