Highmoor Henley-on-thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 5DH

*** Open House Saturday 12th October 10am-1pm***

Tucked away in a private, natural setting in the historic village of Highmoor, in the beautiful Chiltern Hills, Greenman Cottage could easily be the subject of a J.M.W. Turner painting.

Originally built in the early 18th and 19th centuries, and consisting of two separate cottages, traces of its history linger in the original oak timber beams, brick and flint; the restful inglenook fireplaces that grace the main reception rooms, and in the ancient garden trees that have witnessed generations peacefully residing here.

The allure of this property is enriched by its versatile potential. It is suitable for a large multi-generational family, a smaller family seeking a source of passive income, or live-in entrepreneurs running a successful Airbnb, hosting the many tourists visiting Henley-on-Thames and its surroundings.

Accommodation summary

Ground Floor

Enter Greenman Cottage through a stunning wooden, arched portico. The wood and glass-panelled front door opens into a spacious, light-filled entrance hall, where your eye is immediately drawn to the French doors ahead, leading out to the secluded country garden. Restored oak floors flow seamlessly throughout, adding warmth and character.

To the left of the entrance, a door leads upstairs to the principal bedroom, complete with an ensuite bathroom. Adjacent to the French doors, a step down brings you into the charming country kitchen with an open-plan dining area, triple aspect, and additional French doors opening onto a delightful patio, perfect for alfresco dining.

On the right of the entrance hall is the door to the formal lounge. This character room, built circa 1820, boasts an original inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove and is framed by period oak beams that add a touch of rustic elegance. A doorway on the left leads to a small hallway, with the second bathroom on the right, featuring natural light and a lovely bath with a hand shower, basin, and toilet, and a staircase on the left ascending to the second and third bedrooms.

Returning to the formal lounge, a reclaimed wood sliding barn door, handmade by a master carpenter, invites you into the family room of what was originally Yew Tree Cottage. One of the oldest parts of the home, dating from circa 1720, this room features historic oak timber joists supporting the roof, limestone floors, and a second inglenook fireplace, further enhancing its cosy atmosphere. Discreetly tucked behind the inglenook is a cleverly hidden storage room, added in Victorian times. Off the right of the family room is a small portico and a second entrance to the home, which can provide privacy when you host overnight guests. To the left of the family room, an open archway leads upstairs to the third bathroom and the fourth and fifth bedrooms. Limestone floors continue to flow through the second doorway on the far left, which opens into a breathtaking dining and reflection area, highlighted by an original exposed brick and flint feature wall, with French doors opening onto the rear garden. Off to the left is an enchanting kitchen with hand-painted Farrow & Ball units, complete with handmade shelves crafted in the 1940s by a former owner who was a skilled carpenter.

First Floor

The primary bedroom, added in 2004, with an ensuite bathroom refurbished in 2022, is accessed through the door and up the carpeted stairway off the left of the main entrance hall. Light abounds through double aspects provided by the large cottage multi-paned windows, and the gentle slope of the ceiling envelops this private and restful space. A built-in cupboard provides ample space for clothing. The classic ensuite bathroom, also with double aspects, features gorgeous handmade tiles, a generous shower, a porcelain basin and toilet, and a toiletry cupboard.

The ongoing theme of exposed timber wood beams, sloping ceilings, and cottage-pane windows continues throughout the first floor, and the second and third bedrooms also have double aspects. Both bedrooms are conveniently located up the staircase off the small hallway behind the formal lounge. The second bedroom, to the left, is a vibrant, large space that can double as a sleep space with a study or sitting area. It has two built-in double cupboards. To the right of the landing is the third double bedroom, a warm space that overlooks the charming front garden. Loft space for both bedrooms provide excellent storage facilities.

The third bathroom, and fourth and fifth bedrooms, reside through the open archway off the family room and up the stairs. This section could also be the perfect setup for teenagers, extended family, or Airbnb. The contemporary bathroom has a bath with a combined shower, basin, and toilet. Next is the fourth character-filled bedroom, which can be utilised as a single or double room. The fifth and final bedroom is breathtakingly large and spectacular, and when you stand in it, it feels as if one has been transported back in time to early Georgian England.

Outside

A driveway leads you through the main gates, where you are greeted by a tranquil and picturesque setting. Parking is suitable for three to four cars (further off-road parking is available for an additional two to three cars).

