A unique opportunity to embrace country living in this magical 3-bedroom Grade II listed cottage, set in almost half an acre of well stocked cottage gardens. Situated on the Hardwick Estate, an organic, sustainably managed Estate covering 900 acres in the Chiltern hills in South Oxfordshire, yet is within a short drive of Reading station providing swift access to London.

ACCOMMODATION

Situated within the Hardwick Estate, this exceptionally pretty Grade II listed detached cottage offers everything for an idyllic country hideaway. Only 20 minutes drive from Reading Station but surrounded by organic farmland. Ample room inside for entertaining, with charming character features, and situated within its own 0.4 acre plot.

Rural charm, and great for entertaining

This beautiful cottage has character throughout: exposed beams, open fires, flagstoned and quarry tiled floors downstairs, exposed floorboards upstairs, and notable features such as original wattle and daub panel, inglenook and bread oven. Vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of space. The reception rooms are large with good ceiling heights, made for gatherings with family and friends. Two of the bedrooms are good doubles and the single is a gorgeous, cosy room, always popular with visitors. When all the bedrooms are full, the versatile living room can easily be used.

Garden made for the enjoyment of peace and quiet,

The cottage sits in the middle of its large country garden. There are numerous places to sit, following the sun or shade as you wish, and when the rain comes, the greenhouse has space for comfortable chairs. There are extensive countryside views. The garden is completely private and not overlooked.

Prime location and rare opportunity

The cottage is on the Hardwick Estate, an organic farm with a vibrant community, soon to be made a charity, protecting it for the future. The area is perfect for walking and cycling, with many rights of way. Reading Station, with all of its transport connections, is only 20 minutes drive away, making it very easy to reach London. The cottage was last sold in 1992 and the last time a house was sold in Collins End was more than 20 years ago so this presents a very rare opportunity for someone to secure a wonderful way of life in a unique cottage.

Additional information

1) The cottage roof is part thatched, part tiled. The thatch was completely renewed in 2017. New thatch roofs can be expected to last 30 years. The current owner has a good relationship with the thatcher and more information can be provided. Thatched roof properties require specialist insurance, and more information can be provided.2) The approach to the cottage is on a wide grassy track from the parking area. The current owners love this approach, as it enhances the secret hideaway feel of the cottage. A driveway (and garage in the plot) could be put in subject to consents.

LOCATION

Living in Collins End/Hardwick EstateCollins End is a peaceful Hamlet in South Oxfordshire, in the parish of Goring Heath, and located roughly 6 miles NW of Reading. It is characterised by a series of charming homes in a rural setting as part of the Hardwick Estate.There is fantastic walking directly from the property, through the rural surroundings, and with bridlepaths for mountain biking and equestrian pursuits. The River Thames in Pangbourne is only a few miles away. The Highwayman Inn in nearby Exlade Street is a fantastic pub restaurant with a garden, only 2.5 miles away. The Sun at Whitchurch Hill is 1.5 miles away and the Greyhound in Whitchurch-on-Thames is 1.8 miles away.Reading rail station is only 6 miles away, with excellent fast connections to London, including the Elizabeth line with its direct links to the West End, City and Canary Wharf.Nearby Goring Heath benefits from a village hall and the historic 18th century Allnut Almshouses. The village of Woodcote offers a good selection of day-to-day amenities including a supermarket, independent shops, a health centre, two Pubs and a garden centre. The town of Pangbourne provides more comprehensive facilities including a High Street, two ATM machines, Post Office, a variety of restaurants and historic public houses.Slightly further afield, Reading, Henley and Wallingford all offer the range of facilities that one would expect.The nearby M4 provides efficient access to the motorway network, London and its airports as well as access to the A34 for Oxford or the South.Reading Station - 6.0 milesGoring and Streatley railway station - 4.3 milesPangbourne station - 3.6 milesShopping in Pangbourne - 3.2 milesGoring - 4.6 milesWoodcote - 2.3 milesHenley-on-Thames - 8.9 milesWallingford - 9.0 milesLondon Heathrow Airport - 33 milesM4 motorway - approx 10 miles (junctions 10, 11, 12)The area offers a good range of state primary and secondary schooling together with a good selection of independent schools including The Oratory, Pangbourne College, Moulsford Prep, Cranford House, St. Andrew s and Abingdon Boys.What3words drieway///moderated.follow.slopes What3words house///martini.spinning.poses

Services

Mains electricity and waterPrivate drainageElectric heating: night storage heaters, panel heaters and immersion heaterMulti fuel stove for hot water and 4 central heating radiators.Superfast broadband South Oxfordshire District CouncilCouncil Tax Band: Currently Band D (may change due to increase in size from 2 to 3 bedrooms)