An historic 15th Century manor house in spectacular gardens and grounds. Described by Sir Nikolas Pevsner as "the most refined and most sophisticated timber framed mansion in England."
Ockwells Manor is laid out principally over two floors and with the exception of a small cellar all above ground level. The house is faithful to its period and boasts spectacular panelling, stained glass windows and herringbone pattern brickwork.
The Jacobean staircase, 17th Century panelling and 15th Century stone fireplace are particularly striking features of the house. Aside from its architectural and historical pedigree, the house functions as a beautiful family home ideal for entertaining or family living in equal measure. The main entrance is dominated by a fabulous oak door which enters into a cloister leading to a small internal courtyard. Around this are a number of exceptionally fine rooms but the Great Hall, living room and dining room are particularly impressive.
On the first floor, the main bedroom has an en suite bathroom and dressing room with a minstrel's gallery overlooking the Great Hall. There are seven further bedrooms, four of which are effectively en suite, and one of which would make an equally impressive main bedroom.
Immediately to the south of the manor, is a beautiful topiaried garden enclosed within a listed brick wall. This garden operates as a series of enclosures, one of which is laid out as a chess garden. The eastern elevation overlooks a neat lawned courtyard where a secondary entrance gives separate access onto the lane. Further to the north is a swimming pool with a neat terrace surround and an ornamental pond and tennis court.
To the east of the house is a listed barn and the original medieval gate house with one bedroom Bailiff's room above, also listed Grade I. These date from the 15th Century and comprise five stables, a tack room, hay barn and Polo practice pen (Stable Block 1). Forming the eastern side is an impressive 111 ft long Grade I listed threshing barn also dating from the late 15th Century with two gabled entrances and very fine timber framed interiors (Threshing Barn). Adjacent, is the beautiful Grade I listed Dovecote from the same period.
Mainline Rail Service
Maidenhead Station (1 mile) offers a direct service to London Paddington with journey times from 20 minutes. A direct service to London Waterloo is available from Windsor & Eton Riverside Station (6.5 miles). The new high speed Crossrail service is due to begin running in 2019/20 and will link Maidenhead directly with Heathrow Airport and the City.
Shopping
Maidenhead town centre (1 mile) is easily accessible and offers a good range of shopping facilities. More extensive amenities are available in Windsor (6 miles) and Henley-on- Thames (9.3 miles).
Schools
There are many popular schools in the area including Wellington College, Eton College, Wycombe Abbey, The
Abbey School and The American Community School together with St Piran's and Claire's Court in Maidenhead. Burnham Grammar and Ludgrove are also nearby.
Fine Dining
The area is spoilt for choice in terms of fine dining with an impressive selection of restaurants and public houses including two with three Michelin stars the renowned Roux brother's Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck both in nearby Bray, The Hind's Head (one Michelin Star) and The Crown. The Hand and Flowers at Marlow and L'Ortolan at Shinfield are also nearby.
Sporting and Recreational Facilities
Golf: Golf is played at Maidenhead, Wentworth, Taplow, Marlow, Temple, Burnham Beeches, Cookham, Henley, Sunningdale and Ascot.
Racing: There is racing at Ascot, Windsor Park, Sandown
Park, Epsom and Newbury.
Polo: There is polo at Guard's Polo Club and The Royal
County of Berkshire Polo Club.
Watersports: There are a variety of watersports at Bray Lake and rowing at Maidenhead, Windsor and Dorney Lake. Henley-on-Thames, home to the renowned Henley Regatta, is within 10 miles.
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Ockwells Manor is probably the finest period house I have seen in my property career.
Paul FinneganProperty agent