To the left is a delightfully large garden room for avid gardeners, completed in 2016 by The Malvern Collection. It has a full-length, sturdy workbench, is fully wired, and has lights, and, in addition, a separate log store. Open the garden gate and follow the flagstone path to the right, leading to the arched portico and primary entrance of the home, or walk straight across the lush lawns of this established garden to the alfresco dining patio, where French doors lead into the dining area and country kitchen.

Across from the patio is the wildflower garden, which is filled with snowdrops and bluebells in early spring. To the right is the stunning freestanding studio built in 2020. The studio serves as a home office and garden sitting room, complete with Ethernet cabling and Wi-Fi, and an ensuite shower and cloakroom, but this could easily be rented out to tourists on Airbnb. On the left of the studio is a small, partly glazed garden room that can double as a gym. Walk around the left of the garden room and follow the pathway to a hidden retreat, abloom with fragrant roses, where you will find a small pond and a peaceful reading room.

Location

Highmoor is a charming village in the Chiltern Hills, just a 12-minute drive from Henley-on-Thames. Known for its picturesque countryside and tranquil setting, Highmoor offers a peaceful rural lifestyle while being close to Henley’s amenities. The village has a close-knit community that values its heritage and natural beauty. The Highmoor Parish Council actively maintains the village’s character and fosters a keen sense of community. Despite its rural feel, Highmoor has excellent connectivity, with regular train services from nearby Henley-on-Thames (12 minutes by car, 5 miles/8 kilometres) and Reading (22 minutes by car, 8 miles/13 kilometres), providing easy access to London in under an hour, making it ideal for commuters.

Henley-on-Thames is rich in history, dating back to the Saxon age. Granted market rights by King John in 1204, it still hosts its Charter Market every Thursday in Market Place. The National Trust manages several historical sites in Henley, including the 12th-century Stonor Park, Greys Court, and Nuffield Place, the home of philanthropist and car manufacturer William Morris.

The annual Henley Royal Regatta attracts competitors and visitors worldwide. Henley offers diverse cuisine, from fine French fare at Hotel du Vin to South African dishes at The Hof, Thai at The Giggling Squid, and classic British dishes at The Angel on the Bridge with Thames River views.

The region is home to notable vineyards like The Winery at Hundred Hills and Fairmile Vineyard, both offering private wine tastings and tours. The Kenton Theatre, one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, offers a range of shows throughout the year.

Henley-on-Thames boasts boutique shopping for clothing, homeware, and gifts, while Reading offers high street brands. Jonkers Bookstore is a must-visit for rare and antique first editions, and Asquiths Teddy Bear Shop is a delight for collectors and children. Antique stores like The Vintage Look and Tudor House Antiques offer hidden treasures.

Outdoor activities include rowing and boating on the Thames, walking, hiking, and cycling nature trails, playing cricket at Henley Cricket Club, tennis at the Henley Tennis Club, and golf at Badgemore Park or Henley Golf Club in Harpsden.

Tenure: Freehold.
Greenman Cottage EPC F / Council Tax Band E.
Yew Tree Cottage EPC F / Council Tax Band D.

Services, Utilities & Property Information:

Construction Type: Brick, Tile and Flint.
Water Supply: Thames Water, unmetered.
Sewerage: Septic tank located to right of front garden; annual cost approximately £300.00.
Heating: Gas fired heating for Greenman Cottage & Oil fired heating for Yew Tree Cottage.

Electricity Supply: Fuse Energy, electricity meter located in hall cupboard beside front door, consumer unit location in hall cupboard beside front door.

Mobile Phone Coverage: Mobile phone coverage checker - - 4G mobile signal available in the area, we advise that you check with your service provider.

Broadband Availability: Ofcom Broadband checker - - Ultrafast Broadband speed is available in this area, with highest available download speed at 1000 Mbps and highest available upload speed at 220 Mbps. Network Service Providers in this area are Airband and Openreach. we advise that you check with your service provider.

Garage Parking space: 3-4 cars within the boundary and enclosed gates.
Off-Road Parking Spaces: 2-3.

Agents note: The home is currently exempt from the restrictions on letting due to a Private Rented Sector exemption - Ask the agent for more information.

Please click on the property brochure and the video tab for full details of this property, or for more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Jacqueline Jauncey or Robert Cable.