To call one’s home the River Haven requires something that, in the olden days, would reference a man’s anatomy. But we are a forward-thinking publication, at least online, so nowadays we shall simply call the decision brave. There are a lot of rivers in this country, and there are a lot of nice houses next to them.
But then, look at this.
Now, if you are going to call your home The River Haven, a haven by the river it better well be. But I think this property, so named, and for sale with Hamptons for £3.3 million, fits the bill. It can be found on a very private road in Thames Ditton.
The property was purchased as a bungalow by the current owners in 2008 and, ever since, have turned it into one of the nicest London(ish) homes I’ve ever seen.
I like the New England clapboard styling, and how the façade of the house is drawn towards the river, through the well-planted garden, down to the 55ft private jetty. What better way to get into town and do your groceries than by boat!
Inside, the property is finished to an exceptionally high standard. It is one of the few that I have seen where not only would I buy the house, but also everything in it — particularly the pool table in the kitchen/sitting room, which occupies most of the ground floor. It also has a bar.
One bedroom can be found on the ground floor, with the other two on the first floor. The master suite faces out towards the river, with enormous windows, and also benefits from a split mezzanine that is currently used as a study (also with exceptional views out over the Thames).
Outside, the well proportioned and planted garden leads down to the river, and is stocked with a mix of exotic and native trees, as well as lawned areas. There are plenty of places to sit an enjoy the view, both from the house (I count at least two balconies/verandas) and from the garden. I have already planned so many parties at this place in my head.
It was a bold call from the current owners, but I think the River Haven qualifies.
20 wonderful homes, from clifftop cottages to cosy medieval dwellings, as seen in Country Life
Take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in recent days.
A 400-year-old fantasy house with moat, four-poster beds and a 'magic' swimming pool that converts into a ballroom
The majestic Ludstone Hall is one of Shropshire's greatest privately-owned country estates — and it's now looking for a new owner.
Credit: Fine and Country
A gorgeous Elizabethan manor with all the modern trimmings that may have been home to Anne Boleyn
Wymondley Bury is a 10-bedroom home where history meets comfort in Hertfordshire.
Stability, confidence — and lots of new homes: Property experts on what Labour's General Election win mean for the housing market
Britain woke up on Friday to change of government. Plenty of change is expected across the board, but what will
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From California to Cornwall: How surfing became a cornerstone of Cornish cultureA new exhibition at Cornwall's National Maritime Museum celebrates a century of surf culture and reveals how the country became a global leader in surf innovation and conservation.
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18 magnificent homes for sale from £550k to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeFrom a charming thatched cottage to a 300-acre estate with its own vineyard, here's our pick of places to come to the market via Country Life of late.
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18 magnificent homes for sale from £550k to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeFrom a charming thatched cottage to a 300-acre estate with its own vineyard, here's our pick of places to come to the market via Country Life of late.
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If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
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The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in DorsetWith 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
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An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventureThe interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
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A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of PembrokeshireA lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
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An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed follyHagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
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A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich historyThree floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
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Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of SomersetAshton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
