4 bedroom detached house

An exquisite ‘chocolate box’ village house together with a detached studio, an established garden and private parking.

Description

Mill House is a charming 18th century thatched house situated in the heart of the village close to the duck pond and public house. Surprisingly, the property is not listed bearing in mind the inherent character, age and period features which include and a splendid inglenook fireplace in the sitting room. In recent years the owner has made improvements to the accommodation, mainly in the re-positioning of the kitchen which is now at the front of the house and very much the hub of family living. Indeed, it is a light and airy room and in addition to the peninsular unit is well fitted with an excellent range of cupboards and appliances which include a wine cooler, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, double oven and an induction hob. Also on the ground floor is a cosy snug room as well as the sitting room, study, utility room, cloakroom and the rear hall which doubles as a boot room. Both the sitting room and kitchen have French doors into the garden. Stairs from the hall lead down to the cellar. On the first floor there are four bedrooms, a bathroom, en suite shower room and a separate wc. The oil-fired heating is complemented by partial double glazing.

To the front of the house is the detached annexe with electricity connected. Also planning permission has been granted to convert the building into a self-contained residential annexe as well as permission for a new single garage. It is therefore a particularly useful building which could fulfil a number of different requirements. Attached is a former stable providing plenty of storage space. To the front and approached through a timber gateway is a gravelled area providing plenty of parking space.

Between the house and annexe is a level garden and pathway to the front door. To the side are espaliered apple and pear trees. To the rear of the house is a recently paved area suitable for outside entertaining. The remainder of the garden is terraced and comprises mature trees and shrubs as well as a variety of flower and lavender borders as well as interesting plants. At the foot of the slope are fruit trees and a greenhouse. The garden adjoins the mill stream which helps make for an idyllic setting.

Location

Bishopstone is an unspoilt village which lies at the foot of the Lambourn Downs, overlooking the Vale of the White Horse. As the name implies the history of the village dates back to when the village was occupied by a former monastery, there are still areas owned by the Church. The village is now made up of quaint houses and cottages which stand around a central mill pond. It is an active community which helps support a primary school, village hall and an ancient Norman church. There is also a highly regarded pub, The Royal Oak which is associated with Helen Browning’s organic farm shop, also in the village. Indeed, the village has the character of a traditional English village and is in both a conservation area and an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In addition to the popular primary school there are a good selection of other schools in the area including Pinewood Preparatory School.

Shrivenham is located about 4 miles away, and offers a range of everyday stores, including two supermarkets, a chemist, a florist, a popular artisan delicatessen and café, a doctor’s surgery as well as public houses and restaurants. The nearby market towns of Faringdon, Wantage and Marlborough are all within 12 miles and provide an excellent selection of independent and high street shops as well as leading supermarkets. Communications are excellent with Swindon offering first class transport links to London and the West, via both road and rail. The A417/419 dual carriage connects with the M5 at Gloucester.

The Downs and the ancient Ridgeway paths provide wonderful walks from the house. There are also cycling and riding routes with spectacular views across the Vale of the White Horse and rolling countryside on the Wessex Downs.

The Mill House itself was home to a succession of millers and their families throughout the 19th century. One of whom was William Richard Voller who became a significant figure in the development of flour milling at the end of the 19th century. The mill pond is nearby and once, when frozen hosted a performance by the Bishopstone Brass Band. At the close, hearty cheers were given for the band, and the National Anthem was sung.

Square Footage: 1,777 sq ft



Directions

Leave the M4 at junction 15 and proceed north on the A419. Take the first slip road following the signs for Aldbourne. After passing under the bridge turn left signposted Wanborough and proceed for nearly 4 miles. This will bring you to the duck pond where you will turn left into Cues Lane and the entrance to the property is the second gateway on the left-hand side.

Additional Info

Shrivenham 4.5miles, Swindon 7 miles (London Paddington from 60 minutes), Marlborough 12 miles, Wantage 11 miles, Newbury 21 miles, Cirencester 22 miles, M4 (junction 15) 4.5 miles (All mileages and times are approximate).

Tenure – Freehold

Council Tax Band - G

Services – Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil fired heating

Local Authority – Swindon Borough Council