NUNHIDE FARMHOUSE
SULHAM – BERKSHIRE
• PANGBOURNE on THAMES – 3 miles * THEALE – 3 miles
• * M4 at junction 12 – 2 miles
* READING – 4 miles
A sympathetically and beautifully restored character 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom semi- detached Farmhouse in lovely rural location.
Brick built porch
Hallway
Drawing room with log burning stove
Utility Room
Cloakroom
Fitted Kitchen /Dining room with log burning stove
Study
1st Floor
Good size double bedroom with ensuite shower room
2 large double bedrooms
Family Bathroom
2nd Floor
2 double bedrooms
Large Bathroom
Store room
Garage
Driveway Parking
Extensive Gardens
LOCATION
The village of Sulham stands on a wooded hill-side near the brook at the place where it crosses the road from Tidmarsh to Tilehurst, about 2 miles south of Pangbourne, the nearest railway station. Sulham House which adjoins the church of St. Nicholas on the east, stands a little to the south of this road, separated by it from the main part of the village which lies along the lane towards Purley Hall, backed by the green slope of Sulham Wood.
There are excellent road links to the M4 motorway and Reading and for rail commuters there are mainline stations at Pangbourne and Theale providing excellent services to Reading and London (Paddington). The area is also well served by state and private schools including a highly regarded primary school at nearby Englefield.
N.B. Crossrail services are scheduled to be commencing from Reading in approx. 2021 which together with the electrifying of the line will significantly improve travelling times to central London destinations.
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Nunhide Farmhouse is a sympathetically and beautifully restored character property with a complex evolution. Beginning with a timber framed structure (16th century at the earliest), with brick casing around a jettied building. The house was extended to the south during the early 18th century, but little as possible was done while attempting to retain a grand appearance. The 18th century additions resulted in the house we see today. It was enlarged again during the 19th century with the addition of two northern extensions, which is now the Old Kitchen.
The poetic name Nunhide is a corruption of 'One Hide,' a hide being a measure of land; although the current form may have been influenced by the fact that it was owned by the nuns of Goring Priory in the Middle Ages. An erroneous legend suggests, however, that it was named after the secret retreat of a nun who ran away from the Anglo-Saxon Nunnery in Reading. At Domesday, it was one of the Berkshire properties of Theodoric the Goldsmith, centred on Hampstead Norreys. A German immigrant, this man was the finest gold and silver craftsman in London both before and after the Conquest. He mainly lived at Kennington in Surrey but, in Berkshire, he also held five manors with good woodland, like at Sulham, for smelting his precious metals.
The manor of Nunhide was given to Nicholas Wilder in April 1497 by King Henry VII in thanks for his having rode into battle with him against King Richard III at Bosworth Field twelve years before. Thomas Wilder eventually purchased the estate in 1632 and the present house largely dates from his time, although it did remodel an earlier building. The Pigeon Tower on Nunhide Hill is traditionally said to have been erected by Rev. Henry Wilder in 1768 as a token of his love for his future wife, Jane Thoyts, from Sulhamstead House. There was once an outside wooden staircase to the windowed meeting room and the building was supposedly positioned so the two lovers could both see it from their respective homes. The estate is still owned by the Wilders descendants of a different name.
Situated on the edge of Sulham, this lovingly restored 16th Century house combines traditional features with modern additions to the highest standards of conservation and environmental friendliness.
All the original features have been retained, such as panelling, working shutters, York Stone Floor etc. Modern additions include full central heating, bathroom, fitted oak kitchen and heritage-grade secondary glazing
The house benefits from its own drive and walled font garden. There is the option to use further land at the back (at no extra charge) for vegetables, livestock etc. The house is part of the original farm complex, this includes the attached Old Kitchen wing which is separately let.
The property is surrounded by farmland adjacent to junction 12 of the M4 and is within walking distance of the extensive services there.
OUTSIDE
There is a lovely long drive up to the property and ample space for parking and turning. The garage is a good size and provides further outdoor storage
Services:
Water is from a bore hole and also included in the rental price. Ground Source Heat Pump, which provides economical electric heating for the entire house.
Council Tax: Band G
Postcode: RG8 8EG
Holding deposit equal to 1 weeks rent = £750
Deposit held against damages equal to 5 weeks rent = £3,750
Energy Efficiency Rating: Listed Building
Local Authority: West Berkshire District Council
DIRECTIONS
Upon leaving Goring, head up to the traffic lights at Streatley and turn left. Carry on out of the village, heading towards Pangbourne. Go through Pangbourne and straight on to Tidmarsh. Just after the Greyhound Pub in Tidmarsh, turn left heading towards Sulham. At the church turn right into Nunhide Lane. Continue on this road for 1 mile. Nunhide Farmhouse is on the left hand side being the right side of the building and having a private driveway.
VIEWING
Strictly by appointment through Warmingham & Co
DISCLAIMER
N.B. 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