6 bed country house for sale

Checkendon Hill House, Berkshire RG8

Built in 2010 and designed by award-winning architect Richard Cutler, the property has a wonderful light and airy feel throughout with inside-outside living encouraged via covered and uncovered elevated decked areas, accessed by of bi-fold doors to all reception rooms. The very flexible accommodation extends over four floors, and includes six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and six reception rooms, with stunning landscaped gardens and grounds of approximately 1.8 acres.

The house is entered via a covered bridge and grand oak doors, which open into a striking helical staircase tower serving the four floors.

Upper Ground

The main floor has a vaulted dining hall, rising 21⁄2 storeys with gallery and library balconies. The vaulted South-facing drawing room is also 2 1/2 stories with full-height glazing, a Juliet balcony and feature fireplace. It is linked to the three-level library via bespoke spiral stairs. The stylish kitchen/family room combines comfort and design, with a woodburning stove, full-width bifold doors to south and west terraces, and open views. The east wing includes two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

First Floor

The principal bedroom suite spans two floors in the west wing. It features a vaulted sitting (or sleeping) area, a woodburning stove, and a spiral stair to a sleeping area, and full-width bifold doors to a balcony with a spiral stair down to the deck below. A dressing area and bathroom complete the space. A galleried landing overlooks the dining hall. Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom occupy the east wing.

Second Floor

At the top of the main staircase is a private double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. It enjoys far-reaching countryside views. Above the lounge and dining hall are the upper levels of the library balconies.

Lower Ground

With an integral double garage, and versatile living spaces including two large reception rooms, each with large fireplace / stove, opening to the gardens, a full kitchen/utility room, shower room, and independent access from outside. This whole floor ideal for guests / staff, or a home business.

Exterior

A wide wraparound decked terrace and balconied veranda seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living, accessible from all principal reception rooms and the master suite.

Checkendon Hill House enjoys a secluded position within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by rolling countryside and ancient woodland. The property sits on a peaceful single-track lane below Checkendon Wood, offering a true sense of rural tranquillity.

The gardens and grounds are alive with wildlife; deer, red kites, and owls are regular visitors and include sweeping lawns, mature trees, and a natural wildflower meadow that flourishes through the summer months.

Area

The surrounding landscape, including National Trust land at The Holies, offers exceptional walking, riding, and cycling along the Ridgeway and a network of scenic trails. The nearby hamlet of Stichens Green exudes charm, while Aldworth (2.5 miles) is home to the award-winning Bell Inn, one of England’s most unspoiled country pubs. Streatley Golf Club lies close by.

Despite its rural seclusion, the property is well connected: M4 (J12) is just 15 minutes away, with Pangbourne and Goring-on-Thames stations providing fast services to London Paddington (from 44 minutes) and Oxford, now enhanced by the Elizabeth Line. Heathrow Airport (T5) is approximately 45 minutes by car.

Nearby Wallingford, Pangbourne, and Caversham offer excellent shopping, including Waitrose, artisan food stores, and local producers such as Vicars Game and West Berkshire Brewery. The area also boasts an outstanding selection of state and independent schools, including Cranford House, The Oratory, Moulsford, Downe House, Bradfield College, and Shiplake College