Home with a view

This handsome traditional property in Cookham was once the home of racing superstar Ronnie Peterson. Current owner Rosie Collis reveals some of the house’s history...

- Sarah Rodi

Don’t you just love a house with a carriage driveway? It’s like something out of a fairytale. And that’s exactly how I felt when I cruised through the gated entrance of Greythatch on Terry’s Lane in Cookham and saw the grand but pretty house come into view. The property is set in 2.3 acres of landscaped grounds and in a superb position, overlooking Winter Hill.

I was met at the door by owner Rosie Collis and her two lovely rescue greyhounds, Blue and Bertie. She welcomed me into the spacious reception hallway that has doors and windows overlooking the stunning grounds to the rear. But before I got distracted by the views, Rosie ushered me into the family kitchen, where she had old photographs and cuttings about the house sprawled over the large dining table. And I couldn’t wait to hear all about it.

“The property was built by Winter Hill Estates and Lord Morton lived here for a while. The house was later owned by racing car driver Ronnie Peterson,” Rosie said. “It had been empty for two years and it was very run-down when we looked to buy it.”