House For Sale £600,000
UNEXPECTEDLY RE-AVAILABLE DUE TO A BREAK IN THE CHAIN BELOW
A stunning renovation
Period-elegance intertwines with modernity at 14 Arborfield Road; a detached, 3 bedroom Edwardian home overlooking open fields in Shinfield.
Originally constructed in 1908, the house has been extensively updated and extended over the last 7 years to create a sensitively transformed property that retains its original character but with the added convenience of modern living.
Drawn to the potential of a period home in a non-estate location with easy access to countryside, the current owners have a true eye for detail … and it shows. Features such as bespoke reproduction cornicing lovingly recreated from retained original pieces, specifically sourced period tiles for fireplace surrounds and harlequin-style flooring, help connect the history of the property with more modern-day requirements. Underfloor heating in the main living spaces for example, clever kitchen-larder storage cupboards with built in wine racks and open plan kitchen-dining space that welcomes the garden in via large double doors, all tell you that this house has been sympathetically modernised to live alongside and complement its heritage.
All of this in a well-connected area with extensive travel links, including easy M4, A33 and A329m access.
The two-storey extension to the back of the property created the addition of an extra bathroom, two bedrooms and a large kitchen / diner with utility - the 23’ x 16’ showpiece of this delightful house.
Enviably handsome, both outside and in
First impressions count and kerb appeal is in no shortage here. As you approach the property, the cleverly updated brick-paved driveway provides space for up to 3 cars and sits alongside tastefully planted raised beds.
The exterior of the bay window in the living room projects from the wall beckoning you towards the adjacent characterful front door. The half-rendered façade and beamed gables allow this house to feel at one with its similarly bedecked neighbours, whilst standing out a mile from being “just another house”.
Space to relax and entertain
Stepping in through the door, from the moment you enter via the extended front entrance hall, you immediately realise that the attention to detail has not stopped outside. It’s here you are greeted by harlequin-style floor tiles, while the extra depth created by the front extension makes all the difference to the spacious and light first impressions on the inside.
Off the hall to your left is the living room. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the fully functioning open fire with its beautiful decorative fire surround & mantlepiece. This is flanked on either side by bespoke fitted shelving and cupboard units. Turn towards the front of the house to gaze out of the large bay window over the fields opposite. The built-in bench seat, which also cleverly contains storage underneath, is the perfect place to curl up with a book, a drink or, in our opinion, even for a secondary Christmas tree when the time comes! And on the occasions that an open fire doesn’t take your fancy, the underfloor heating is sure to come in very handy.
Turning left back into the hallway leads you into the spacious kitchen / diner which also benefits from underfloor heating. Practical and stylish, storage-space is plentiful with our overall favourite element being tricky to pick; it’s arguably between the very clever full-height corner larder cupboard or the wine fridge located opposite the kitchen island; allowing anyone supporting the chef with a friendly ear to be within easy reach of perfectly chilled drinks at all times – a very important role!
The hob is sociably integrated into the island with overhead extraction and lighting for added convenience, whilst the sink is practically situated in the worktop behind to allow drainage space for drying up and separation from cooking and cleaning.
The dining area of this open-plan room has plenty of space for a large table and centrally located pendant light fitting for a more intimate feel. The large French doors that lead out to the patio and garden also feature near full-height windows either side so light floods in to help create a welcoming feel.
Just off the kitchen is the downstairs WC and a large utility room which also provides an additional access door to the rear patio and garden.
A bedtime story
Back into the hall and up the stairs and the first thing you notice is that on your left, the entire front of the house is dedicated to a spacious and very light master bedroom suite including en suite with underfloor heating and built in storage. As part of the renovations undertaken, the windows throughout the property have been tastefully updated and replaced and in this room they are wonderfully large creating a huge sense of light and space, helped too by the high ceilings found right throughout both floors of this house.
It’s also worth taking a pause here to appreciate the light and modern herringbone parquet flooring which spans the landing and master bedroom, effortlessly interconnecting the spaces and creating a relaxing continuity. The boarded loft is also accessed from the landing.
Across the landing from the Master suite to the right is bedroom 2, a recently redecorated good-sized double with views over the garden. Bedroom 3 sits just beyond the family bathroom and also benefits from views over the rear garden.
