Sue Field highlights the benefits of Berkshire, as she seeks out best places for smallholder living in the UK…
Berkshire, home to one of our Royal family’s residences at Windsor (pictured), is a county to the west of London with good transport links to all points of the compass. Its location and proximity to London mean that prices in this part of the world may be somewhat higher but location is worth a great deal.
Situated close to the Watership Downs in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our property this month is a quite stunning 4-bedroom family residence standing in approximately 2.5 acres with six stables, manege and paddocks. Currently used as an equestrian property, the buildings and land would be ideal for smallholding purposes as well as keeping animals or poultry.
THE AREA AND THINGS TO DO
Burghclere, the closest village, is actually in Hampshire thus giving potential owners the choice of two lovely counties with the property itself just over the border in Berkshire. Close to the Watership Downs, and in an AONB, footpaths and bridleways abound with stunning walks and rides available. Worth highlighting are the wild flowers on the Downs which provide a wonderful display at the right time of year.
Apart from the local village, Newbury, at just over five miles away, has all the amenities you would need as well as the famous Racecourse. Slightly further afield is Basingstoke with a greater choice of shops, restaurants and schools. For things to do in this part of England, the list appears endless, and you would definitely be spoilt for choice.
The Solent is a sailing mecca and Hampshire has strong maritime links. Portsmouth Dockyards have undergone huge regeneration and here you can visit HMS Victory. To stand on the foredeck where Nelson received his fatal shot is quite anexperience, as is a visit to the Mary Rose, preserved in an airtight space to prevent further deterioration of this famous wreck.
Highclere Castle is also a must for all Downton Abbey fans and Newbury Racecourse holds regular horse races. Windsor Castle with its beautiful parkland is probably top of the list of attractions in Berkshire but you can take a river cruise on the Thames which meanders through the county and admire all the scenery from on board. Much to do and explore in two of England’s most beautiful counties and doubtless a wonderful place to call home.
FEATURED PROPERTY:
Cornfield is situated in a very desirable area close to the village of Burghclere which has a church, junior and senior schools and a well renowned authentic country pub which offers home cooked food and accommodation overlooking the Downs. For all you many dog lovers, it is also dog friendly!
Boasting a large open plan kitchen with Rayburn, integrated appliances, and a large central island with dining area, perfect for family meals and entertaining. There are bi fold doors leading into the landscaped gardens. A separate Utility room also has its own entrance outside. There is a large sitting room with woodburning stove and a Garden Room with underfloor heating. Also on the ground floor are a WC, two good sized double bedrooms, a family bathroom and a Boot Room, ideal for those muddy dogs and wellies! Upstairs are two further good sized double bedrooms, the larger of which has an en-suite and a glass fronted balcony with views of the garden, paddocks and wildflower meadows on the edge of the Downs.
Set in around 2.5 acres of land, an ideal amount to manage, the mature hedging and trees which abut the property offer a great degree of privacy. To the side and rear of the house is a gravelled seating area and a raised timber deck next to a Swim Spa. Perfect for those hot summer days! There are also a Home Office/Art Studio, Sheds and Log Store.
The paddocks are mainly level and all have post and rail fencing. As well as the recently constructed stable blocks containing 6 stables, there is also a field shelter in the paddocks. The manege is fully fenced and is a very useful sand and rubber surface which would be perfectly usable all year round. So, much to like at this attractive property but all this comes at a price in this part of the world! On the market with Rural Scene for £1,275,000 it will definitely be somebody’s idea of heaven.
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