Detached house for sale in Wokingham RG40, 4 Bedroom

Built in 1975, Reading Road presents a fine example of untouched mid-century architecture, designed by the pioneering modernist architect Michael Manser. Manser made his name with a series of modernist rural houses across the UK and the house bears all the signature hallmarks of his work. Glass walls are framed in industrial steel, topped with a flat roof to form a series of perfectly proportioned and exceptionally light rooms, free-flowing across a lateral plan. Having been lived in by the previous owners for over thirty years, the house has been exceptionally well preserved and retains many of the original architectural details.

Drawing strong references to Armstrong House, one of Manser’s most celebrated single-storey houses in Surrey, Reading Road is similarly designed in a u-shape, with the living areas facing towards a pretty internal courtyard, with raised planting and original decorative paving. Floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout creates a seamless boundary between the internal and external spaces and clearly demonstrates the influence of Mies van der Rohe and Andrea Palladio on Manser’s practice.

The house measures 2,166 square feet internally, with a large secluded courtyard at the front of the property providing privacy from the road. Immediately on entering, the internal framework of the building unfolds itself; to the left sit the two bathrooms and four fantastically light bedrooms, two of which open directly onto the courtyard via glazed sliding doors. To the right of the entrance hall is a modern kitchen, with internal and external windows allowing light to flow through and a separate utility room adjacent.

The most impressive space in the building is the open-plan dining and living room, located at the opposite side of the plan, with original glass doors, panelled ceiling and brick fireplace dividing the two areas. Full-length, glazed bi-fold doors on either side of the room provide exceptional levels of natural light and access to the internal courtyard and out to a beautifully landscaped garden at the rear. A double-fronted workshop or storeroom is located in a secluded position at the end of the garden and there is also a separate garage with extensive storage and space to park two vehicles.

Finchampstead sits two miles south of Wokingham, eight miles south-east of Reading and 33 miles from central London. Transport links to the capital are excellent, with direct rail links from Farnborough station to Waterloo in 34 minutes.

Often described as the ‘jewel in Berkshire’s crown’, Finchampstead has its own country park, lake and woodlands, whilst the extensive surrounding countryside is easily accessible and populated with an excellent selection of country parks and nature reserves. The town’s highstreet has a good selection of local amenities, shops and restaurants, with Windsor’s broader selection just a half an hour journey by car. Wellington College, Reddam House and The Holt school sit within the catchment area and are ranked highly.