4 bedroom property for sale in Reading

A charming 4 bedroom detached 18th century period cottage, with some later additions. Once the home of Kenneth Grahame, the famed author of Wind in the Willows, who lived here for the last 8 years of his life. Generations of children have grown up with the adventures of Ratty and Moley messing about on the river, protected from the wild wood on the hill by Badger and the infamous, Toad of Toad Hall.

Church Cottage is situated in the centre of this pretty Thameside village, and set in very beautiful landscaped gardens, which include a useful bothy/office, and the 18th century lock up village jail.

Within easy level walking distance of the specialist shops, pubs, restaurants, health centre, hair salons, mini supermarket, amenities, and station.

The property, which is Grade II listed, has been the subject of continuous restoration and improvement over the years and is in splendid order throughout. Recent modernisation to very high standards include the kitchen, bathrooms, and the addition of a fine oak garden room. Yet the property retains all of the best of the period features, and the charm associated with an historic house overlooking the ancient church of St James the Less.

Special features:
Stunning landscaped gardens are a beauty to behold in every season
Pretty lock up/jail, where the village drunks would be incarcerated for the night in case they got out of order, and the magistrate would let them out in the morning for a payment of say a farthing. Just in front of the lock up is a mosaic laid into the path, depicting Mr Toad holding the keys
The lock up has also been a Dovecote, with a conical roof surmounted by a weather vane depicting a cockerel inscribed underneath `Vigilante`
Oak garden room has oak bi-fold doors opening onto the gardens. With underfloor heating, an oak sky lantern and primary double glazing; this is a wonderful room
Drawing room with pretty bay window, oak panelling, bookcases, and wood burner
Kitchen/breakfast room is well fitted with an AGA Mercury cooking range and additional Neff steam oven. Pretty window overlooking the church, and windows overlooking the garden. Large walk-in pantry, underfloor heating, secondary double-glazed windows. door to area next to the church, useful for dropping off shopping
Dining room has a fireplace, a large window with leaded light glass panels, one depicting a cockerel entitled `vigilante` and the other with a man with a cudgel entitled `defend`
Study is well equipped, with French doors opening onto the gardens
The Bothy is presently used as a workshop, and has an attached small greenhouse. Divided into 2 insulated rooms with windows overlooking the gardens, an original Victorian fireplace in one corner, a sink with hot water, power, and light
A gate gives access to the churchyard, which is an easy shortcut to the village, especially with children and pets

Summary of accommodation: Reception hall, sitting room, dining room, study, 2 cloakrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, garden room, rear lobby. 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, Principal bedroom has a dressing room and an ensuite bathroom.
Double garage with room over. Bothy/office. Jail/Dovecote.

Gardens: The beautiful landscaped gardens are an exceptional feature, with two separate lawned areas, and brick raised flower beds, which include the famous prize-winning dahlia bed.

One tree is a very unusual ancient specimen called Parrotia, or Persian iron bark. This tree is a delight in the autumn and changes through many colours. High hedges give privacy and the main gardens are set well away from the road, and side on to the church yard.

Double garage is entered from Riverview Road, with electric roll up door securing. Windows to the rear overlook the gardens. Oak door to a garden machinery store/workshop. Staircase to first floor room, b