Ibstone, Buckinghamshire, HP14

This stunning Grade II Listed former smock mill stands proudly, high in the Chiltern Hills with 36.7 acres of land overlooking the charming village of Turville.

Description

LOCATION Cobstone Mill enjoys stunning views down the glorious Hambledon Valley between the pretty market towns of Henley-on-Thames and Marlow. The location is also well served by excellent road and rail links, as well as easy access to Central London, Heathrow and Oxford.

The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a haven for nature lovers who still wish to be close to London but enjoy the stunning Chiltern countryside.

HISTORY Cobstone Mill which had reportedly been used to grind cereal
until 1873, was cosmetically restored for the filming of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.

After becoming a major hit, actress Hayley Mills and her film director husband, Roy Boulting, bought the mill at auction and then undertook a major restoration project. It was subsequently owned by others including David Brown of Aston Martin before being sold in the 1980’s to the current owner.

Cobstone Mill has also featured in many other well-known films
and television series.

DESCRIPTION The main house has a vaulted drawing room for entertaining, with floor to ceiling doors that open on to a large terrace overlooking the sheltered swimming pool.

The windmill itself had the sails restored fully by the current owner in the last 18 months. The original mill workings are a key feature with a winding staircase leading from the ground floor reception room to bedrooms on the first and second floors. The views from these rooms are stunning, taking in the full splendor of the Hambleden Valley stretching away to the south and east.

Planning consent was granted in 2016 to substantially extend the house to create 3 further bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a new kitchen, family room and study. This permission as good as doubles the size of the existing house. We believe that the permission is still live as some of the initial works were undertaken shortly after permission was granted. Buyers will need to satisfy themselves on this matter.

Full details of the planning consent can be viewed on the
Buckinghamshire Council website under planning application
ref 15/08456/FUL



GROUNDS The pretty brick and flint house and Grade II listed mill stand in 36.7 acres of prime and beautiful Chiltern countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, occupying one of the highest points in the valley. Turville Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated by Natural England for its fine chalk grassland with wildflowers and rare butterflies.

Surrounding the mill are beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces, perfect for enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. A private terrace provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining or simply basking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The outdoor heated swimming pool sits closely to the main house and benefits from being sheltered by it.

In the grounds there is a large tractor barn, workshop, store, and stable building.

About 36.7 acres.

This historic and picturesque property offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of British heritage, with its rich history and in a stunning location.

The area has very good recreational facilities, with a selection of golf courses, including the Oxfordshire Golf and Country Club, Waterstock Golf Course and Thame.

Horse racing can be enjoyed at Newbury, Ascot and Windsor, with Cheltenham also being within easy reach. There is also a local network of walks and rides with nearby footpaths and bridleways across the surrounding Chiltern Hills.

There are great leisure amenities in Henley- on-Thames including access to the River Thames for boating, the River and Rowing Museum, theatre and cinema. Henley is of course home to the annual Royal Regatta, as well as the Henley Festival and the Henley Literary Festival.

Excellent schools are in abundance locally with St Edwards, The Dragon School, Summer Fields, Headington, Oxford High School and Magdalen College School in Oxford, as well as Abingdon, Moulsford, Cothill House, Radley College, Wycombe Abbey, Eton College and Harrow School.

There is also the Royal Grammar School at High Wycombe and Sir William Borlase Grammar School in Marlow.

Square Footage: 4,090 sq ft


Acreage: 36.7 Acres

Directions

Directions (HP14 3YB)

From central London leave on the A40/M40 towards Oxford. Exit the motorway at Junction 5 (Stokenchurch). At the top of the slip road turn left towards Ibstone. Keep on this lane into the Village of Ibstone, passing the common and cricket pitch on the right and the village primary school on the left. Keep going along the top of the ridge and after about half a mile the entrance gates to Cobstone Mill will be on the right-hand side.

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Photographs © Ed Kingsford Photography