Berkshire - Badsworth House, Newbury

A two bedroom cottage with downstairs study - £450,000

Badsworth House is situated in a well-established residential area on the south-western approaches to Newbury. It is a courtyard development of 27 one, two, three and four bedroom retirement cottages and apartments. The gardens and extensive woodland screening on the fringes of the development create a sense of peaceful seclusion, although Badsworth House is within easy reach of the town centre and is less than half a mile from the local shops, church and Doctor‘s surgery.

Newbury, once a thriving medieval centre, has over the centuries maintained its reputation as a vibrant market town. An open air market, dating back to 1204, is held in the Market Place every Thursday and Saturday, and there is a wide variety of eating places including traditional pubs and fashionable cafes and restaurants. The town‘s location, at the ‘crossroads‘ of southern England, approximately an hours‘ journey from London, Oxford, Bristol and the South Coast, has contributed to the town‘s popularity. The Kennet and Avon canal passes through the town as does the River Kennet.

For further information telephone: 01491 821022

Berkshire - Bearwater - Hungerford

Two bedroom cottage at £335,000

Bearwater is a luxury development of cottages and flats, specifically designed to meet the needs of retired people. The properties are built around two quite courtyards in a unique setting on the banks of the River Dun in Hungerford. They have complete privacy, being surrounded by extensive grounds including a small lake, fine trees and meadowland. The main shops are in the High Street and can be reached by a footbridge across the River Dun next to the site of the old town mill.

In addition to the beautiful surrounding countryside there are many interesting and historic places nearby. In the grounds of Littlecote House, a fine Tudor manor, there is a fascinating Roman mosaic. Combe Hill, one of the highest points in Berkshire, with its famous gibbet, is 5 miles to the south. The village of Lambourn - well known for its racing stables - the Savernake Forest, Silbury Hill, Avebury and the White Horse at Uffington are all within easy reach.

For further information contact Anita Pemberton Tel: 01491 821022

Berkshire - Hildesley Court, East Ilsley

Two bedroom semi-detached cottage £265,000

Hildesley Court is in the centre of East Ilsley, an unspoilt village nestling in the Berkshire Downs and well known to racegoers. It is tucked away across the duckpond and from there an attractive row of cottages leads to the main entrance and archway to the quiet garden courtyard set against a grassed bank. The whole development is sheltered in a dip in the hills and screened from the north by a belt of large trees. The south facing courtyard, beautifully landscaped, is a real suntrap for all.

From the middle ages until well into the 20th century the village was famous as the home of one of England‘s most important sheep fairs, with flocks converging on the village across the ancient downland drove roads. Today the sheep are gone and their place is taken by a procession of stately racehorses heading for the gallops on the downs, and the large colony of ducks whose home is the village pond.