A garden oasis
Outside space at this charming home is generous. Aside from the large driveway and gardens at the front, the rear garden offers a mature and relaxing space if that’s to your taste but with room for little people (or even slightly more grown-up ones) to stretch their legs. Featuring a large patio, accessed from both the dining area or the utility room, there is also a secondary patio cleverly positioned further up the garden to catch the last of the evening sun. A near-double width side access allows plenty of space for storage, and carefully selected mature boarders, shrubs and hedges line either side.
Home working and home playing
At the far end of the garden sits a lovely garden building. A fully insulated and properly constructed space with power, lighting, internet connectivity and even sky TV in its current format. The building is separated into two spaces, one currently used as a workshop and storage and the other as a home office. Home offices having become very popular since the increase of home-working, but the terrific thing here is that you don’t have to sacrifice a bedroom or living space to achieve one. That’s not to say however that the possibilities cannot be expanded beyond that. In the past, the home office has been temporarily re-purposed into a speakeasy/bar area, perfect for having a drink and watching sport or listening to music in your own hideaway.
Round and about
Arborfield Road sits in the School Green area of Shinfield village. Within easy access of the M4, A33 and A329m, this sought-after village location is conveniently connected to surrounding towns, including Wokingham and Reading. Shinfield is the perfect area for those looking to balance a village lifestyle with an easy daily commute.
Families are spoilt for choice with well-rated schools and lots to do right on your doorstep. You’ll find the village green, cricket club and delightful walking routes just minutes from home. The River Loddon is just up the road with lovely long walks on offer. There is even a new area of SANG that can conveniently be accessed from just down the road. Supermarkets, gyms and the highly reputable Nirvana Spa are all within easy reach.
There are several railway stations to choose from, including Winnersh, Wokingham and Reading. Within minutes you can access the M4, providing a straight-forward journey to Heathrow Airport, the M25 and London. Heading the opposite direction takes you towards the rural West Country, Oxfordshire and the North Wessex Downs. The local bus services provide generous commuter options as well.
The current owners talk very fondly of their neighbours, “There’s a real community feel where everyone gets along and looks after each other”. With neighbours helping each other with school commutes and dog-walking, it is a lovely location for a sociable family.
Shinfield is a great place to live for those working in nearby towns or even for those looking for an entirely different pace of life accompanied by a career change. Shinfield Studios, an exciting new UK Film, TV Studio & production hub, is nearing completion and is just a 2-minute drive away. Additionally, Green Park and Thames Valley Park are within a 15-minute commute.
Where to go when you need
Milk: A short stroll to the end of the road and you’ll find yourself at the Premier Express convenience store and the Post Office. Alternatively, the local Co-op is just a 5-minute walk away.
Weekly Shop: In addition to the nearby Co-op, there are six supermarkets within a 10-minute drive, including Sainsbury’s, Budgens, Lidl and Marks & Spencer. The nearest Waitrose is a 15-minute drive away in Wokingham.
Gym/Fitness: The extremely popular Pulse 8 gym and Nirvana Spa are just 7 minutes away by car. Ryeish Green Sports Hub is a little closer, and there are beautiful walks on your doorstep. Plus, a popular climbing centre is a 2-minute drive away.
Golf: For golf enthusiasts, you’re surrounded by many courses that cater to different levels of expertise. Bearwood Lakes is a 10-minute drive, and a little further takes you to Sand Martins or the De Vere Wokefield Estate Golf Club.
Dinner/Drinks: There’s plenty to choose from in Shinfield and nearby Wokingham. The current owners’ local favourites being La Sula Pizzeria, Siren Craft Brew Tap Yard, Wellington Farm Shop Café and Farley Hill Cricket Club, which is a delightful spot for a drink in the sunshine. The Bell & Bottle is a 5-minute walk and The Shinfield Arms is a pleasant 15-minute stroll away.
Schools: With fantastic commuter links, there are many schools within a short drive. There are also several highly rated primary schools right on the doorstep such as Shinfield and Alder Grove.
The Finer Details
EPC: E
Council Tax Band: E
Heating: Gas boiler with underfloor heating downstairs and radiators in the hallway and upstairs. Electric underfloor heating in the en suite.
Distances:
M4 Motorway 2 miles
Reading Green Park Station 4.4 miles
Reading Train Station 5 miles
Wokingham 6.7 miles
Heathrow 27.8 miles
Local Authority: Wokingham Borough Council
EPC Rating: E
