A unique 411-acre former quarry comprising seven lakes, River Thames fishing rights and existing leisure income has been brought to market with a guide price of £3 million.
Rural property specialists Carter Jonas have launched the former Caversham Quarry site near Reading, describing it as a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial waterside estate with significant leisure, conservation and income-generating potential.
Located between Caversham and Sonning, northeast of Reading, the former quarry has been restored to create a network of lakes, nature reserves, fishing waters and recreational facilities. The site currently generates annual rental income of £28,976 from a range of leisure occupiers, including fishing clubs, water sports operators and Reading Sailing Club.
The estate extends across approximately 411 acres and includes seven lakes of varying sizes, ancillary land, woodland shelter belts and frontage onto the River Thames.
WATERSPORTS USES
The largest water body, known as South Lake, covers almost 78 acres and is partly occupied by a watersports operator, while other lakes are used for sailing and angling. Several areas remain unoccupied, providing opportunities for future leisure, recreation or environmental uses, subject to the relevant consents.
The property also benefits from access to both Thames and Kennet Marina and the internationally recognised Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake.
The sale comes as demand continues to grow for outdoor leisure destinations, environmental assets and alternative land investments offering diversified income streams.
The site remains subject to a Landscape and Aftercare Management Plan, established following the quarry’s restoration. The agreement aims to balance recreational use with habitat creation and nature conservation, with obligations expected to remain in place until 2047.
RARE PURCHASE
Andrew Chandler (main picture, inset), Partner and Head of Rural Agency at Carter Jonas, says: “Spanning 411 acres, the former Caversham quarry is a very rare and unique purchase.
“We have already had good interest in the site and we are taking it to expressions of interest on 15 June.
“With an existing rental income and scope for further uses, there is an abundance of opportunities for its future owner to maximise its potential as a leisure destination.”
The property is being offered for sale by private treaty as a whole, with expressions of interest invited ahead of the June deadline.
