Even in this utilitarian age, it’s not only grand houses of serious architectural merit that can boast ‘a spirit of place’. Who would have thought that the attempt by a developer to replace a modest timber-framed cottage of late-17th-century origin and its tiny 1930s artist’s studio with four executive houses, in the heart of the popular Berkshire village of Upper Basildon, would have resulted in both cottage and studio being spot-listed Grade II in February 2011, as of national and historic interest?
Thus was prevented the destruction of pretty Tree Cottage and the charming, wooden garden studio built for his own use by the talented Gilbert Spencer, younger brother of Sir Stanley Spencer, who lived and painted there between 1935/36 and 1970.
Spencer normally worked outdoors, but, in winter, would paint from his cottage windows or what he called his ‘little Colt studio’ in the garden. A self-portrait shows him wrapped in a heavy overcoat painting in his studio, of which he says in his autobiography:
‘When I entered it for the first time I hated it so much that I knocked it about, and messed it up to get it more in sympathy with my feelings for painting in odd corners, or bedrooms, indoors. The fact is I am no “studio” artist and never have been.’
Although Phil and Stephanie Kingsland, the current owners of Tree Cottage, never knew Spencer and only succeeded in buying the house when a competitor failed to complete on the deal, the place has a magic all of its own. They’ve recently extended and renovated the property to create a modern, open-plan kitchen/diner, a family room, a large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and an extra guest bedroom.
What was once a two-cell timber-frame structure now has, in addition, a music room, study, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom – and, of course, the studio, now their children’s private domain. Sadly, not for long, as the Kingsland family is moving on and Tree Cottage is for sale through the Pangbourne office of Strutt & Parker at a guide price of £1m.
Credit: Knight Frank
A superbly luxurious Berkshire haven for sale, as seen in Country Life
This beautiful home in one of the stockbroker belt's most sought-after locations has every imaginable luxury.
Credit: Knight Frank
Stunning Grade II-listed character property in Berkshire, half an hour from central London by the new Elizabeth line
With the Crossrail predicted to open later this year, homes in Berkshire are more attractive to city commuters than ever.
Credit: Knight Frank
The best country houses for sale this week
Catch up on the best houses that have come up for sale via Country Life in the last few weeks.
Crossrail changes the game in Berkshire
The prospect of Crossrail is beginning to inject Berkshire country house market with interest from buyers looking for an easy
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A glorious Berkshire house with gardens by Arne Maynard, within easy reach of London and Oxford
Chieveley House is a beautifully-restored country house in an unspoiled Berkshire village within easy reach of London and Oxford.
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Alan Titchmarsh: 15 years ago we planted a hedge — today, it's 10ft tall, 6ft deep and a joy throughout the year. Here's how we did it15 years ago, Alan Titchmarsh planted a hedge; today, it's 10ft tall, 6ft deep, he and his wife absolutely love it, 'and so do all the creatures with whom we share our garden.'
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At the Snowdon Summer School, the future of design lies in the traditions of the past'It was the first time that I had ever been around people who shared my interest in making furniture at such a high level — and who shared my passion for fine furniture.'
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A castle for sale just down the road from Gleneagles, where everyone from George VI to a farmer and his pigs once roamed the grand hallsOrchil Castle has seen it all in a tumultuous century and a half — but it's getting back to its best, and now needs a brave new owner to take it on the next step of its journey.
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Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
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A beautiful Victorian vicarage that was home to one of the Cadbury family heiresses is on the marketPenny Churchill tells the tale of Monks Bridge in Warwickshire.
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An outrageously opulent mansion in London's answer to Beverly Hills, with a gym that 'wouldn't look out of place in a 7* hotel''One of the finest houses in St George's Hill' is on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look at what's on offer.
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Six homes with fantastic features, from pools and paddocks to waterside settings, as seen in Country LifeOur look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes a Chipping Norton farm and a Cornish dream home
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Queen Victoria's chaplain's house on the Isle of Wight is for sale, and it's a riot of colour, charm and joyA stone's thrown from Queen Victoria's beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, the house where her chaplain lived is now on the open market.
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An Art Deco masterpiece with five-bedrooms, a private pool, a cinema, a helipad and the ability to conquer oceansLady Christine is the very essence of opulence and could be yours for a cool €55.75 million.
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The elegant 19th century townhouse where JFK and Jackie Kennedy dreamed of the presidency, and made their wish came trueThis beautiful five-bedroom house in Washington DC's Georgetown was once home to perhaps the most celebrated couple of the 20th century: John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy.
