• Historic Victorian Schoolhouse Conversion – Originally built in 1864, this enchanting former infant school blends rich heritage with modern comfort in one of Speen’s most historic settings. +
• Private Guest Wing Retreat – A cleverly designed second staircase leads to a secluded en suite bedroom, offering visiting guests a luxurious and independent space of their own. +
• Timeless, Well Equipped Kitchen – The immaculate kitchen with granite worktops and premium appliances flows into a warm, character-filled dining room anchored by a charming wood burning stove. +
• Flexible Family Living Spaces – A dedicated study, versatile den and galleried landing library offer superb adaptability for working from home, creativity, relaxation or play. +
• A Home Steeped in History and Nature – Positioned on the Lambourn Valley Way, the cottage offers doorstep access to Speen Moors, the Kennet & Avon Canal and centuries of local heritage. +
• Practical Comforts for Modern Living – A spacious utility and boot room, double glazing throughout, garage with electric door, driveway parking and ultra fast full fibre broadband. +

WELCOME HOME  Welcome to Sexton’s Cottage—a home that doesn’t just offer a place to live, but a sense of belonging to a landscape rich with stories. Tucked away at the end of a peaceful, no-through lane in the historic heart of Speen, this is a property that instantly wraps you in a sense of tranquility and heritage.  Originally built in 1864 as a Victorian infant school, Sexton’s Cottage has been a cherished family sanctuary for the last 47 years. It stands adjacent to the hallowed flint walls of the parish church of Saint Mary the Virgin Although the church’s visible fabric is largely Victorian its origins are late Saxon, being listed in the Doomsday Book in 1086, and is the site of oldest church in Berkshire. It also stands within the area fought over during the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644. This stunning home is a masterclass in atmospheric living. Here, history isn't found in a book; it is felt in the thick flint-and-brick walls, the vaulted ceilings, and walks from the doorstep across Speen Moors.  For those seeking a retreat that marries architectural drama with the warmth of a long-loved home, Sexton’s Cottage is a rare find—a place where the past and present live in perfect, poetic harmony.  You might be forgiven for thinking that this cottage nestles in a countryside location – and that is certainly the feeling in Church Lane. However the market town of Newbury is an easy 20 minute walk away, and only a 15 minute walk to Waitrose.  A LIVING LEGACY  The story of Sexton’s Cottage is one of careful stewardship. When the current owners arrived in 1979, they inherited a building full of character but in need of "tender loving care." Over the decades they have meticulously modernised, and extended the cottage, with double glazing throughout including within the original stone mullions, ensuring every new addition honours its ecclesiastical roots and Victorian charm. It is very well maintained, but now offers new owners an opportunity to put their own stamp on it over time.  The location is nothing short of idyllic. Positioned on the Lambourn Valley Way, the cottage serves as a gateway to the wild beauty of the Speen Moors and the Kennet & Avon Canal. It is a home for the morning wanderer, the weekend explorer, and the historian alike, offering a lifestyle where nature and heritage are your closest neighbours.     At the heart of the home lies the magnificent . A space of true scale and light, it serves as a stunning reminder of the building’s origins. The vaulted ceiling draws the eye upward, creating an airy, cathedral-like atmosphere that remains remarkably intimate.  The large chancel-style window to the west acts as a living canvas, framing the changing seasons. In the spring, you can watch nature come to life; in the winter, it transforms into a grand living space, where a tall Christmas tree reaches toward the rafters and the crackle of the open fire in the stunning fireplace provides a rhythmic soundtrack to cosy evenings. This room really is a grand yet relaxing space.  Dual full height French windows lead directly to the south-west facing patio, allowing the house to breathe in the summer months and making the transition from indoor elegance to relaxation entirely seamless.  For the professional, there is a dedicated study off this room, which provides a quiet enclave for focus.   A charming galleried landing overlooks the school room, lined with bookshelves—the perfect spot for a contemplative afternoon of reading.     While the School Room provides the drama, the kitchen and dining spaces provide the soul. The immaculate kitchen, finished with timeless granite worktops and premium Miele, Neff and Bosch appliances, is designed for the rhythms of modern life. It is the heart of the home that handles the chaos of a busy family breakfast as easily as the precision of a curated dinner party.  Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room offers a more formal but equally cosy setting, warmed by its own wood-burning stove. It is the natural gathering point for the family—a place for long, candlelit suppers and meaningful conversation.  The separate den provides a versatile space that can evolve with your family’s needs—be it another work from home space, a playroom, teenage retreat, a hobby room, or a music studio.     Upstairs, the accommodation is thoughtfully arranged to offer both connection and privacy. The principal suite is a haven of tranquility, featuring extensive built-in wardrobes and an en-suite shower room where electric underfloor heating adds a touch of morning luxury.  In a clever architectural layout, a second staircase leads to a private guest wing. This bedroom, complete with its own en-suite bathroom, offers visitors a secluded retreat, making them feel truly at home while preserving the privacy of the main family quarters. Two further bedrooms, one with fitted wardrobes, and a well appointed family bathroom ensure there is space for everyone to unwind.     Set within approximately a third of an acre, the gardens at Sexton’s Cottage are a verdant sanctuary. Wrapped in the peace of the adjoining churchyard and overlooking the undulating wooded countryside, the outdoor space feels like a private kingdom.  The south-west facing lawns are a sun-trap for afternoon lounging, while the mature bordering hedges and trees—nurtured over four decades—offer splashes of colour in Spring and Summer. Whether you are hosting a summer garden party on the patio or simply enjoying a quiet glass of wine as the sun sets over the Glebe, the garden is open, yet private and provides a profound sense of connection to the Berkshire landscape.     Life in Speen offers the perfect "town and country" balance. You are moments from the vibrant heart of Newbury, yet tucked away in one of the prettiest villages in the area, that feels worlds apart.