A picturesque village with period-perfect estates perched along the Thames River, Sonning is an idyllic British-countryside hamlet in Berkshire. Just over an hour’s drive from London, it’s also attracting a prestigious group of home buyers.
Boundaries
Sonning neighbors Henley-on-Thames on the Thames River downstream and Reading upstream to the east, with Pangbourne and Twyford nearby.
Price range
Family houses in the village sell for between £800,000 ($1.04 million) and £1.8 million ($2.3 million), although there are a number of large prime properties that would command much higher figures, says Matthew Mannall, Knight Frank Partner, Office Head in Henley. For example, the White House-inspired mansion owned by Uri Geller, the illusionist, was recently on the market for £15 million ($19.5 million).
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Housing stock
Stately Georgian, Victorian and Tudor-style estates line the Thames. "There is an established mix of eras dating back to the 12th century—of note is the Deanery Garden built by the famed architect Edwin Lutyens," says Mr. Mannall.
What makes it unique
This is a quintessential English countryside enclave. Mr. Mannall makes a literary reference noting, "Jerome K. Jerome described Sonning in his book ‘Three Men in a Boat’ as ‘the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river.’"
It’s also as beautiful as it is exclusive. In a July 16, 2016 "Daily Mail" article, reporter Robert Hardman says of Sonning, "It is a place that guards its privacy so zealously that it has become one of the first villages in Britain to impose a ban on uninvited door-knocking. Sonning has just been formally designated a ‘no cold calling zone’ by order of the council." This makes it ideal for residents seeking the ultimate in privacy.
Luxe amenities in the neighborhood
Charming inns, shops, pubs and restaurants—the French Horn, the Bull, the Coppa Club—and The Mill Theatre and Sonning Golf Club offer plenty of diversions. But nature is the star of the show, and the 335-acre Dinton Pastures Country Park is ideal for a ramble through meadows and around its seven lakes. Reading Blue Coat School for boys founded in 1646 and the Sonning Church of England Primary School are the local schools.
Notable residents
British Prime Minister Theresa May is currently topping the list as Sonning’s most distinguished resident. This village located close enough to London but at a safe distance from prying paparazzi, also attracts an A-list celebrity crowd, including Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and George and Amal Clooney. The Clooneys are now Lord and Lady of Aberlash House, a 17th-century manse set on a five-acre-island in the river complete with a 12-seat private cinema. The above mentioned Daily Mail article also notes that Taylor Swift has been on a property hunt in the area.
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Outlook
It’s quite favorable, according to Mr. Mannall, "Sonning has always enjoyed strong demand, and we see no reason why this would change. The market is performing well across the price ranges, although accurate pricing is key."