Whitehouse Cottage Thenford | Banbury | Oxon | OX17 2BT WHITEHOUSE COTTAGE, THENFORD

This lovely home, which was beautifully renovated by the current owners, enjoys a very attractive rural location and is nestled in 3.45 acres just outside the village.

Whitehouse Cottage dates from around 1936, being formally two semi- detached farm cottages. Over the years it has been totally modernised and carefully developed in to a well-balanced family home. Located a short drive from Thenford village, the house enjoys a non-estate location with no near neighbours sitting just off the main A422 Banbury to Brackley road. Built in mellow local Ironstone under a Hungarian reed thatched roof, the property is in excellent condition. There is oak flooring in many rooms, oak ledge and braced doors, operational oak shutters, secondary and triple glazed timber sash windows. There are 4 or 5 reception rooms, and 3 first floor bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. The gardens surround the house and the double garage has a useful 1 bed self-contained annexe above. The rear courtyard has a stable block with a range of buildings and a further garage. The paddock and gardens extend to around 4 acres and whilst it would most likely appeal to those looking for equestrian usage, it could facilitate many hobbies or possible a range of business uses (subject to the relevant planning permission).

Accommodation summary

Ground Floor: The porch has stained glass windows with door to the dining hall. A bright open plan room with an operational Hornton stone fireplace with a multi-fuel stove. Oak staircase to the first floor, corridor and stable door to the rear garden. Beamed ceiling, oak flooring, front window with shutters, oak by-fold doors provide rear access and provides fine views over the garden and paddock-land. The adjacent living room has a Hornton stone fireplace with multi-fuel stove. Oak flooring, ceiling beams, storage alcove with stained glass window. Front window with shutters, oak by-fold rear doors.

The spacious office, or snug retains the original corner fireplace with jade ceramics. Oak flooring, front window with shutters. A further door from the lounge leads to an inner hall with a rear stable door. The fourth reception room is also used as an office, but has a ground floor fourth or guest bedroom, having a full modern white bathroom next door. Seller Insight

I grew up in a village not far from here, and I’ve always loved the area, so when we came across what was a rather rundown property in this lovely part of the countryside it was definitely a combination of its potential and the sheer beauty of the setting that drew us to it,” says the owner. “It began life in the mid 1930s as two very pretty thatched cottages, but over time they had fallen into a state of disrepair. I was confident that with a bit of hard work and imagination we could turn the dwellings into one lovely home, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

“The thatch has been completely replaced and the house itself was stripped back to a shell, so we essentially started from scratch. We replaced all of the windows with handmade units, we had beautiful oak shutters made, there’s solid oak flooring throughout the ground floor and we had new oak beams made to restore the original character of the property. In fact all of the work has been carried out in a very sympathetic manner, but we’ve tweaked the layout to make it more conducive to modern life and we’ve also added two sets of bi-folding doors so we can really bring the outside in. It’s a house that retains all of its character and charm, but one that has also been brought right up to modern standards.”

“When we bought the property it simply had the large garden that wraps right the way around the house, however we’ve since purchased an adjacent three and a half acre paddock,” continues the owner. “It’s lovely because we can sit out on the patio and the view is of nothing but the garden, the paddock and the rolling countryside beyond.”

“The main lounge is a lovely room,” says the owner. “It features a large stone fireplace, which is a gorgeous focal point, and the bi-folding doors bring in a tremendous view of the grounds and the surrounding countryside.”

“The village is just a mile up the road and Banbury is under ten minutes away by car, so we’re by no means isolated, but what I love most about the setting is the fact that it’s so wonderfully picturesque.”

“As well as renovating the house, we’ve also had a large stable block built and a garage, above which is a very nice one-bed apartment,” says the owner. “My daughter uses it when she comes to stay, but could also be a great space for a teenager who wants a bit of independence or simply for visiting guests.”

“We’re very proud of what we’ve done to the house and it’s been such a lovely home,” says the owner. “In terms of what I’ll miss most, it will be the warm and welcoming feel of the house and the fact that everything has been done an exceptional standard, and I’ll also miss those views. It really is a stunning place to live.”*

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. The main lounge is a lovely room,” says the owner. “It features a large stone fireplace, which is a gorgeous focal point, and the bi-folding doors bring in a tremendous view of the grounds and the surrounding countryside.”

The bright kitchen has been well designed and offers a good range of solid oak base and eye-level cabinets. One base unit houses the Glow worm gas-fired boiler. Neff integrated fridge/freezer, Zanussi dishwasher, enamel Butler sink, cherry wood work surface areas with smart tiling above. Brittania electric fan-assisted oven with 5-ring gas hob and extractor hood above. Ceiling beams, tiled floor, side window with shutters, 2 rear windows providing nice views to the west across the paddock. The breakfast room has an ornamental corner fireplace with brick surround and a tiled hearth. Oak flooring, ceiling beams, front window with shutters. Side French doors, open archway to the kitchen. We’re very proud of what we’ve done to the house and it’s been such a lovely home,” says the owner. “In terms of what I’ll miss most, it will be the warm and welcoming feel of the house and the fact that everything has been done an exceptional standard, and I’ll also miss those views. It really is a stunning place to live.” Bedroom 1

