Ecchinswell, Newbury, Berkshire

Oak Cottage is a charming Grade II Listed thatched cottage that dates from the early 17th century. In recent years, a stylish, modern tile roof extension has been added to the rear of the property. The cottage features splendid brick and timber elevations and character details inside. Outside, there is a delightful garden that includes a tennis court and swimming pool.The accommodation is beautifully presented, with elegant, understated modern fittings complimenting the exposed timber beams and other original details. On the ground floor, the comfortable drawing room has a dual aspect, including a door opening onto the rear garden, as well as a grand, brick-built inglenook fireplace. There is also a useful study, while at the rear, the timber-clad modern extension has a spacious family room with tiled flooring, plenty of natural light and two sets of French doors opening onto the garden. Also on the ground floor, the kitchen features shaker-style units, a central island and an Everhot range cooker, with the adjoining utility room providing further space for appliances and storage. The principal bedroom is in its own private firstfloor area above the family room. It features a vaulted ceiling, a Juliet balcony overlooking the gardens, as well as an en suite bathroom with an over-bath shower. The main first floor area offers two further bedrooms, one of which is en suite, plus a family bathroom. There is an additional bedroom on the second floor.

At the front of the property, the gravel driveway provides access to the house and parking space for several vehicles. There is also a detached double garage for further parking or workshop space. The garden includes beautifully maintained lawns, well-stocked border beds, areas of meadow, established hedgerows and various mature trees, as well as paved terracing for al fresco dining. There is also an outdoor heated swimming pool with a pool house and a paved sun terrace, plus a hard tennis court enclosed by chain link fencing. The gardens overlook beautiful mature parklands.

Ecchinswell is a small village on the edge of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a local pub and a village hall in Ecchinswell, while the larger village of Kingsclere, less than two miles away, has a variety of everyday amenities, including a village shop and a pub. The bustling market town of Newbury is six miles away, with its excellent shopping, leisure facilities and choice of supermarkets. The choice of schooling in the area is excellent, with the independent schools of Cheam, Horris Hill and St Gabriel’s all within easy reach. The area is well connected by road, with the A339 providing access to Newbury, Basingstoke and both the M3 and M4, Newbury’s mainline station provides regular services to London Paddington, taking approximately 40 minutes.