Set within approximately two acres of mature landscaped gardens, and offered to the market after over sixty years family ownership, this substantial 1929 residence presents an exceptional opportunity for sensitive restoration and renewal.
Constructed in 1929, this substantial Arts and Crafts residence occupies an exceptional position within one of Caversham Heights’ most established and sought-after private avenues.
The design of the house has been associated with the style of the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), reflecting the balanced proportions, deep rooflines and restrained detailing characteristic of the period. Originally built for Reading's MP, the house was subsequently taken over by a local Doctor, and remained in the same family ownership for more than sixty years.
Extending to approximately 4,000 sq ft across two principal floors, the accommodation retains a remarkable sense of scale and period character. The current layout includes a large drawing room, adjoining dining room, library, office, kitchen, utility and scullery rooms, integrated garage accommodation and five bedrooms.
While now requiring comprehensive modernisation, the house presents an increasingly rare opportunity to restore and reimagine a significant period home within one of the largest private residential plots in the area.
Few private houses in Caversham Heights possess such a compelling combination of architectural and landscape heritage.
Whilst the extent of his involvement in the house's design is undocumented, the property's architecture is in the style favoured by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869–1944), whose influence shaped many of England’s most important country houses during the early twentieth century. The surrounding gardens are similarly believed to have connections to the collaborators of Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), contemporaries who had worked to her designs or within her circle during the period.
Together, the architecture and landscape create a beautifully coherent Arts and Crafts composition — a house and garden designed to sit naturally within their surroundings while revealing carefully considered detail and structure throughout.
Properties of this provenance, scale and potential rarely come to the open market, particularly after such a long period of private ownership.
The gardens and grounds are among the property’s defining features and extend to approximately two acres — believed to represent the largest private residential plot within Caversham Heights.
An impressive formal water feature extends for approximately 120 feet through a sequence of descending stone basins and rockeries, constructed from substantial Cornish stone believed to have been sourced from the Chelsea Flower Show during the property’s early years. The scale and ambition of the landscaping are exceptional for a private residence of the period.
Beyond the formal gardens, the grounds unfold into sweeping lawns, mature herbaceous borders, orchard planting and a dedicated wildlife meadow with pond, creating an unusually varied and private landscape setting within such close proximity to central Reading.
The gardens retain an atmosphere of maturity and quiet seclusion that has evolved over many decades that would benefit from further stewardship.
St Peter’s Avenue is widely regarded as one of the most desirable residential addresses within Caversham Heights, known for its substantial period houses, mature plots and quiet, established setting.
Despite its distinctly leafy and private atmosphere, the property remains conveniently positioned for Reading town centre and mainline railway station, providing direct rail services to London Paddington and the Elizabeth Line.
The surrounding area also offers immediate access to the Thames Path, Oxfordshire countryside and extensive walking routes across the Chiltern foothills, whilst the attractive market towns of Henley on Thames, Marlow and Wallingford are within easy reach.
The property is within easy reach of the riverside centre of Caversham, with its independent cafes, restaurants, great pubs and a vibrant high street.
The surrounding area also offers an excellent range of sporting and leisure facilities, including Reading Abbey RFC, Rams Rugby, and the golf and leisure facilities at Caversham Golf Club, The Springs Resort and The Club at Mapledurham.
Caversham is named as one of the UK's Best Places to Live in the Sunday Times 2026 guide. Experts praised this picturesque North Reading suburb for offering "the best of both worlds"—a peaceful, village-like riverside lifestyle sitting right on the doorstep of a major economic and cultural hub.
The property is particularly well positioned for a number of highly regarded independent and state schools, including Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, Pangbourne College and Bradfield College to the west, The Oratory to the north, Reading School and Kendrick School in Reading itself.
The property now presents an extraordinary opportunity for restoration, enhancement and sensitive enlargement.
Architectural designs and planning approvals obtained in 2019/2020 demonstrate the potential to extend the house to approximately 6,000 sq ft, largely within the existing footprint and architectural language of the original building.
The scale of the plot, existing arrangement of the house and substantial ancillary accommodation — including integrated garaging and a separate outbuilding garage with inspection pit — provide exceptional flexibility for future owners.
Whether restored as an elegant period family house or comprehensively reimagined as a significant contemporary residence, the property offers a rare combination of heritage, scale and long-term potential.
