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
Credit: Knight Frank
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.
-
On His Majesty's Service: Aston Martin receives Royal Warrant from The KingThe Royal Warrant is the latest seal of approval for Aston Martin, continuing a royal tradition that stretches back to 1954.
-
An architectural masterpiece, frog eyelids and Wordsworth's house: Country Life Quiz of the DayPlus the longest bridge in Europe, all in Monday's quiz.
-
Number of international buyers of UK property reaches record lowA mix of economic uncertainty and tax changes are stemming the flow of overseas house hunters, according to Hamptons estate agents.
-
Five grand rural homes for sale, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the finest homes to come to market via Country Life this week.
-
The treehouse of your dreams is for sale, and it even comes with a country houseThe only thing more impressive than the treehouse at Springfield House are the recently re-designed interiors.
-
Harts House: A home straight out of a fairytale for sale in KentWe try not to use cliché too often, but sometimes only cliché will do.
-
In search of Arcadia at Ayot Bury, the Georgian home and estate that's 30 minutes from central LondonWith 40 acres and glorious gardens, Ayot Bury might be the perfect country home for those looking for the best of both worlds.
-
The most expensive postcodes outside of London have been revealedSome are not so surprising. Some are quite surprising. Most are still quite close to London. All are costly.
-
A £1.5 million flat on the street where wig and pen once metIt doesn't get more central London than Fleet Street.
-
A spectacular coastal estate in Dorset set on its own private peninsulaThis 160-acre estate is part nature reserve and part country home, with a beautiful Arts-and-Crafts home at its heart.
