Sprawling country house in Berkshire once owned by Kate Bush for sale
With 23 acres of idyllic gardens and flowing waterways, this Georgian country house for sale was once the creative retreat of eclectic singer-songwriter Kate Bush.
Nestled on the edge of the River Kennet in Theale, Berkshire, the Shenfield Mill estate combines historic charm with cosy, light-filled rooms and cutting-edge green technology.
Originally built in 1800, the property has been thoughtfully restored and enhanced over recent years by its current owners, Mike and Fran Taylor, with a striking 1,200 sq ft glass orangery now forming the heart of the home. Connected to the main house via discreet glass walkways, a large central skylight floods the room with natural light, while full-height windows frame serene views of the surrounding gardens.
Inside you'll find a mix of seating areas for casual lounging and a formal dining space adjacent to the house's original brickwork. Natural materials, including stone and leather, are used throughout. It's spacious yet comfortable and perfect for large gatherings of family and friends.
The rest of the house is equally full of character, from its Georgian exterior to the carefully preserved mill ruins that hint at its industrial past.
The kitchen, with its granite-topped island and classic cabinetry, seamlessly flows into the living spaces, while large bay windows in the sitting room frame leafy garden views. It’s all about those added special touches; the hallway and staircase are intricately designed, with curved iron detailing and elegant mouldings.
The grounds are equally impressive. They feature a semi-formal garden complete with climbing roses, a collection of mature acer trees, and a sleek 75 ft bridge over the water.
What truly sets this property apart is its embrace of modern sustainability. A three-metre Archimedes Screw harnesses the river’s natural flow to generate electricity, providing more than enough power for the all-electric property and even contributing to the national grid. Air-source heat pumps supply heating and hot water, while the fast-charging EV station ensures the home is as practical as it is eco-friendly.
The estate’s history as a musical haven still contains nods to its former owner – pop icon Kate lived in the property from the mid-1990s until 2011 with her husband, guitarist Danny McIntosh, and their son Bertie. The recording studio where Kate worked on several albums, including Aerial and 50 Words for Snow, is now a stylish three-bedroom bungalow fondly known as ‘The Studio.’ And if the house and its gardens look familiar, you may have spotted them used in Kate's album artwork.
The property is now on the market for £11.5 million with Strutt & Parker.
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