For administrative purposes, it lies within the civil parish of Bucklebury and the unitary authority of West Berkshire.

The place-name Marlston is first attested as Marteleston in 1242, and means "Martel's town or manor".

[1] The settlement lies south of the M4 motorway, and is located approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) north-east of Thatcham.

It is 0.5 miles (0.80 km) west of the River Pang on a minor road, midway between Hermitage and Bucklebury.

It was built for George Palmer, who was one of the founders of the Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory, mayor of the nearby town of Reading, and Member of Parliament for Reading.