Location

Frieth is a hugely popular yet small, semi-rural village about five miles outside of Marlow, with amenities including a pub, church, primary school and a playground. The village is set within the Chiltern Hills AONB and there are many footpaths and bridle ways to explore in the surrounding green space. It is a coveted location, effortlessly blending rural village charm with commuter convenience.

Though enjoying a rural feel, Frieth is surprisingly convenient for Marlow town centre, which offers a superb range of retailers and an eclectic mix of local independent and national names. There are numerous bars, cafes and restaurants dotted around the town offering destinations for any occasion. The town itself is situated on the banks of the river Thames and the Thames Path follows the river through the town.

Being a popular location for young families, Marlow offers numerous schooling ranging from prep schools to secondary schools, such as Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School and Great Marlow School.

For commuters, options including a fast train from High Wycombe providing a 25-minute journey into London Marylebone, or via Marlow and Henley (via Maidenhead) the new Elizabeth Line service provides a non-stop route into the City and beyond. The M40 motorway is easily accessed at Handycross Roundabout.

Description

Situated amongst splendid countryside just to the north of Marlow and Henley, The Copse is a charming and attractively presented family home. The property is believed to date back to the 17th century, with many character features including exposed beams, brick wall detailing and large inglenook fireplaces, though it is not Listed and as such has been sympathetically maintained over the years to create a stylish and modern home, with excellent potential for further improvement if desired. The house is decorated in a traditional country style which complements the age and character of the home, with additions such as a wood-burning stove and fabulous Everhot stove adding to the house’s appeal. The position, surrounded by woodland and fields, affords magnificent views over the local area and in turn makes the house feel extremely private.

The spacious and flexible layout is well suited to family life, offering a choice of reception rooms, a fantastic kitchen and five bedrooms on the upper floor. The entrance hall is an inviting space and provides an additional reception area, complementing a sitting room and reception room on either side of the house. There is a spacious kitchen/dining room that lead out to the garden by way of a stable door or the garage via a useful boot room. Separately there is a larger utility room, also with access to garden, and a ground floor shower room and WC.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are arranged in a surprisingly convenient manner; in the original part of the house, above the main living space, there is a principal bedroom with en suite bathroom. To the front and rear, are four further bedrooms and two further bath/shower rooms. The layout is ideal for those with children, with two bedrooms accessible to the front and two to the rear, each via their own staircase, with the main bedroom suite set in the centre with access to both wings.

The Copse enjoys a superb setting down a quiet gravel track, with access on the doorstep to footpaths through the surrounding woodland and Moor Common. To the side of the house there is a gravel driveway and access to the attached double garage, which presents an opportunity for conversion, if desired. The garden itself has been lovingly created and landscaped over the past 40 years by the vendor, featuring lawns, areas of woodland, well-stocked beds and borders. Many species of tree and specimen plants have been planted including Japanese maple, catalpas, parrotia, eucalyptus, a Judas tree, redwood, copper beach and New Zealand flax. The size and variety of the garden ensures interest throughout the year and the many different walkways and paths provide a relaxing space to explore through the seasons.

Outside entertaining is possible on the rear terrace, which is laid with Indian sandstone, and there are magnificent views across the farmland beyond from an elevated seating area. Keen gardeners will appreciate the Crane’s garden shed, made from Scandinavian redwood, which has power and light, and the Gabriel Ash greenhouse.

The garden borders a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Moor End Common, which is known for its orchids, oak trees and quiet woods.

Directions

From the roundabout at the top of the High Street, take the exit onto Marlow Road and at the second roundabout, take the first exit onto B482/Marlow Road and follow the road out of town. Proceed for about four miles and, at the village of Lane End, turn left opposite the veterinary surgery onto Church Road. After about a mile turn left at the crossroads, onto Frieth Road, and then take the first left onto a gravel track; The Copse will be signposted and found at the end of the track.