Barkham Street, Barkham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40

An exceptional Georgian country house with superb leisure and equestrian facilities, nestled within stunning parkland grounds.

Description

History

Barkham Square Park, a Grade II Listed property which was formerly owned by the Royal Family of Jordan, carries a rich tapestry of historical significance. Its origins date back to at least the mid-18th Century, further enhanced in the 19th Century. Records reveal a complex lineage of ownership. Notable early proprietors include Charles Gery and the Revd Witting Colton, a wealthy Georgian cleric and vicar of Reading St Giles. Purchased as part of Colton's marriage settlement, Barkham Square Park holds tales of high society, from clerical influence to its role as a genteel residence for prominent figures such as Captain Allen and Colonel William Archer.

Throughout the centuries, the estate has served varied purposes, a testament to its adaptability and charm. By the early 19th Century, it thrived under Peter Green, a pioneer in agricultural advancements and High Sheriff of Berkshire. Green transformed Barkham Square Park into a hub for agricultural excellence, hosting celebrated annual livestock auctions that attracted attention far and wide. His tenure, while financially challenging, marked a notable era in the estate’s history.

Transitioning through multiple ownerships, Barkham Square Park entered its social heyday in the late 19th Century, hosting parish gatherings, school treats, and jubilee celebrations under the stewardship of Captain Charles Bunce Greenfield and his wife, Ethel. The estate became a symbol of community spirit, intertwining personal narratives and local heritage.

Today, Barkham Square Park remains a private residence, its storied past evident in its timeless architecture and majestic park-like grounds. From its roots in Georgian society to its role in local and national history, this exceptional property offers the rare opportunity to own a piece of England’s heritage. It is now offered for sale for the first time in over 30 years.

Description

Barkham Square Park exudes timeless elegance and charm, encapsulating the essence of an historic country estate. Approached via impressive electric gates and a meandering driveway, the property reveals itself amidst beautifully manicured parkland interspersed with majestic oak trees. Its painted brick elevations, prominent chimneys, and a striking full-height semi-circular bow on the southern façade reflect its grandeur. The property offers exquisitely proportioned principal rooms with lovely views of the surrounding parkland.
Inside, the journey begins with an inviting entrance vestibule, leading into a grand reception hall complete with a sitting area and a graceful staircase. The hall provides access to the elegant drawing room, distinguished by its magnificent bow window, alongside a sitting room and study, all boasting southerly vistas. The dining room, guest cloakroom, and a well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room with period black and white marble floor, an excellent array of cabinets and appliances including central Aga complete the ground floor living space. Adjacent to the kitchen, an inner hallway leads to a utility room and two ground-floor bedroom suites. Ascending the refined staircase, the first-floor landing introduces the main suite, featuring a spacious bedroom, dressing room and bathroom with access to an expansive roof terrace. Four additional bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms occupy this floor, with a further bedroom and dressing room located on the second floor.

Barkham Square Park is equally impressive in its leisure and lifestyle offerings. The highlight is the stunning ‘Great Hall’, featuring a full-size antique pool table and a bar—the perfect setting for hosting grand celebrations in style. This entertaining space seamlessly connects to the indoor swimming pool complex, which also includes a gym area. The north courtyard hosts extensive heated garaging for up to 11 cars, ideal for collectors or car enthusiasts. It also provides access to versatile staff accommodation arranged as grooms’ apartments with five bedrooms, three reception rooms, two kitchens and three shower rooms. Barkham Square Park epitomises luxury living, blending historic charm with modern potential, making it an exceptional and rare offering.

Gardens and Grounds

The gardens and grounds surrounding this exquisite country house are truly outstanding, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and practical features. The parkland sprawls predominantly to the west, presenting sweeping rural vistas that provide a serene backdrop to this remarkable historic estate. Scattered with mature oak trees, one close to the house being several hundred years old, the park exudes timeless charm and perfectly complements the grandeur of the house. When the current owners originally purchased Barkham Square Park they significantly enhanced the property with an extensive planting programme which included the magnificent giant sequoia.

To the north, a secondary vehicular access via Barkham Street leads to an impressive array of outbuildings, offering planning potential subject to the necessary consents. They include a superb stable block with 12 loose boxes and a tack room—ideal for equestrian pursuits. Adjacent to this is a substantial farm building measuring an expansive 75'6 x 75'6 (23.0m x 23.0m), offering versatile utility. These thoughtfully designed grounds not only enhance the estate's aesthetic appeal but also cater to a variety of lifestyle needs, making it an exceptional property in every sense.

Location

Location

Barkham Square Park is nestled close to the charming village of Barkham in a lovely rural setting to the south-west of Wokingham. Wokingham town centre is just a short drive away, offering a wider range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Schools

Families moving to the Barkham area will find an excellent selection of schools nearby. They include Wellington College, Ludgrove School, Luckley House School, Waverley Preparatory School, Holme Grange, Reddam House, Lambrook School and Eton College. These schools greatly enhance the appeal of living in this desirable area.

Transportation

Barkham offers excellent transportation links, making it a convenient location for commuters and travellers. Wokingham Railway Station is approximately 3 miles away, providing direct train services to London Waterloo from around 1 hour. Reading Railway Station, located about 8 miles from Barkham, offers fast connections to London Paddington, with journey times from about 25 minutes. For road travel, the M4 (Junction 10) and M3 (Junction 4) motorways are just 6.2 and 8.9 miles away respectively, connecting Barkham to London and the West. Additionally, Heathrow Airport is approximately 25 miles away whilst Blackbushe and Farnborough Airports are 7.5 miles and 12 miles. Central London is 37.5 miles distant.

Leisure and Sporting Amenities

The area boasts a variety of leisure and sporting amenities that cater to all interests. Sporting and outdoor activities include golf at The Berkshire, Swinley Forest, Sunningdale and Wentworth; Nirvana Health Club in Wokingham; horse racing at Ascot, Windsor and Newbury; polo at Guards Polo Club, Coworth Park and The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 17,426 sq ft


Acreage: 16.5 Acres

Additional Info

Tenure: Freehold

Services: Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.

EPC rating: F

Local Authority: Wokingham Borough Council

Council Tax: Band H

Fixtures and fittings: Certain fixtures and fittings such as fitted carpets, curtains/ blinds, light fittings, garden ornaments and equipment are excluded from the sale but may be available by separate negotiation.

N.B. Further land may be available to rent in addition.