Castle Hill, Reading, RG1

Situated on the highly regarded Castle Hill, with excellent links to the town centre, this semi-detached and very attractive Georgian townhouse is an elegant and generously proportioned residence close to the centre of Reading. The distinctive property is the oldest on the street, believed to date back to 1734, and is Grade II* listed, notable for its pretty white stucco elevations, sash windows and pedimented entrance. The property was built, along with the attached terrace, in the Georgian era and later developed, briefly being occupied by some 200 French priests exiled to Reading around 1798. The house has many original features, including fireplaces and high ceilings as well as a bay window added in the Victorian period, yet has been modernised to include a contemporary fitted kitchen with central island. Externally there is off-street parking and mature gardens to the front and rear.
The house is fabulous for entertaining, with a choice of five generous reception rooms across the ground and first floors suitable for both formal and family gatherings: on the ground floor, the front reception room has an impressive bay window; a cosy snug; an open plan dining room leading to the kitchen and a magnificent, light-filled traditional wrought iron sun room/conservatory to the rear overlooking the garden and opening onto the terrace. There is underfloor heating for the ground floor including the conservatory. The first-floor sitting room, with its attached utility space, is an ideal family room and has potential for a wet bar or kitchenette. The fitted kitchen is appointed with modern white gloss cabinetry and marble countertops which contrasts with the original tiled floors, there are many further character features incorporated into the décor such as the stove, cast iron fireplaces and well-preserved wood floors. There is good storage throughout the home, including a large cellar under half of the ground floor, a laundry room adjoining the kitchen and several useful cupboards and storage areas.
The staircase at the front of the house gives access the first floor where there are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a clever layout that means many are either en suite or connecting. One of the bedrooms has its own access to a dressing room on the second floor, where there are a further two bedrooms and bathrooms – both en suite.

Outside

A pedestrian gate leads onto Castle Hill, accessed through a leafy and mature front garden which is dominated by an impressive Cypress fir, planted in 1799 in the adjoining terrace. The private driveway is accessed from the rear, with an entrance on Epping Close. The gravel parking area runs alongside the house, affording ample parking space. The rear garden has been professionally landscaped and features an elevated terrace adjoining the sun room, with steps leading down to a pretty courtyard garden with mature shrubs around the borders making it feel exceptionally private.

Situation

Castle Hill is one of Reading’s best addresses, situated within a protected conservation area a 18-minute walk from the station and The Oracle shopping centre. The town is renowned for its excellent high street shopping, annual music festival and vibrant year-round entertainment scene. There are a variety of shopping centres both in the town centre and on the outer edges of town, plus a wide variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and entertainment and leisure venues. Locally the area is known for its excellent education establishments, including Reading University, many top Ofsted-rated schools and independent schools in both Berkshire and over the border in nearby Buckinghamshire, such as The Abbey, Reading Blue Coat and The Oratory. Local leisure pursuits include golf, sailing and rowing at Caversham Lakes and walking and cycling along the Thames Path. Reading station has fast commuter services into London Paddington in around 22 minutes, plus additional links via The Elizabeth Line giving fast and frequent service to central London.

Additional Information

Local Authority: Reading Borough Council.
Council tax band : F
Services : Mains water, drainage, electricity and mains gas central heating.
Tenure : Freehold