Charles Cottage, Childrey, Oxfordshire

Residential Property Consultants A beautifully restored historic home in an enchanting Oxfordshire village

Description Charles Cottage is an exceptional house, steeped in history and simply bursting with character and quirky charm. It has an unusual layout reflecting the fact that it was originally two cottages and the village smithy, that have been joined together over the years. The current owners have lovingly and painstakingly restored the Grade II listed cottage, which dates back over 500 years, and have retained the original features using authentic materials and techniques such as lime plastering. The house is currently presented as a 3-4 bedroomed home with potential to convert one of the upstairs rooms into a family bathroom, en-suite and/or dressing room. In 1644 King Charles I stayed in the village of Childrey for several days while travelling between Oxford and Marlborough during the Civil War. During his stay, it is said that the King had his horse shod at the local blacksmiths, which was later named Charles Cottage to commemorate the event. There is a lovely, warm feel to this home. From the flagstone floors and half staircases, to the exposed timber beamed ceilings, lime plaster walls and the leaded windows, we think you’ll fall in love with Charles Cottage’s quirky charm.

Accommodation You’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time when you enter the heavy oak front door to Charles Cottage, as the house envelops you with its cosy charm and unique atmosphere. A light and bright flagstone floored hallway leads into the double aspect kitchen/breakfast room which, warmed by the Aga, is the real heart of this home. The kitchen also features a range of hand-built cabinets and oak worktops, a butler’s sink and electric cooker and hob. From the kitchen, steps lead down into a fantastic cellar which could hold an extensive wine collection that any aspiring wine buff would be proud of! The attached barn which is accessed from the kitchen is just begging to be converted and would make a fantastic vaulted dining hall or spacious family room, with doors leading directly onto the garden. Walk up the steps from the kitchen into an impressive dining hall with painted wood floors and beamed ceilings. The first of two sitting rooms flows on from here and is warmed by a wood burning stove, although it is believed that there is an inglenook fireplace just waiting to be discovered behind the current hearth. The second, more formal sitting room, has a lovely large inglenook fireplace, stone floors, exposed beams and a sunny window seat with views to the front of the house. A useful utility space off the hallway contains clever housing for a washer and dryer, and you can tramp in from your country walk with muddy wellies and dogs through the back door directly from the garden into the boot room. Downstairs there is also a study area and cloakroom with WC. In the beautifully presented family bathroom you can relax with a soak in the huge roll-top bath whilst looking up at the stunning vaulted ceiling above. Take your pick from three staircases to reach the bedrooms on the first floor! The unusual layout of the house means that the space upstairs can be flexibly used depending on your individual needs. Currently there are three good sized double bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room. There are two further rooms upstairs (currently being used as single bedrooms), which have the potential to be converted into an upstairs bathroom, guest en-suite, and/or a separate dressing room. All the bedrooms are beautifully presented with all the character features you’d expect: lovely exposed timber ceilings, wooden doors, leaded windows and open fireplaces.

Outside and Gardens Charles Cottage has an exceptionally generous garden for a village property. To the rear of the house the driveway with space for two cars is accessed through a five bar gate. The pretty cottage style garden is laid mainly to lawn with mature flower borders and is part walled and part- hedged. There is a terraced area for outside entertaining and a timber- framed greenhouse with attached garden shed.

Location The village of Childrey is probably one of the best kept secrets in this part of Oxfordshire. A quintessential English village, with stunning country views, a picturesque duck pond, beautiful Church, highly regarded primary school and fantastic deli/coffee shop, it’s no wonder many people who move here never want to leave! Childrey offers peaceful country living and a thriving village community, but is just 3 miles from Wantage with its shops and amenities including a Waitrose, Costa Coffee, restaurants, parks and leisure centre. Wantage is a thriving market town that has recently been identified by The Sunday Times as a great place to live. Childrey also offers easy access to Oxford, Swindon and Newbury, and trains to London from nearby Didcot Parkway (11 miles). It’s very welcoming village with social functions throughout the year organised by the church, school and local community. There are fabulous pubs in the neighbouring villages of Sparsholt and Letcombe Regis, both within walking distance through beautiful countryside. The Ridgeway CE Primary School in the village has a great reputation and King Alfred’s Academy in Wantage has an Outstanding Ofsted rating. There is a joint bus service from the village to Abingdon Boys School, The School of St Helen and St Katherine, and The Manor Preparatory School. Other local independent schools nearby include Cokethorpe, Radley, Our Lady’s, St Hugh’s, Pinewood and Cranford House.

Local Authority and Services Vale of the White Horse District Council 01235 520 202. Council Tax Band F Mains Water and Electricity Oil Fired Central Heating EPC not required Charles Cottage

Approximate Gross Internal Area = 276 sq m / 2971 sq ft Cellar = 10.3 sq m / 111 sq ft Total = 286.3 sq m / 3082 sq ft

Ground Floor

Cellar

Stowhill Estates

Residential Property Consultants Stowhill, Childrey, OX12 9XQ 01235 751888 [email protected] www.stowhillestates.com Split – Level Bedroom First Floor

This plan is for layout guidance only. Drawn in accordance with RICS guidelines. Not drawn to scale unless stated. Windows & door openings are approximate. Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this plan, please check all dimensions, shapes & compass bearings before making any decisions reliant upon them.