Nestled peacefully in the idyllic village of Letcombe Regis, Brook Cottage is an extraordinary home that exudes mellow ‘cottage-core’ beauty and character inside and out. This comfortable four bedroom property is a magnificent example of a 17th Century home: sturdy oak beams, wisteria-clad exteriors, inglenook fireplaces and arched windows combine harmoniously under a thatched roof for a picture-perfect impression to warm the heart.
And its location is enviable too. Just over an hour from London, Letcombe Regis offers the very best of connected country living, with a thriving and friendly community, a fabulous pub, endless country walks and easy access to schools, amenities and transport links.
Brook Cottage dates back to 1680, with later additions in the 1980’s, and retains its period character and charm in abundance. On top of its premium historic pedigree, it’s a wonderful family home too, with an abundance of flexible space, an idyllic garden and a sublime location opposite the village hall and playing fields.
We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to Brook Cottage, so step inside and we’ll show you around.
A country cottage with style
Exquisitely pretty and decorated with fragrant climbing wisteria, Brook Cottage sits on a quiet country road, set back from the footpath that runs alongside it, separated by a grassy bank. There’s parking for up to three cars in front of the cottage and entry is through the sturdy front door under a gabled porch, which leads into the entrance hall with cloakroom and WC ahead.
To your right is the warm and welcoming kitchen, with a feature AGA which provides a characterful focal point as well as cosy warmth in winter. Measuring 19.8ft x 11.1ft, the kitchen is fitted with attractive wooden shaker-style cabinets and wooden work surfaces. Alongside the AGA there is a practical Miele electric induction hob. The butler’s sink is positioned under the window with lovely views over the garden, and there’s plenty of room for a kitchen table and chairs too. The staircase to the first floor, which we will explore later, leads up from the kitchen.
Leading off the kitchen is a flexible and spacious double-height extension which was added to the original cottage in the 1980’s, creating an extra 400 sq feet of living space. The ground floor space is currently used as a family room and there is a useful shower room downstairs too. Upstairs is a double bedroom, accessed via its own staircase. This is a fantastic space with a flexible layout that could be put to a variety of uses such as a granny annexe, guest suite or work-from-home office.
To the right of the kitchen, the older part of Brook Cottage has two charming reception rooms; a 15.9ft x 11.2ft dining space and an enchanting 22.4ft x 15.1ft sitting room with a stunning feature fireplace as a dramatic focal point.
Both the dining room and sitting room are brimming with character with exposed timber ceiling beams and wooden flooring. The light and bright sitting room is enjoyable throughout the year – in the summer open the double doors straight onto the garden or you can curl up in front of the fire when the nights draw in and weather gets cooler. The dining room has space for a large table and is the perfect spot to entertain friends and family with atmospheric candlelight suppers.
Just off the sitting room is a quiet and cosy nook with built in bookshelves that’s perfect as a study or a quiet place to sit and read.
Sweet Dreams
The principal bedroom plus two further double bedrooms and the family bathroom are accessed via the main staircase from the kitchen. All three bedrooms in the older part of the cottage exude more of that period character thanks to the beamed, vaulted ceilings and mullioned windows.
The principal bedroom extends to 22.4ft x 15.1ft and with double aspect windows offers views over the country lane to the front and the gardens to the rear. There’s a generous built-in wardrobe for ample clothes storage.
The three bedrooms in the older part of the cottage share the family bathroom which has an elegant roll-top bath.
A garden to cherish
Brook Cottage’s gardens are as pretty as a picture. Enclosed and private, this show-stopping outside space features a sunny patio area, extensive lawns bordered by mature plants and trees including an ancient copper beech, and 22 metres of frontage along Letcombe Brook.
Children will love playing on the lawns, climbing the trees and playing hide-and-seek in all the different areas to explore. At the end of the garden, the gently trickling chalk stream is perfect for paddling and a haven for wildlife – you might spot a kingfisher, otters or trout!
For the green-fingered there’s a greenhouse, plus a large storage shed/workshop and log store.
An idyllic location
Letcombe Regis is the perfect place for a growing family to put down roots, It’s a picture-perfect village, but there’s plenty going on centred around the lively local pub, The Greyhound, famed for its delicious Sunday lunches and, in the summer months, its family-friendly beer garden.
The village is served by a local shop and a large, modern village hall which hosts all kinds of activities from yoga classes to film nights. There’s a playing field with tennis courts, children’s play area and a thriving sports and social club too. Everything else you need can be found less than two miles away in Wantage, including a Waitrose supermarket and a plethora of independent shops and restaurants. There are regular trains from Didcot Parkway (approximately 10 miles away) to London Paddington as well as frequent bus services from Wantage to Oxford.
Great schools are always a priority for families, and there are plenty to choose from, whether you are looking for independent or state provision. Well-regarded local primary schools include The Ridgeway CE Primary in nearby Childrey and Wantage CE Primary in the town. The sixth form at King Alfred’s Academy in Wantage is OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’ and there are buses from Wantage market square to a number of excellent independent schools such as Abingdon, St Helen & St Katharine and Our Lady’s.
One of the best things about this location is the wonderful walking and cycling countryside right on your doorstep – even more important for those with energetic children and dogs! There are endless footpaths and bridleways to explore, many with a decent pub somewhere along the route.
If country pubs are your thing, then you’re spoiled for choice around this part of rural South Oxfordshire. The Sparsholt in the nearby village of the same name and The Eyston Arms in East Hendred are just a couple of the numerous excellent hostelries serving innovative food and a great selection of wine and local beer.
