Modern comfort with close connection to River Thames

FOR Trevor Davison and Chrissie Hilton, 4 Thameside Reach has been the perfect bridge between a busy, cosmopolitan lifestyle and the peace of the Oxfordshire countryside.

They were drawn here 20 years ago when Berkeley Homes began developing this small enclave of five townhouses in Moulsford.

The pair occupy a prime riverfront plot with uninterrupted views in both directions and direct access to the River Thames.

“We bought off-plan so we could make it our own,” says Trevor. “We chose the middle townhouse, added bi-fold doors on to the terrace to maximise the river views and customised a couple of the bathrooms. The result was exactly what we wanted — modern comfort with a real connection to the water.”

Their decision has paid dividends over the years. The property’s 35ft mooring, complete with electricity and water, has been a focal point for family life. “It’s perfect for the children and grandchildren’s sporting activities,” says Trevor. “In autumn, when the river is quiet and the morning mist rises off the water, it feels magical.”

The development is approached from the rear, with each home enjoying its own private garden — in this case, professionally landscaped with a wisteria-covered pergola, specimen trees and clever planting.

A private path leads through the communal grounds to the towpath and riverbank. From here, it’s possible to walk for miles, enjoying the ever-changing scenery and abundant wildlife.

The house itself is spread over three floors and offers more than 1,690 sq ft of bright, well-designed space. The ground floor features a sleek Schmidt kitchen with integrated appliances, a central breakfast bar and glazed French doors to the back garden.

A separate dining/family room overlooks the communal lawns to the river. Upstairs, the L-shaped sitting room with bespoke shelving and a gas fireplace opens on to a balcony, making the most of those long views. The principal bedroom, with built-in wardrobes and a luxurious en suite, shares the first floor, while the top level holds two further double bedrooms and a stylish family bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower.

It’s not just the views and the mooring that make Thameside Reach special. The sense of community among the five houses is quietly reassuring.

“We occasionally get together for a barbecue or drinks but privacy is respected,” says Trevor. “Neighbours have been invaluable when we’ve been away, whether in our flats in London, Marrakesh or further afield — keeping an eye on the place for us.”

Moulsford is home to two respected private schools and the Beetle and Wedge riverside inn and is close to Wallingford for shopping. Cholsey Station, just 2.5 miles away, provides services to London, Oxford and beyond, with Goring Station offering direct trains to Paddington in under an hour.

Trevor stepped back from running a national facilities services company a decade ago, while Chrissie passed the reins of her long-established Wallingford business, selling French properties, to her son.

Free from the demands of work, they made the most of this riverside home, travelling extensively, spending time at their place in Marrakesh, enjoying London life and returning here to the peace and beauty of the Thames.

The couple describe the property as “low-maintenance, secure and efficient to run” — qualities that make it as suitable for professional couples seeking a London base with weekend tranquillity as it is for downsizers, retirees, or anyone looking for a lock-up-and-leave with genuine character.

All homes have garages, allocated parking and guest spaces, plus pets are welcome.

Trevor and Chrissie are now ready to pass on the keys as they embrace full-time city life but their affection for the house is clear. “We trusted Berkeley Homes’ reputation for quality having bought from them before, and we haven’t been disappointed,” says Trevor.

“It has been a wonderful home and we know it will be for the next owners too.”

l 4 Thameside Reach has a guide price of £1,150,000, freehold, with no onward chain. For more information and to arrange a viewing, call Warmingham & Co on (01491) 874144.