1 the Almhouses
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
1 THE ALMHOUSES www.warmingham.com MAPLEDURHAM F OXFORDSHIRE 1 THE ALMHOUSES MAPLEDURHAM F OXFORDSHIRE F Reading – 3.5 miles F Goring on Thames –6.5 miles F Pangbourne – 6 miles F M4 at Theale (J12) – 10 miles A beautifully presented Grade II Listed lovely character cottage in the heart of the charming village of Mapledurham F Entrance Hall F Kitchen/Breakfast Room F Sitting Room F Study F Bedroom 3 F Shower room + F Bathroom F Master Bedroom F Bedroom 2 F Gardens with patio area LOCATION F Shed Mapledurham is a small village, civil parish and country estate beside the River Thames in southern Oxfordshire. Mapledurham “the maple tree enclosure” appears in the Domesday Book as two manors, Mapledurham Gurney belonging to William de F Off road parking Warenne, while Milo Crispin, Lord of the honour of Wallingford, owned the smaller Mapledurham Chazey. The village, although only about 3.5 miles away from Reading, retains a rural and picturesque character. Mapledurham House, the country house that is the headquarters of the Mapledurham estate, is one of the largest Elizabethan houses in Oxfordshire. The Mapledurham estate owns much of the village and parish. It also includes the Mapledurham Watermill which is the last operational mill on the River Thames and producing high-quality stone-ground flour. Kenneth Grahame, author of Wind in the Willows, lived in Pangbourne, a couple of miles upstream from Mapledurham, and it is believed that Mapledurham House and Mill provided the inspiration for the Wind in the Willows’ ‘Toad Hall’, as well as featuring in EH Shepard’s illustrations for the book. It is a stunningly beautiful house, and the similarity of Toad Hall to Mapledurham house is inescapable. The estate belongs to the family of John “Jack” Eyston. At one time the estate included several farms, but farming has now been consolidated on a single farm. The estate has strongly diversified into leisure activities, and includes two golf courses and several holiday cottages. Additionally the house, watermill and surrounding grounds are opened to the public on weekend and bank holiday afternoons from April to September. On the village street can be found the Mapledurham Almshouses, a group of six almshouses built as a memorial to Sir Charles Lister who died in 1613, and now converted into two cottages. The village, house and mill form something of a local tourist attraction, and on summer weekends the village can be reached by a boat service from Reading. The only road access is by a narrow and steep lane from Trench Green on the rural road from Caversham to Goring Heath and Goring- on-Thames. The access lane becomes the main street of the village and terminates on the bank of the River Thames. Mapledurham Lock is on the opposite bank of the river, by the Berkshire village of Purley-on-Thames. Although the weir stretches across the river between the two villages, no access is possible across it and, in the absence of a boat; journeys between the two villages require a lengthy detour via Caversham or Whitchurch-on-Thames Because of its picturesque situation, and lack of through traffic, Mapledurham has been used as a set for several films and TV programmes, including the 1976 thriller The Eagle Has Landed. More recently the location has attracted television productions including Miss Marple, Midsomer Murders, Sharpe and The Big Allotment challenge. More recently was seen in Taboo, Hunderby and even Mr Tumble came to play! To add a more contemporary note, Mapledurham Mill is also the backdrop in the image on the cover of Black Sabbath (album), by the band of the same name, lead singer of which is Ozzy Osbourne. The Pack Horse is a former farmhouse on the Mapledurham House estate, dating from the 17th century. The Pack Saddle is an independently owned country pub and restaurant also on the Mapledurham Estate. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Almshouse is a Grade II listed building in Mapledurham. Built as a group of six Almshouses as a memorial to Sir Charles Lister who died in 1613 and now converted into two cottages. A 3 bedroom beautifully decorated character semi-detached Almshouse. The property has a fully fitted lovely Kitchen/Breakfast room with ample space for a table. The dining room leads from the kitchen with doors to the sitting room and second bedroom. The Sitting room has lovely views of the rear garden. The Family bathroom is on the ground floor and has a bath, hand basin and toilet. The Shower room is also on the ground floor and has a shower cubicle and toilet. On the first floor there are two bedrooms, the master bedroom is a good double and the second bedroom a large single. OUTSIDE The property enjoys a large private garden to the side and rear. There is a shed for storage. GENERAL INFORMATION Services: Oil Central Heating, water from a bore hole and septic tank drainage. Council Tax: D Postcode: RG4 7TS Energy Efficiency Rating: Listed Building Local Authority: South Oxfordshire District Council - Telephone: 01491 823000 DIRECTIONS From our offices turn right and continue towards the railway bridge. Turn right and then next left. Continue on this road through Crays Pond and keep right driving through Goring Heath and towards the A4074. Take the right turning signposted for Mapledurham and Trench Green. Continue on the road all the way down into Mapledurham village. The Almhouses are found on the right hand side, the parking can be found opposite on the left hand side. There is a side gate on the right hand side of the property and a path to the main entrance door. VIEWING Strictly by appointment through Warmingham & Co DISCLAIMER The agent has not tested any apparatus, equipment, fittings or services so cannot verify that they are in working order. If required, the client is advised to obtain verification. These particulars are issued on the understanding that all negotiations are conducted through Warmingham & Co. Whilst all due care is taken in the preparation of these particulars, no responsibility for their accuracy is accepted, nor do they form part of any offer or contract. Intending clients must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy prior to signing a contract. www.warmingham.com 01491 874144 4/5 High Street, Goring-on Thames Nr Reading RG8 9AT E: [email protected] www.warmingham.com .