REF: 1428760. Welcome to... The Vineyard - yes, there ARE vines and an awful lot more to this remarkable property!

Before we get there, however, let’s talk about the approach starting in the quintessentially Oxford village of Clifton Hampden with its manicured hedgerows, stunning countryside setting, the Clifton Hampden Bridge which crosses one of the most picturesque parts of the River Thames – a stones throw from the house itself. A perfect way to round off that London commute which, if you go by train is a 15 minute drive to Didcot Station and then 35 minutes train into Paddington!

But it’s to the house we must go which, I’m going to say before anything else, really does scream out for an ‘in person’ viewing as there’s so much to see and take in. As happens so often with property listings, the photos, floorplan and my property description really don’t do it the justice it deserves although, I will try….

Surprisingly, the main house is an unlisted barn conversion. I say surprisingly as it must have been an enormous barn and it is this that gives this house such a feeling of space. The three reception rooms, the dining hall in particular with its soaringly high vaulted ceilings and tons of exposed wooden beams really do make for quite a visual ‘hit’ as you walk around the ground floor. In fact, it’s this amazing living space that partly attracted the current owners to the house in the first place. Mr. Vendor particularly likes his study which, in good weather, extends out onto an adjoining patio although I don’t know how much work gets done with that sort of distraction – you’ll have to ask him.

For Mrs Vendor, however, it was the principal bedroom with its far-reaching views across the Oxfordshire countryside that grabbed her attention and it’s easy to see why, they are stunning! Staying with the bedrooms, as this is a ‘linear’ design, four are arranged along a main landing with the master en-suite bedroom at one end. Then we have a large double bedroom with en-suite on the mezzanine level… ideal for guests and out of the way.

Finally, before we venture outside, we have the kitchen. A lovely light room, with South West facing windows once again taking advantage of the lovely views across the fields. Very much an 'eat'in' kitchen for informal dining.

OUTSIDE

Away from the main house, for those guests whose visit extends for a little longer, there is a separate annexe with two bedrooms and two bathrooms… just a few steps from the house itself. The annexe forms part of the ‘other’ barn and there is existing planning application which you can find by going to the 'Virtual Tour' and clicking on the Planning tab. Anyway, adjacent to the cottage is...

the STABLE, yes you CAN have a horse! Although it is currently kitted out as a heated workroom with a large workbench and storage shelves.

Next to the stable is the cavernous two car GARAGE plus ample storage space for bicycles etc and an enclosed adjoining storage room with heating.

This garden is a delight… I really don’t know what more to say other than there are beautifully managed lawns and various hidden areas, perfect suntraps in fact. There is also a lovely summer house, which would make a for a pleasant reading and/or writing room….. for the ‘memoirs’? FYI, the vendors did, at one time look at the possibility of building this out to accommodate an outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.

They also did, at one stage, look into the possibility of siting a swimming pool and for anyone who's interested, they would be happy to share their ideas.

THE LAND

Across the lane, there is a paddock of about 1.72acres and in the paddock is the Grade II listed granary supported by staddle stones. Now this COULD be of interest to those looking for a project of some sort, perhaps extra accommodation or even a one bedroom holiday home.

In summary; Vineyard would make for a fabulous family home. There’s plenty of scope for things to be extended, added or converted subject to all the usual planning permissions.

For more information, do click on the‘virtual tour’ for more practical information on schools, transport and road links, planning proposals etc. Do feel free to call regarding any other queries remembering always to quote the ref number: 1428760 which will enable to comes straight through to the right person.

Detached House in Abingdon