Sometimes it only takes one thing to sell a house. It might be the kitchen, the sitting room, or perhaps a library or the views. In the case of Holmwood — situated on the edge of the village of Binfield Heath, and on the market at £11.25m via Savills – the possibilities are nearly endless.
Built of elegant Flemish bond red brick and Bath stone clad, the house makes an instant impression, but the most charming elevation is undoubtedly the rear of Holmwood, swathed in old, gnarled wisteria, overlooking well-maintained gardens with elevated views across the Thames Valley.
Holmwood and its gardens and grounds have been extensively refurbished by the present owners to a very high standard throughout. The main house benefits from all the signature Georgian flourishes characteristic of early 18th century houses.
The wonderful light double aspect drawing room, with its marble fireplace, large sash windows, curved extension and access to the two terraces to the South and West epitomises proportion and balance.
The other principal reception rooms include a magnificent dining room, comfortably seating up to 24, and an elegant sitting room, both with access onto the south facing terrace.
Together with the limestone-floored Hall, these rooms combine to make an impressive principal entertaining area. The drawing and sitting rooms have superb marble fireplaces and other period features include beautiful heavy, polished mahogany doors. Each of the principal reception rooms has French Windows or unusual sash doors leading out onto the garden.
Holmwood has a total of 11 bedrooms, each one with a well-fitted bathroom en suite, which is extremely unusual for a listed property. Together with a games room and cinema, the property offers comfortable accommodation for both family and guests.
Garden & Grounds
The property is approached up a long sweeping driveway running from the west of the property towards the house. The main, south facing gardens lie to the rear of the house and include laurel walks underplanted with a variety of bulbs. Close to the house is a line of terraces planted with roses, lavender and a variety of Mediterranean plants, with an attractive herb and flower garden leading to a pillared pergola.
Steps lead down from the terrace opposite the sitting room to a quartered sunken garden with a fountain, four lawns and herbaceous borders. Further to the west are beds of camellias, azaleas and other shrubs, including mature and very well established rhododendrons.
There is also a large area of old English Woodland with a stream running through it.
To the South East is the magnificent heated infinity edged Swimming Pool positioned perfectly to take advantage of the outstanding southerly views.
The Pool House with kitchen, shower, WC and changing rooms sit at the end of the Swimming Pool and is close to the sheltered all-weather Tennis Court. There are a separate sauna cabin, pizza oven and built-in barbecues.
The Cottages
There are also three ancillary houses which benefit from their own gated entrances and separate parking so that they do not encroach on the privacy of Holmwood. They are called Coachman’s , Clock House, and The Lodge.
Coachmans
To the east of Holmwood, a separate entrance off Shiplake Row leads to a large parking area with two attractive properties: Coachman’s has three bedrooms, with Bathroom, Cloakroom, Kitchen, Sitting Room and a large Garden, along with a shed and separate parking.
Clock House
This newly converted house comprises 3 Bedrooms and bathroom, a comfortable Sitting Room, Kitchen/dining room and Cloakroom. There is also an attractive garden with a shed and ample parking.
The Lodge
The Lodge is located to the left of the main drive and comprises a Master Bedroom, a bathroom, 2 further Bedrooms, Kitchen and Sitting Room.
Coachmans and Clock House both back onto the rear courtyard of Holmwood. The courtyard also offers ample parking space, garaging and storage areas.
The Location
Holmwood is situated on the edge of the village of Binfield Heath, with its local shop and post office as well as two first-class restaurants. The house is surrounded by lovely countryside and commands far reaching views, with the historic riverside town of Henley-on-Thames just under 4 miles away.
Additional facilities can be found in Reading. The local railway station at Shiplake, less than two miles away, provides a single track link to the mainline stations in Reading and Twyford. The M4 is 13 miles distant providing access to Heathrow Airport (29 miles) and the motorway network.
There is an excellent and varied selection of schooling in the area, including Shiplake College, The Oratory, Moulsford, Cranford House and Queen Anne’s Caversham. The renowned Oxford Schools are within striking distance.
Sporting facilities include not only the famous Henley Regatta and rowing clubs, but also a number of well-regarded local golf courses (Badgemore Park, Henley, Temple and Huntercombe) and the successful Henley Cricket Club and the Henley Hawks Rugby Club. Racing is at Ascot, Windsor and Newbury and the Guards Polo Club and the Royal Berkshire Polo Club are not far away.
The surrounding countryside offers extensive walking and riding opportunities through a well-linked network of public footpaths and bridleways.
