Banbury, Oxfordshire

BAY TREE HOUSE

A ‘chocolate box’ Grade II listed 3 bedroom period cottage quietly situated within one of the counties most picturesque & friendly small villages.

Ground Floor

As soon as you open the wide timber door in to Bay Tree House, you know this little ‘Tardis’ is going to be a really nice surprise! The sitting room has exposed wooden flooring, wall light points and painted ceiling beams. This welcoming room has an operational fireplace with a stone hearth and an inset Clearview wood-burning stove. TV point, stairs rise to the first floor, wood storage recess, leaded light front window with a window seat beneath. The equally impressive living room has a handsome stone fire surround with a matching Clearview stove in the fireplace. This cosy room has wall light points, quality wooden flooring, TV point. Painted ceiling beams, internal leaded light original window, and a front window with window seat below.

The extended rear kitchen/breakfast room is a bright and spacious room with a range of wooden base cupboards with stainless steel work surfaces, splash backs and an inset sink unit. Freestanding Hotpoint electric fanassisted oven, stainless steel back plate and a Smeg extractor hood above. Two high-level cupboards housing the RCD consumer unit and the electricity meter. Tiled floor, two electric radiators, lantern window, useful shelved storage cupboard. There is a rear stable door and the rear window provides a lovely view over the garden.

Off the kitchen is a smart ground floor bathroom with a white panelled bath with an electric Mira shower over and hinged shower screen. Wash-hand basin with storage cupboards beneath, low-level WC, fitted mirror. Ladder heated towel rail, fully tiled floor and all walls, down lighters, rear window.

To the other side of the kitchen is a spacious utility room. It has a double base unit with a wooden work surface above, space for a tall fridge/freezer unit. Shelved storage pantry, plumbing for a dishwasher and a washing machine, tiled floor. Fitted hat and coat racks with overhead storage, skylight window, rear stable door.

Seller Insight

This utterly charming Grade II listed mid-terrace home occupies an idyllic central location in the heart of the much sought after Oxfordshire village of Hornton. “It was a real combination of the chocolate box look of the house and its stunning location that sold it to me,” says Paula. “I’d driven all over the Cotswolds in my hunt for the perfect home, and when I eventually came across Bay Tree House I knew I had to have it. In fact, the very first time I came to view it, I remember driving into the village, and it was all so beautiful that I said to myself, I don’t’ care what the house is like, this is where I want to live.”

“Hornton is a very special place, a real hidden gem. It’s not a through route to anywhere so it’s totally unspoilt and it has the most wonderful community spirit. There’s a pretty village green, a fantastic pub that serves really good food, a sought-after primary school and there are numerous clubs and societies to join. It’s the stuff of dreams, the quintessential English country village, so much so that you almost expect to see Miss Marple!”

“The house itself is absolutely gorgeous, a picture-perfect country cottage that’s every bit as lovely on the inside, and it’s also a bit of a Tardis. The two reception rooms are bright and spacious, and both have log burners, which create a really cosy atmosphere when it’s cold and miserable outside, then at the back of the house is the kitchen/diner which has a stunning view of my lovely south-facing garden, which is a really pretty space. It has an open lawn and a slightly raised seating area, which is a lovely sunny spot for both relaxing and alfresco entertaining. A previous owner designed the garden, and they did a super job because it’s both very attractive and very low maintenance, which has given me more time to enjoy it. I also love the fact that the backdrop is wonderfully leafy and green and offers great views.”

“My favourite room is the second reception room. It feels slightly closed off from the rest of the house and so it has a very serene atmosphere. It’s a lovely, cosy-feeling space to retreat to at the end of the day.”

“For anyone wanting to live in the countryside without feeling totally cut off from the world, this is the perfect place. As I said before, Hornton is a quintessential English village and it’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside so it’s a walker’s paradise. There’s a farm shop just down the road that sells fresh, local produce and for everything else I usually head into Banbury, which is only a fifteen-minute drive away.”

“Adjacent to the garden seating area is a gorgeous stone-built home office. It’s ideal for anyone needing to work from home, but it could also be used as a hobby room, a quiet reading room… the possibilities are endless.”

“This was to be my forever home, but then I met my partner and we’ve decided to make a new life down in Cornwall,” says Paula. “It’s going to be a real wrench to leave Bay Tree Cottage, and indeed Hornton. It’s a very special place, and for anyone dreaming of an idyllic life in the country, this is the place.”*

* 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.

First Floor

The first floor landing has an exposed arched beam, smoke alarm and a rear window. There is access to the insulated loft space, over stairs airing cupboard housing the cold-water header tank and the fully lagged hot water cylinder. The main bedroom is a very bright and spacious double bedroom with exposed horizontal wall beams, radiator, decorative wall panelling surrounding the chimney breast. Leaded light front window with seat beneath to sit and enjoy the views over neighbouring kitchen gardens across the lane.

The second double bedroom has a radiator, leaded light front window with window seat below. The third single bedroom has a rear window with a deep window cill and an oak lintel above. This window overlooks the colourful rear cottage garden.

