Oare, Thatcham, RG18

Coming to the market for the first time in nearly 50 years,
Oare Farmhouse enjoys a wonderfully tranquil position
within the charming hamlet of Oare, bordering lovely
open countryside with footpaths from the doorstep.
The substantial house was originally constructed in the
1700s on the site of a monastic grange, the original wall
of which now forms part of the garden wall. The property
has been well maintained over the years, though it would
now benefit from further modernisation. Despite its
age and character, the house is not listed and as such
it presents a fabulous opportunity for refurbishment
(subject to obtaining the necessary consents). Attractive,
mature gardens surround the property and there are a
number of outbuildings, including garaging and stores,
which present additional opportunities for development.

The 18th-century house retains a number of character
features, including picture rails, fireplaces and exposed
beams. The interior has been well looked after - it has
been a much loved family house for several decades.
The accommodation is arranged over three floors with
two internal staircases and extends to more than 3300
sq ft, including a useful cellar that’s ideal for storage.
The traditional double-fronted design of the house has
two large reception rooms at the front, separated by a
generously proportioned entrance hall. To the rear there
is a lounge and an attached conservatory which makes
a great family room, a farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga
and attached laundry room and a cloakroom with WC.
Upstairs there are four good-size double bedrooms,
two of which have dressing rooms, plus two family bath/
shower rooms. One of the bedrooms has a mezzanine
level which could make a great play room or study.

Outside

The house is set within lovely, wraparound gardens
of about 1 acre, comprising an extensive traditional
walled garden, lawns, mature trees, a patio for outside
dining and a large gravel driveway accessed via a
gated entrance. There are a number of outbuildings,
including an old brewhouse, a quintuple garage, log
store, tool shed and boiler room. Above one part of the
garaging there is a first floor area used for storage. The
garden also includes a greenhouse.

Situation

The small, rural hamlet of Oare, with its Grade II-listed,
15th-century church, is situated about 1.3 miles from
Hermitage, a large and attractive village with a range
of amenities including a Post Office, Co-op store,
village hall, playground and two pubs. Locally there
are a number of excellent schools, including a village
primary, The Downs School, Harriet House Montessori,
St Andrew’s, Brockhurst & Marlston House, Bradfield
College, Pangbourne College and Downe House. Oare is
seven miles north of Newbury, which has more extensive
facilities and sporting and entertainment venues,
including a racecourse, showground, leisure centres
and golf courses. Newbury, Thatcham and Theale have
mainline train stations on the Paddington line, while
Crossrail services are available from Reading. The
M4 and M3 can be easily accessed for travel towards
London and its airports or the West Country. The area is
renowned for its attractive, rolling countryside, and there
are many opportunities for walking, riding, cycling and
country pursuits.

Additional Information

Local Authority
West Berkshire Council. Council tax band H.
Services
Mains water and electricity are supplied to the
property. Oil-fired central heating. Septic tank.
Tenure
Freehold