First Floor: The landing has exposed floorboards and two bespoke oak under-eaves storage cupboards. One houses 3 Bedroom 2 has exposed floorboards, bespoke fitted oak wardrobes with drawers beneath. Fitted shelving, pressurised hot water cylinders, an electric immersion and the heating controls. The second has plumbing front and side windows. The third bedroom also has an original tiled ornamental fireplace. Exposed facilities and room for a tumble dryer. Loft access, two secondary glazed rear windows offer the best views floorboards, fitted shelving, front window. The spacious family bathroom has a white corner bath with from the house over the grounds towards Middleton Cheney. Bedroom 1 has bespoke fitted oak wardrobes, showerhead attachment. Pedestal wash-hand basin, WC, double width shower enclosure with power TV and telephone points, loft access. Original 1930’s tiled fireplace, side and rear windows. The en-suite shower. Heated towel rail, quality ceramic tiling with an inset mirror. Ornamental original fireplace, exposed shower room has a contemporary basin with cupboard beneath, WC, heated towel rail. Tiled shower floorboards, Dimplex electric heater, front window. enclosure with power shower, down lighters. Bedroom 2 As well as renovating the house, we’ve also had a large stable block built and a garage, above which is a very nice one-bed apartment,” says the owner. “My daughter uses it when she comes to stay, but could also be a great space for a teenager who wants a bit of independence or simply for visiting guests.” Outside The property is set slightly back from the main A422 Banbury to Brackley road, screened by mature trees and bushes including a large holly, laurels and a magnolia tree approached via a gravelled driveway providing parking for 4 standard vehicles to the front of the very large garage. The gardens wrap around the house on three sides and are mainly laid to lawn with a well planted bank incorporating annuals, grasses and snowdrops. Behind the house is an extensive terrace with a split level ornamental fishpond and water feature. Double Garage & Studio The detached stone built oversized garage is timber clad with a pitched slate roof and two wooden opening doors. There is light, power and an alarm connection. An internal staircase leads up to the studio/annexe. There is an open plan lounge area with two electric storage heaters and two Velux windows. Galley kitchen with electric hob and plumbing facilities. Double bedroom with part panelled vaulted ceiling and loft access, side window. Shower room with a Triton shower unit in the enclosure, pedestal wash hand basin, WC. An ideal facility for a boomerang, or occasional visitors (could provide an income stream). Paddock Land The level grazing paddock has a second wide gated access off the road to Thenford. There is plenty of storage and parking space on the far side. The land is enclosed on all sides post and rail fencing with bushes and younger trees along both road frontages. The paddock extends to around 3 acres, and the total site including the house and formal gardens is approximately 3.45 acres. The stable yard has a concrete hard standing with an L-shaped quality range of useful farm buildings. The 3 large stables have an overhang, light, power and water are connected. There is a large hay store and tack room (or a wood store) and an additional attached garage with double doors.

LOCATION

Thenford is a very attractive small village with around 70 inhabitants. There is just one public building, being the historic church of St.Marys. Situated around 3 miles East of Banbury and just a short drive from the larger village of Middleton Cheney. Middleton Cheney has both junior and senior schooling (with 6th form) and all the day-to-day amenities needed during the week. Whitehouse is just 4 minutes and 3 miles from J11 (M40), giving immediate access to the motorway network. Banbury has a mainline train station transporting commuters to Marylebone station in around an hour.

Services Mains electricity, water, natural gas, private drainage system. BT (broadband connected).

Local Authority South Northants District Council. Telephone (01327) 322322. Council Tax Band ‘F’.

Viewing Arrangements Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on (01295) 239665.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Saturday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm

Directions From Banbury head towards the M40 (J11) and take the 3rd exit on to the A422 sign-posted Brackley and Milton Keynes. Continue along the dual carriageway by-passing Middleton Cheney village. After a further mile you will approach a crossroads to Purston and Thenford. Turn left towards Thenford and the property can be easily recognised immediately on your left hand side.

Whitehouse Apartment

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 24.04.2019

Christopher E Mobbs FNAEA CPEA FINE & COUNTRY Local Property Expert Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies Fine & Country Banbury specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury 33 years experience | 07761 439927 | DD: (01295) 239665 residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, email: [email protected] Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure Chris was born and educated in Banbury and has been a senior and key member of Fine & of the international marketplace with the local expertise Country since he joined in January 2003. He is a long standing and active fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and joined the industry in May 1986. Chris is a consummate and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professional accepting only the highest standards of marketing, integrity and customer care. He professionals. also holds the CPEA qualification gained in 1993 after 2 years studying property law, sales & marketing and building construction. Chris has lived in Hanwell with Elizabeth, (his wife of 32 Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties years) for close to 30 years, so is without doubt a local property expert! require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a common, yet uniquely exercised YOU CAN FOLLOW CHRIS ON and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and “Chris and the team at F&C Banbury pulled out all the stops to ensure the sale of my house. After nearly a year with Strutt and Parker I was so pleased to meet Terry Robinson from F&C marketing techniques. Banbury, he had a ‘can do’ positive attitude which gave me renewed hope that my house might sell. Chris Mobbs accompanied most of the viewings that took place out of hours, sometimes on We understand moving home is one of the most a Sunday. They found 2 buyers in less than 3 months. Chris achieved what the solicitors could important decisions you make; your home is both a not and saw the sale through to completion. Chris and Terry are a great team. Dealing with financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country Chris who went out of his way to see the sale through to completion was totally refreshing.” you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible. Fine & Country Tel: +44 (0)1295 239666 [email protected] 1 South Bar Street, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9AA