Moving to the Thames Valley? Here's six ideal WFH houses to consider

With the pandemic opening up a whole world of opportunity for where we live and how we work it is little surprise that more people are choosing to relocate from London to the Thames Valley to take advantage of more affordable property prices and what many consider to be a better quality of life.

Even before the pandemic struck, Office for National Statistics figures revealed a trend of more people moving from the UK's capital city to settle in Berkshire. In 2019, a total of 12,610 people left London while 8,469 moved in the opposite direction resulting in a net gain of 4,141 for the region.

This was the highest number of people arriving in the county from London in the nine years of available data.

The average house price in Berkshire in 2021 sat at £472,000 compared to £507,000 in London meaning buyers are getting more property for their money.

We trawled through the website of Savills to show what you can get for your budget should you be considering a move west.

LOWER END OF THE MARKET:

Horlicks Quarter: prices from £315k

Horlicks Quarter is part of a new development that will be based in Slough advertising 1,2, and 3 bedroom apartments and luxury penthouses.

The development is expected to finish in the third quarter of 2022 and is described as a ‘remarkable urban transformation’ of the 100-year-old building that was previously Horlicks factory.

While the images are computer generated, they give buyers a set of guidelines for what the design would potentially look like. Set up and position your desk in front of the balcony in the spacious living room and overlook the gardens with open green spaces below while lounging in your office chair.

Riverine: £795k

Tired of the claustrophobic vibe your central London apartment gives off? This penthouse apartment boasts a balcony with a clear view of the River Thames while towering over the houses below. Complete with a lift that gives you access to all floors, you’ll also have access to the well-kept communal gardens, bringing an aspect of serenity to your Monday morning meetings as you look out of the window. After work, you can take a relaxing dip in the garden’s heated swimming pool while surrounded by a relaxation terrace.

MIDDLE MARKET

Chauntry Close: £1.4m

This house has the makings of a cottage you would come across in a charming little French town and also comes with its own private mooring and a riverside garden. The property comes with a separate outbuilding the previous owner nicknamed ‘The Tree House’, resembling a modern Scandinavian cabin. It also features an open-plan reception room with a large sitting area and a set of French doors opening onto the garden terrace. There are several areas in the house that have plenty of space for a workshop and desk.

Vicarage Walk: £1.9m

Described as a Tudor house full of ‘charm and character’, this four-bedroom detached house in Bray Village has a front-seat view of the River Thames and comes with a landscaped garden to do with as you wish. Compared to overlooking the bustling city life, a lake view is a considerably welcome change when sitting down and working on your laptop. Whether you choose to work from the comfort of your bedroom, living room or even outside in the garden, setting up your desk and creating the ideal work setting for you will not be an issue in this luxury property.

TOP END OF THE MARKET

The Warren: £4.5m

This 4,232 sq ft house is situated in the charming suburb of Caversham and has undergone an extensive refurbishment. If the river views and the surrounding countryside aren’t enough to satisfy your tastes, the house comes equipped with a bar area, pool room (both indoor and outdoor), cinema room, separate annex accommodation, a mooring and wine cellar. After finishing your last Zoom call of the day, you can sit back and relax knowing you live in one of the most popular and prestigious residential addresses in the area.

Ascot Road: £2.25m

This picturesque seven bedroom country house is situated in a hamlet called Nuptown, based in Berkshire. The property is viewed as an idyllic family home that is complete with a whole range of appealing features, all the while giving off a rustic and modern charm. The 17th century origins of the property are evident through the exposed beams in the interior of the house, combined with the high vaulted ceiling. The bright and spacious conservatory also provides an excellent space for working. To help take your mind off work, the property offers a tennis court, outdoor heated pool and a snooker and cinema room.