The Street, Waltham St. Lawrence, Reading, Berkshire

Forge Cottage is a spell-binding detached period
home that, importantly, is not listed. It dates from
the 17th century and features in excess of 3,000 sq.ft of beautifully appointed accommodation; a rare opportunity for those seeking a property of immense character and charm. As the name suggests, the cottage was previously the village forge until the mid-20thcentury, with several rugged features still remaining including 400-year-old heavy exposed timber beams to the oldest part of the property.

Well considered and sympathetic restoration is evident throughout, with original features all
complemented by tasteful interior design and featuring some modern additions. The cottage has been completely rewired, has a new central heating system, plumbing and a new boiler.
Although superbly positioned on The Street, the
principal part of the house faces the rear garden and the entrance to the house is discreetly set within an area of garden to the side and therefore enjoys a high degree of privacy. The main reception area is the sitting room with its vertical beams creatively defining a cosy snug area around the brick-built fireplace and Chesney wood burning stove; interestingly, the vendors discovered (and restored) a mahogany parquet floor from the 1930's in this area. Adjoining the sitting room is a study, and also a lofty family room featuring an excellent ceiling height, another log burner, and bi-fold doors opening out to the rear garden. It is worth noting that within the study is the original entrance door and this room could therefore be utilised as a reception hall.

The main part of the cottage features a spacious
kitchen and breakfast room with a vaulted ceiling
and exposed eaves. This splendid everyday living
and entertaining space is fitted with a bespoke
kitchen with shaker-style units, a central island including a breakfast bar and an Aga; there is also space for a family dining table and a built-in seating area. This room enjoys a pleasing view over the gardens and fields beyond, and double doors open out to the secluded pool area. An adjoining boot room completes the accommodation on the ground floor.

Situated off the sitting room, a separate wing of the ground-floor accommodation is currently part of the house but is self-contained with a separate entrance and therefore could be arranged as an annexe. Presently, it comprises a kitchen/utility room, a shower room, living room, bedroom and a home gym/additional bedroom. On the first floor,
the spacious landing with its vaulted ceiling and
wall beams leads to four well-presented bedrooms,
including the serene principal bedroom with its
dressing room and luxurious en suite bathroom. The second bedroom has a washbasin and a dressing room, and there is also a family bathroom.

The gardens are an ideal setting for the property,
accessed via new dual oak gates which open onto a spacious gravelled driveway and parking area to the front of the detached double garage. The garden at the rear is south and west-facing and features a well maintained lawn with borders of established beech hedging and mature trees.
Towards the end of the garden are vegetable and cut flower beds, and the garden also includes a split level patio, perfect for al fresco dining. A pool area enjoys seclusion and privacy, and basks in sun all day long. Outbuildings include a shed, pool house and a greenhouse, and at the rear, a gate affords access to a field, with the main footpath a short distance away.

The village of Waltham St. Lawrence, situated
between the towns of Reading and Maidenhead, has a parish church, a village hall and a 15th Century pub, The Bell Inn, while local amenities
can be found in nearby Wargrave and Twyford.
Twyford has a variety of shops, including a Waitrose, several restaurants and cafés, a doctor’s surgery and a mainline station, offering services (Elizabeth Line) to London Paddington in less than 30 minutes.

Road connections are excellent, with the M4 less than six miles away and A-roads providing easy links to Reading, Maidenhead and Henley-on-Thames.