Grade II listed, tucked away rural idyll on the banks of the River Thame with pool, tennis court, two cottages and nearly ten acres of land.
Nestling on the banks of the River Thame and surrounded by its own land, Upper Grange has seen many sympathetic reincarnations. Dating to the early 17th century, with later additions, the striking vaulted kitchen was added some 30 years ago, connecting the house with an adjacent barn.
The panelled dining hall, staircase, crossed beamed ceilings, ancient fireplaces and braced doors date back to the reign of James I and reflect the rich history of this house.
The entrance hall opens to the impressive dining hall with its panelled walls and huge fireplace with herringbone brick detailing. The triple aspect drawing room has fabulous views out over the river. Both rooms have doors opening to the gardens. Also off the dining hall is a cosy snug, a spacious study and the wine cellar.
The vaulted kitchen with two huge oak A frames, has a stone fireplace and features painted wooden cupboards beneath stone worktops. A large island houses a double stainless steel sink and appliances include a four door Aga, Miele oven and induction hob. Doors open to the front and rear gardens with views over the river. A walk-in pantry lies just off.
What was the adjacent barn, now houses a large rear hallway. Just off are the family/sitting room with bookshelves spanning one wall, and a large utility/ boot room with ample storage. A staircase rises to a small galleried room, ideal as a teenage study room or additional storage. A further staircase rises to private guest bedroom suite with its own sitting room. The bathroom features a double ended slipper bath and separate shower.
The main staircase rises from the dining hall with a half landing and window seat overlooking the garden. The triple aspect principal bedroom, spanning the depth of the house, has stunning views and a fireplace with stove within. Just off is a large dressing room with built-in wardrobes to two walls. Beyond, the bathroom features a double ended slipper bath and affords wonderful views of the gardens. Vanity units sit either side of the window. The large shower features a ceiling mounted rainfall shower. There are two further bedrooms and a family bathroom on this floor. Stairs wind to the second floor where there are three further bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom and dressing room, and a further shower room.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION WiFi system enabled throughout house Cat 5e/Cat 6 cabling to most rooms, including t TV's 2 x Gigabit Network Switches (non-PoE) for non-PoE devices 1 x Gigabit Network Switch (PoE) for WiFi access points Sonos audio system to most rooms, including pool area CCTV and alarm system Honeywell WiFi enabled zoned heating controls Hydrawise WiFi enabled irrigation system sourcing water from river COTTAGES The two cottages both have kitchen/living rooms, one bedroom and a bathroom with shower over. Both have small, private gardens to the rear with their own parking space. Both are presently let on Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreements.
ENTERTAINMENT/GAMES BARN Situated just across the pretty courtyard from the house is the vaulted barn. Four sets of French doors open to the pool and its terrace. Presently this space is divided by oak framed sliding glass doors and is split between an entertaining space and a gym. However, it offers total flexibility of use and affords the space to entertain on a large scale. To the far end is a changing room, double shower and cloakroom.
OUTSIDE Approached through pillared electric wooden gates, a long avenue of Canadian poplars leads to the front of the house. The stunning gardens feature both formal and informal areas as well as meadows and paddocks. Lawns wrap around the house, walls festooned with roses and wisteria, and dip down to the waters edge. The river winds around two sides of boundary and leads on to a small copse of ash, maple, cedar and lime. The long grass below is awash with snakeshead fritillaries, cowslips, bluebells and great camas. The tennis court lies just beyond. To the front of the house is the formal parterre garden framed by mellow red brick walls to three sides. Gravel paths divide the box hedging which surrounds a circular pond. A gate opens to a further enclosed garden, showcasing a quirky Victorian bandstand which takes centre stage.
A large paddock, bordering the drive, has its own vehicular access gate and connects both to the gardens and the water meadow, with its willow trees gracing the river bank. Apple, pear, plum and greengage trees make up the orchard which leads on to the vegetable garden. The morning terrace, outside the kitchen, is planted with scented roses and peonies whilst the evening terrace, opening from the dining hall, faces west and catches the last rays of light. The two car garage, with two sets of double wood doors, has a workshop at the rear.
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What a cracking home this is. It really has something for everyone. I love the long driveway, the tucked away position and the open views across the river. This is a home for a growing family to enjoy and make memories in.
Charles Elsmore-WickensProperty agent