Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, RG9

A breath-taking waterfront property set in the peaceful area of Hambleden. This grand Edwardian family home is charming and full of character with striking original features. It is surrounded by 0.8 acres of private grounds that include a swimming pool, wet boathouse and a mooring. EPC Rating C.


LOCAL INFORMATION
Mill End is a scenic location at the foot of the Hambleden valley well placed between Henley and Marlow. The property is perfectly placed to enjoy walks along the weir footbridge to Hambleden Lock and the regatta course in Henley beyond. There is a wonderful local Pub The Flower Pot and fine dining at The Dog and Badger. Hambleden village is 1 mile away and has an award-winning village post office/store, traditional country pub and historic church. It is the location for many films including 101 Dalmatians and Midsomer Murders.

The property is well placed for access to both the M4 and M40 motorways. Henley and Marlow provide excellent schools, both state and independent and a comprehensive range of amenities including shops, banks, restaurants, the River Thames and other leisure facilities. Both towns have a train station serving London Paddington and Marylebone and further afield.


ACCOMMODATION
The property offers over 5,500 sqft of accommodation over three floors. The ground floor consists of a collection of spacious and unique reception spaces including a modern fitted kitchen with bifolding doors to the garden, a large formal drawing room, separate dining room and stunning double height galleried Baronial reception hall, perfect for entertaining. For practicality, the ground floor also includes a guest w.c. and utility room.

There are eight double bedrooms and four full bathrooms plus two cloakrooms across the first and second floors. All the bedrooms are sizable and most have enviable countryside or river views. The main bedroom enjoys two bay windows, a walk in wardrobe and ensuite with separate shower and bath.


OUTSIDE SPACE
The grand entrance to the house is gated and leads to a shared driveway, which sweeps around to a spacious parking area which can accommodation multiple vehicles.

The stunning south west facing private grounds of 0.8 acres wrap around the house and lead directly down to the river. To one side is a kidney-shaped in-ground swimming pool with Roman steps and a surrounding paved deck. The formal lawns lead to the direct river frontage and include a mooring deck. Additionally, there is a patio wrapping the corner of the building that includes access from the reception hall and kitchen. The garden also includes a striking wet boathouse built in a 'castle' style that includes a store room at the garden end.

The house was built on a bern (a raised area) to avoid flooding from the river. And since 1976 the river has never reached further up the garden than the boathouse umbrella tree.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Wycombe District Council, tax band H. Mains electricity and water connected. Oil-fired central heating. Sewerage is via septic tank.


HISTORY
The house has not been on the market since its purchase in 1976 by the current owners. It was originally built by the ‘Tiptree’ jam making family - the Wilkins - in 1903.

It was constructed on the site of a previous home and original steps are still in place leading out to the garden from the main hall. The panelling in the Baronial hall was re-used from the House of Lords where a refurbishment was underway at that time. The boathouse was added in 1929.

Until the outbreak of World War II, the house was owned by the Japanese government and used as an ambassadorial retreat. During the war, it became a base for US officers.

The property and its boathouse have been featured on screen and in books. Screen appearances include Midsomer Murders (Dead in the Water 2004 and a new untitled episode 2023), Endeavour (Girl 2013 and Scherzo 2021) and the Marlow Murders in 2023. The boathouse is included in the book ‘Boathouses’ by Clare Sherrif, 2008.

BUYERS INFORMATION
To conform with government Money Laundering Regulations 2019, we are required to confirm the identity of all prospective buyers. We use the services of a third party, Lifetime Legal, who will contact you directly at an agreed time to do this. They will need the full name, date of birth and current address of all buyers. There is a nominal charge of £60 including VAT for this (for the transaction not per person), payable direct to Lifetime Legal. Please note, we are unable to issue a memorandum of sale until the checks are complete.
 

REFERRAL FEES
We may refer you to recommended providers of ancillary services such as Conveyancing, Financial Services, Insurance and Surveying. We may receive a commission payment fee or other benefit (known as a referral fee) for recommending their services. You are not under any obligation to use the services of the recommended provider. The ancillary service provider may be an associated company of Davis Tate. (Not applicable to the Woodley branch – please contact directly for further information).