The perfect place to be cloistered

A luxurious apartment set in beautiful grounds might seem the perfect place to be cloistered, but is finding it an impossible dream? Not if you speak with James Theunissen at the Newbury office of Dreweatt Neate as he will be happy to introduce you to the delights of 33 Abbey Gardens, Upper Woolhampton, midway between Newbury and Reading.

“The original building has a great history which includes being used by Benedictine Monks who made the Abbey their home in 1903. It then became the famous Douai School which closed in 1999,” explains James, who was himself a pupil at Douai.

“Since then, Bewley Homes have converted the original buildings into a range of stylish and individual apartments together with the creation of a number of elegant new homes in the extensive former school grounds.

“The whole development was sympathetically designed and incorporates stunning communal gardens which have been designed by the renowned architect, Robert Adam.

“The three bedroom apartment that’s now for sale is very interesting and individual with high ceilings throughout and a very light and airy feel.

“In particular, the drawing room has outstanding appeal. It has three windows on each of the eastern and western walls plus a beautiful south-facing square bay with window seats which is the perfect place to sit and gaze at the world in those contemplative moments.

“Immediately you enter the apartment through its own front door you are struck by the impressive entrance hall. Double doors almost opposite the front door then open into the drawing room, with the sizeable and well equipped kitchen on the left.

“The apartment has an L-shaped layout with the bedrooms forming one wing. Both the master and second bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and wardrobes with sliding doors and there’s also a shower room close to the third bedroom.

“All the bedrooms have windows facing directly south and, like the drawing room, looking onto the formal landscaped gardens which, like the grounds are beautifully maintained. On the other side of the road are a cricket pitch and tennis courts and there is also an on site concierge / estate manager.

“The conversion has not long been completed by Bewley Homes so there is still the balance of a Zurich guarantee. The property also comes with secure underground parking for two cars.”

Guide price for the apartment is £580,000. For more details, email newbury@dnproperty.co.uk.