Outside Frontage & Parking Facilities

Bay Tree House sits on Bell Street with has a fine selection of period houses, post-war and modern properties ensuring the village continues to attract all age groups to maintain its long held appeal. To the front of the house there are two 1m borders with attractive Bay Trees, naturally giving the house its current name. Whilst parking is on a ‘first come – first served’ basis, there is always room to park 1 or 2 cars directly outside, and all the immediate neighbours ensure that remains the case.

Rear Garden

Directly behind the kitchen is a concrete footpath, cold-water tap, timber tool shed and a 4ft stone retaining wall with steps leading up to the first section of garden. This larger part of the garden is lad to lawn with immaculate privet box hedging on all sides, along with a shingled area. There is a colourful flower border stocked with lavender and annuals. This part of the garden is screened by close-boarded wooden fencing and stone walling along both sides. Further steps lead up to a second shingled section of garden surrounded by mature ferns, more box privet hedging and flowers. Three further steps and a stone retaining wall lead to the rear boundary wall, which has a neighbouring garden wrapping around the back of it, providing an attractive backdrop. The garden measures 53ft deep by 31ft average width and is predominantly south-facing.

Stone Outbuilding

The stone faced outbuilding has a pitched slate roof. It is insulated to a good standard and has both light and power connected with an outside PIR security light and sensor. It would be ideal for someone needing a creative space outside of the house, as the window overlooks the pretty garden and would enjoy sunsets being west-facing.

LOCATION

Hornton village has been closely associated with warm ironstone for around 1,000 years, evidenced in all the local villages and was used when nearby Broughton Castle was fully overhauled in around 1530. The quarry only ceased production of this attractive stone in 2000. The village community is extremely friendly, active, and all residents are made very welcome. The village school has enjoyed an excellent reputation over many decades, the Church (dating from the 12th century) is close by and there is also a Methodist Chapel and thatched pub. The village green hosts a large annual fete that is well attended by many neighbouring villages and the Maypole dancing is always a lovely thing to witness surrounded by many diverse side stalls. There are some fabulous old stone and thatched houses in the village and the playing fields, tennis courts and village hall are on Bell Street at the edge of the village. Senior schooling is in Bloxham at The Warriner that now has a 6th form also. There are several excellent farm shops nearby including Carpenters near Warmington. The village pub – The Dun Cow - offers good food. Alternatively, the nearby Falcon is a very popular restaurant, The Bell at Shenington is well regarded, The Moon & Sixpence is just across the M40 in Hanwell and The Castle restaurant overlooks nearby Edghill battlefield. The M40 (J11) is around 5 miles to the south giving fast access to the motorway network. Birmingham airport is around 38 miles away. Regular, direct trains from Banbury give access to Marylebone, central London, and central Birmingham in less than an hour.

Local Authority

Cherwell District Council. Telephone (01295) 227000.

Council Tax Band ‘C’.

Current Payable £1,980 PA (1.4.2023 to 30.3.2024)

Services

Mains electricity, water, drainage, electric radiator heating, BT (fast broadband should deliver 66-73 Mbps download, and 16-18 Mbps upload speeds typically).

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly through the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on either (01295) 239665 or (07761) 439927.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Sunday By prior arrangement

Directions

From the Banbury Cross, head northwards to the main crossroads at the Three Pigeons public house. Turn left here on to the A4100 Warwick Road and stay on this road until you leave the outskirts of Banbury. After just over a mile turn left where signposted Horley & Hornton. As you enter Horley, turn right at the only T-junction and continue for around a further 3 miles. Turn left in to Hornton and you will enter the village by descending down Millers Lane. Continue down to the triangular village green, then swing left in to Bell Street. Bay Tree House can then be easily found on your right by our Fine & Country board and of course the four Bay Trees!

Offers over £475,000

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 06.09.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

CHRISTOPHER E MOBBS FNAEA CPEA PARTNER AGENT

Fine & Country Banbury

36 years experience | 07761 439927 | DD: (01295) 239665 email: chris.mobbs@fineandcountry.com

Chris was born and educated in Banbury and has been a senior and key member of Fine & 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 professional accepting only the highest standards of marketing, integrity and customer care. He also holds the CPEA qualification gained in 1993 after 2 years studying property law, sales & marketing and building construction. Chris has lived in Hanwell for over 33 years with Elizabeth, (his wife of 38 years), so is without doubt a local property expert!

YOU CAN FOLLOW CHRIS ON

“Outstanding. Chris could not have made the experience of buying a house any better.

The communication throughout the whole process was incredible. Chris offered advice when ever it was needed, made himself available at all times of the day (often very late at night - sorry Chris!) and followed up on questions with lightening speed. We were nervous buyers due to our circumstances of returning to the UK recently and needing a home quickly. Chris kept us informed and even reached out simply to let us know if there wasn’t an update. This made a huge difference and kept us confident and reassured.

Chris’ genuine care made us feel part of the local community before we even arrived. And our children look forward to seeing him like a family friend. We sincerely feel very very fortunate that Chris happened to be the agent for our house purchase. Thank you Chris!”

“Chris Mobbs is an exceptional agent we would recommend to anyone. He was so helpful from the very first interaction, listened to us and helped the process go through as smooth as possible. Chris made a normally stressful process fun, due to him working so hard and having the answers before we had to ask. Cant recommend him highly enough.”

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