Traditional Luxury Reimagined for a 21st Century Lifestyle

This autumn, prime country house developer Sherbourne Developments will unveil the flagship residence in its portfolio - Roden Park. A magnificent manor house located at the end of a mile-long private road, Roden Park comprises almost 14,000 square feet, including a separate guest house, staff accommodation, a workshop, garage, and proposed stabling. Offering the ultimate in seclusion, it occupies the epicentre of a 40 acre estate of rolling hills and farmland, set amidst breath-taking 360 degree views of Berkshire’s chalk downland.

Emulating the finest period design principles, Roden Park is evocative of a traditional Georgian gentleman’s house, subtly reimagined for a discerning 21^st century purchaser. Built from a warm, heritage red brick, Roden Park’s masonry underscores a tangible craftsmanship and attention to detail, and is indicative of the artisanal skill that resonates throughout the architecture and delivery of the property. Generous, heritage-style sash windows punctuate the façade with a Georgian symmetry, while four hand-carved stone colonnades frame the primary entrance.

The front of the property is courtyard in style, defined on either side by a guest cottage and staff accommodation – both of which have been retained and sensitively renovated from the original farm buildings that once populated the site.

Internally, Roden Park is characterised by a host of vast, imposing rooms, starting with a cavernous staircase hall, in which to welcome family and friends when they come to stay.

To the rear of the property, a bespoke, hand-crafted and hand-painted kitchen represents the heart of the home, with ample space in which to cook, dine and entertain. Adjacent to the primary kitchen is a cook’s kitchen, a larder and a butler’s pantry – optimised to conceal the paraphernalia and culinary operations that come with a house of such scale.

Formal accommodation also includes a drawing and dining room, both of Palladian proportions, while a library and snug provide an intimate setting for relaxed evenings. High ceilings amplify the inflow of natural light, and highlight the elegant cornicing that figures throughout.

An ample boot room is also accessible from a side entrance into the house, with plenty of space for dogs, wellington boots and the host of accoutrements that accompany country pursuits. Meanwhile, the basement houses a discrete sequence of facilities – all signifiers of contemporary luxury – including a cinema, wine room, gun room and laundry. Externally, a dedicated party room and outdoor swimming pool provide further space in which to entertain guests.

The first-floor is home to a dedicated master suite, which is flanked by his and hers dressing rooms and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, four further bedrooms are each equipped with their own ensuite bathroom. The roomy attic floor has two further bedrooms and two central bathrooms.

Externally, a detached guest house can operate either on an occasional basis, or can be occupied as an annexe full-time. Separate staff accommodation affords additional privacy, and provides further convenience if staff live-in permanently.

Nestled within the heart of the Berkshire Downs – defined as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Roden Park is immersed within an unparalleled rural location, facilitating the utmost in privacy and concealed from outside view. With picturesque, rural panoramas from every aspect of the manor house, it languishes amidst peace and tranquillity, and instils a step-change from the pace of every day life. Nearby, country walks and bridleways abound, while the 40 acres onsite offer an irrevocable immersion into the great outdoors. The land is also classified as agricultural, which brings a favourable 5% Stamp Duty Land Tax tariff.

Ideally located for country pursuits, Roden Park is amidst prime equine territory, with Berkshire regarded as the centre of racehorse training in the UK. Whether owners wish to keep horses onsite or exercise them in gallops, visit the races nearby at Newbury or Ascot, or participate in one of the multitude of nearby hunts – opportunities are boundless. Furthermore, for those who indulge in the serenity of fishing, the Rivers Kennet, Lambourn, Loddon and Pang are known for their clear waters and proliferation of wild trout and grayling.

Bruce O’Grady, managing director, Sherbourne Developments, comments: “One of the finest houses to reach the market in decades, Roden Park enjoys unparalleled privacy, while its exquisite views offer a complete sense of escapism without sacrificing modern comforts. A truly private, yet accessible retreat in the countryside, we have created an unparalleled mini-estate, harnessing the finest in traditional design principles, to create a timeless residence of extraordinary craftsmanship.

“We have worked tirelessly to equip the property with the most sought-after of fixtures, fittings and facilities, and have gone to the ends of the earth – quite literally – to anticipate and exceed the most exacting of buyer demands.

“Having said that, we can – and indeed we welcome – buyer input into the design, layout and interiors of this remarkable residence. While we can happily deliver a turnkey property, there is scope at every step of the journey to adjust and make changes to complete a home that fulfils an exact specification.”

Rurality aside, Roden Park is remarkably well-connected amidst the established network of transport links for which the Home Counties remain enduringly popular. Furthermore, the site is prime to house a helipad, for those intent on helicopter access.

Oxford lies 20 miles to the north, via the A34, while Newbury is 12 miles to the south, both of which offer a host of leisure and shopping opportunities. The educational landscape s is quite unprecedented and includes a host of revered independent schools including Abingdon School, Cheam, Downe House, Radley College, St Edward’s, Magdalen College School, and Marlborough College – all in proximity of under one hour.

London is 50 miles to the east by road, while fast train commuter links operate from either Didcot Parkway or Reading, the latter of which is set to benefit from a Crossrail service into London when it opens in autumn of 2019. For international travellers, Heathrow airport is under an hour away, Gatwick approximately 90 minutes away, while Farnborough Airport is also easily accessible – and ideal for those with a private plane.

Closer to home, the quintessential English villages of Compton and East Ilsley are a stone’s throw away, which between them offer a local village shop and a handful of charming pubs.

Roden Park is on the market for £9,000,000. For further information, please contact Sherbourne Developments on 07836 510 576 or visit www.sherbourne-developments.com