Murdoch Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40

SOLD PRIOR TO MARKETING

noir by david cliff

Built in 1906, this elegant Edwardian home is located in Wokingham’s “Golden Triangle”, a quiet residential area less than 400 metres from the centre of town. The house was designed by the renowned architect Joseph Morris, who is responsible for a number of noted buildings in the area. The property reflects both architectural significance and timeless character. Today, Murdoch Road, along with adjacent Crescent Road and Sturges Road, forms part of a designated conservation area, with each home showcasing its own unique architectural style.

Over the years, the house has undergone a series of thoughtful renovations and extensions, including a major update by the current owners six years ago. Their vision has created a harmonious blend of period charm and contemporary comfort, offering a space that flows beautifully, both as a family home and an inviting venue for entertaining. The blend of original features and modern facilities is seamless, preserving the house’s historical integrity while enhancing its liveability.

The house is currently configured to provide 5 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Every room is very spacious, a feeling enhanced by the high ceilings that feature throughout.

It sits in a 1/3 acre plot, one of the largest in the area, with a large double garage and plenty of off-road parking at the front and a tranquil and relaxing garden that has been lovingly created and maintained.

Location

Perfectly positioned just a four-minute walk from Wokingham town centre, the home offers immediate access to a vibrant array of restaurants, coffee shops, independent boutiques, gift shops, supermarkets, health clubs, and the newly opened Wokingham Leisure Centre. Wokingham train station is just a 10-minute walk away, and the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities for scenic walks. Regularly ranked among the top 10 places to live in Britain, Wokingham is celebrated for its exceptional quality of life, strong community spirit, top-tier healthcare, outstanding schools (both state and independent), and convenient links to London.

Renovations and Extensions

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the original coach house was converted into a gym, a double garage was added, and a spacious lounge, now used as a games room was built.

Further major updates took place in 2018 and 2019. The old kitchen and conservatory were replaced with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area. Large bifold doors at the rear create a natural flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for summer living and entertaining.

Other ground-floor improvements include the creation of a proper utility room, and converting the former pantry into a stylish, climate-controlled wine room with a capacity exceeding 1,000 bottles. New flooring has been installed throughout the house, with a blend of stone and wood for the ground floor, and Wessex wool carpeting on the upper floors. Almost all of the windows are new with timber-framed, double-glazed units that preserve the period character while improving energy efficiency.

Upstairs, the first floor was reconfigured to create a spacious master bedroom with an ensuite, and the third bedroom was extended and also given its own ensuite. The family bathroom was tastefully updated, retaining its Edwardian charm.

Additional upgrades include a new alarm system and a pressurized heating and hot water system, which also powers the underfloor heating in the new extension.

The Garden

Once dominated by overgrown shrubs, the garden has been lovingly redesigned into a calm, inviting space perfect for relaxation and entertaining. A new porcelain patio offers a generous seating area surrounded by lush, soft planting that brings greenery close to the home, ideal for enjoying the garden from indoors. The patio off the kitchen captures the morning sun, while the patio by the games room is a perfect spot for afternoon and early evening relaxation.

Flowerbeds at the front of the house burst with colourful sun-loving blooms including lavender, roses, and alliums, while the rear garden blends a plethora of flowering plants with rhododendrons, ferns, and fatsias, creating a peaceful and serene environment. A previously overlooked shady corner has been transformed into a tranquil fern garden. Additionally, a raised-bed vegetable patch invites children and adults alike to engage with nature and enjoy homegrown produce.

The entire garden is enclosed by mature trees and hedging, offering excellent privacy throughout the year.