West Reading

West Reading stretches from the Inner Distribution Road, along the Oxford Road, through Calcot and the A4 to Junction 12 of the M4. The most recognisable landmark must surely be the Tilehurst Water Tower situated right on the top of Langley Hill. The Water Tower can be seen clearly from the M4 although, due to the curve in the motorway, the tower appears to grow in size and be further away than actually is the case. Another landmark is the West Reading Railway Station managed by First Great Western with services to the West Country.



However, it could be said that Radio 2-Ten-FM which has its home in Calcot is the most well known landmark in this part of Reading. 2-Ten-FM has been broadcasting for over 20 years keeping the people of Reading and surrounding area up to date with news, both national and local, sport, music, entertainment and the all important weather forecasts. The station is very active in supporting local charities and has its own appeal fund ‘2-Ten-Fm Kids’. Its support also involves publicity for local organisations as well as charities which is invaluable. The most recognisable vehicle in an around the Berkshire and North Hampshire area must be the 2-Ten-FM Black Thunders which appear to be ‘ready for anything’.

PROPERTY TO BUY OR RENT

Property to the west of Reading includes many character properties of the Edwardian and Georgian period both detached and semi-detached which have been modernised. Large housing developments in Calcot and Tilehurst have been built in the last 30 years and closer to the town and near to Prospect Park are to be found blocks of flats mostly built in the 1960/1970’s. The Oxford Road area, closer to the town centre, has predominately pre-war terrace properties with larger properties available further out of town.

After a trawl through the Reading Estate Agents property advertisements, the prospective buyer will find that a Victorian six bedroom detached property can cost as much as £795,000 in the west of Reading, with a four bedroom Georgian Town House in the region of £595,000. A three bedroom fully modernised property can command an asking price in the region of £380,000, but if semi-detached is sought then it is possible to find a five bedroom property for the same price. However, more modern properties range from around £250,000 for two or three bedroom flats or houses and for larger four or five bedroom houses estate agents are offering these to the market for an asking price of up to £700,000.

Renting property in the west of Reading the choice is mainly between newly built or converted apartment complexes and character terrace properties. The new apartments with two bedrooms range from £725 to £1,100 pcm dependant upon the specification and location. A terrace house on the other hand, with three or four bedrooms, can be rented for between £750 and £850 pcm and a two bedroom house or flat for between £725 and £750 pcm. There are one bedroom apartments for £450 pcm and also the opportunity to house share for around £250 pcm.

What is evident is the number of investment opportunities in the west of Reading with both terrace and larger detached properties available for investment, buy-to-let investment or a development re-sale project.

Shops

The Oxford Road has a wide variety of small shops such as grocers, green grocers, butchers, bakers, chemists, newsagents, and electrical stores but there are also three major supermarkets, Waitrose, Kwik Save and the Co-operative Store. Just a short distance away the Meadway shopping precinct serves the residents of Tilehurst with a Tesco supermarket, and in School Road a number of other specialist shops are to be found. In Calcot along the A4, just before Junction 12 of the M4, is an out of town retail park where Sainsbury’s have opened one of their flagship supermarkets but if Next is one of your favourite clothes shops then you will not be disappointed as it is located immediately next door. Dunelm Mill Shop has also established themselves here selling everything for the home at very pocket-friendly prices. Carpet Right also have a store on this retail park as does Homebase for those involved in DIY and gardening. For the real motorcar enthusiast Porsche have one of their main dealerships opposite Dunelm Mill shop.

HOTELS

Whether travelling to the Reading area on business or pleasure and wishing to stay on the outskirts of the town, West Reading can offer a number of hotels many with official star ratings. At the beginning of the Oxford Road stands the four star Renaissance Hotel very conveniently located for the town centre but travel a bit further along this road and closer to Reading West Railway Station and there is the three star modern Quality Hotel. Take the A4 west to Calcot and Tilehurst and the visitor will find a choice of three star hotels such as the late Victorian house once a family home now called Beech House Hotel and the Bath Hotel another charming Victorian Country House now a hotel. The Belle Vue House Hotel is a restored Georgian house although modern and comfortable it still retains its beauty and character.

The Best Western Calcot Hotel which has a three star rating and Pincents Manor which takes its name from a 14th century Tilehurst family are conveniently located just 2 minutes from Junction 12 of the M4.

LEISURE, PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

West of Reading on the A4, serving both Calcot, Tilehurst and the Oxford Road area, is the open parkland of Prospect Park which happens to be the largest open space in Reading. The Grade II listed Mansion House, now a restaurant, is situated at the highest point in the park and has views across the Kennet Valley and beyond. However, for the keen golfer there is the Calcot Golf Club which is also situated on the A4. For those wishing to visit a sports centre in their leisure time the Meadway Sports Centre and Costwold Sports Centre are worth a visit.

Whether eating out casually or formally there are restaurants and pubs offering something for everyone. Along the Oxford Road Wimpy and Pizza Hut have restaurants for the casual meal together with Chinese, Malaysian or Thai but the diner will also find the Caversham Restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel has a varied menu to suit most tastes. In the Tilehurst Precinct Indian and Tandoori restaurants offer an alternative whilst in Calcot it is possible to combine shopping and a meal at the café in Sainsbury’s supermarket. Of course there is also the more refined dining at Pincents Manor or the Best Western Calcot Hotel amongst others in the area. In the Oxford Road, Tilehurst or Calcot area in the west of Reading finding a good pub for a relaxing drink is not difficult as there is such a wide choice whether you are a beer or lager drinker, a real ale expert, a connoisseur of wines or someone who prefers to try the latest trendy cocktails.