Rare opportunity to acquire a tucked away rural idyll set in about 5 acres.
With its origins dating to circa 1600, Upper Farm began life as an agricultural barn. In the early 90's the present owners purchased the farm and set about creating a family home, from the by then dilapidated old barn.
This beautiful home is a celebration of the finest craftsmanship, showcasing infinite attention to detail. Much of the original fabric of the barn has been preserved, with other ancient beams and doors being sourced elsewhere.
Quirkily, an old church pew, already repurposed as seating in the historic Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, was again creatively repurposed as a dividing low wall between the kitchen and sitting room.
Huge old oak beams merge seamlessly with new oak and have become the heart of the building. Full height oak framed doors and windows throughout flood the house with natural light. The bespoke oak staircase, crafted by a local carpenter, takes centre stage in the stunning entrance hall, and rises to a magnificent galleried landing. Full height glazed windows overlook the garden.
The entrance hall, sitting room and kitchen are open plan with an old flagstone floor throughout. The cosy sitting room has a large open fire with wood burning stove within. Full height French doors and glazed panels open to the west facing terrace.
In the kitchen, a full height, oak framed, square bay, with bi-fold doors, also opens to the terrace. A two door Aga has an electric module and sits within painted wood units beneath wood worktops. A large laundry room and walk in pantry are directly off.
The drawing room, also with a full height, oak framed bay, has a large fireplace with huge, curved beam above. The study has bespoke shelving and cupboards to one wall.
From the hallway, a corridor leads to a large boot room with cloakroom off.
The staircase winds to the galleried landing. To one end is the triple aspect principal bedroom, with far reaching views toward the top of The Ridgeway. A good sized dressing room is just off. There are three further bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with separate showers.
From the landing, stairs rise to the second floor with its striking vaulted ceilings. This floor is presently arranged as a one bedroom flat with kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and shower room. A second staircase drops directly down to the boot room.
Outside
The driveway sweeps up and around to a large, gravelled courtyard at the front of the house. Mellow red brick walls frame a box parterre garden either side of the front door. The gardens to the rear are a delight, featuring mature herbaceous beds and a large pond, home to a variety of fish and a pair of ducks. A stone terrace spans the width of the house, with stone walling either end, making for a sheltered spot to enjoy. Steps rise to a large lawn with a mature, woodland beyond. The orchard boasts 24 mixed fruit trees and attractive chestnut fencing encloses a vegetable garden with its raised beds echoing a parterre.
The paddocks wrap around three sides of the boundary of the land and include two stables and a feed and tack room.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
From the moment you walk through the front door you know this has been a happy home. Countryside views, long walks, wonderful sunsets and peace & quiet. Once you have enjoyed living here you will not want to leave.
Charles Elsmore-WickensProperty agent