Ramsden, Oxfordshire

Akeman Cottage

High Street | Ramsden | Oxfordshire | OX7 3AU

AKEMAN COTTAGE

Akeman Cottage is a very special Grade 2 listed home, nestled in the heart of Ramsden in Oxfordshire. This superb property will both charm and wow you from the minute you step through the gate and spy the stunning garden and peaceful haven hidden behind its chocolate box frontage.

Dating back to the 17th Century, this superb 4 bedroom cottage has been sensitively extended and upgraded over the years to create a substantial and practical home, bursting with character.

Akeman Cottage is perfectly placed in the centre of the village, overlooking the war memorial, beautiful church and just a few moments from some wonderful walks and the famed Royal Oak pub, where you are always guaranteed a warm welcome, a friendly face and an exceptional meal.

The cottage is surprisingly large, at over 2,100 sq ft, and the ground floor space is incredible, with a wonderful flow between the rooms, with open spaces for family and friends to gather and quieter corners to work or study, all with windows overlooking the enclosed cottage garden. There are three

generous and charming reception rooms as well as a fantastic kitchen / dining room, separate utility and larder. Upstairs there are four bedrooms, three bath / shower rooms and an additional wc. The sheltered garden is the perfect extension to the home, a peaceful and manageable space to enjoy throughout the year. The detached annexe offers a great opportunity for hosting guests or a separate work or gym space. Additionally, the gated driveway and garage offer ample parking and storage.

This truly is a very special and tranquil home that has been developed over the years to create a property that is easy to live in and enjoy whilst retaining all of the charm of its past.

Ground Floor

As you step through the garden gate, this property will instantly surprise you and make you smile. The chocolate box frontage belies a substantial and handsome family home. As you enter the entrance hall from the garden, the full height window is a beautiful feature allowing light and the colour of the garden to flood in. From the entrance hall, you step into the oldest part of the house, the stunning sitting room with beautiful chamfered beams (which continue throughout the property), the original inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, and the delightful original wooden staircase. From here, you move through to the second reception room, with wonderful flagstone flooring and charming window seat overlooking the garden. Beyond here is another generous and equally characterful reception room, which could be a fantastic dining room or family room. At the far end of the property is the impressive kitchen/diner with AGA and windows and door to the garden. There is another stair case to the master suite from the kitchen. Beyond the kitchen, is a large utility room and a larder.

Seller Insight

The idyllic position of this charming Cotswold cottage was the big attraction for our family as it is at the very heart of the village. Ramsden is one of the most stunning, hidden gems amongst the Cotswolds villages. It is so quiet and peaceful that you are far more likely to be woken by the sound of horses hooves than by an aeroplane. Within the village, though, there is a wonderful sense of community and a lot going on, including quiz nights, summer and winter fairs, regular film viewings and coffee mornings. Walking around the local area is simply magical with fields and woods as well as breathtaking views of the glorious countryside.

Akeman Cottage is a place where we have all gathered as a family throughout the year, whether it be cosy winter evenings by the AGA in the kitchen, Christmases around the beautiful fireplace in the sitting room or memorable family gatherings in the garden. In the summer, being able to open the doors along the side of the cottage onto the garden brings the outside inside - with a tremendous sense of being at one with nature as well as the gentle flow of air and the sound of the birds.

The garden is private and perfect for relaxing yet is also teeming with birds, bees and occasional hedgehogs. The outside space has a lawn which is lovely for children or dogs, and a paved terrace with a built-in barbeque, which is ideal for summer entertaining. The terrace is beautifully sheltered and, in the summer, is such a sun trap and perfect for outdoor living and eating - it is our favourite spot to relax and savour the glorious surroundings.*

* 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

There are two separate staircases leading to the first floor, offering a great opportunity for separate living and sleeping spaces, to suit a variety of needs. The charm and character continue upstairs without compromise, and you will need more than one look to see everything and find your way around. The original staircase from the sitting room takes you to the landing, with access to two double bedrooms, both ensuite, a single bedroom and a separate cloakroom. The master suite is at the far end of the house and can be accessed by the second staircase (from the kitchen) and also through an interconnecting door from bedroom 2. The master bedroom is beautifully bright with a large bathroom with freestanding bath and separate shower.

Outside Garden

The South-West facing garden is perfectly sheltered and, in the summer months, a wonderfully sunny and special space, beautifully enclosed and with a view of the church spire. It is walled to one side and with a variety of mature trees and shrubs, and an abundance of colour and fruit, including apples, figs, strawberries and grapes. There is a charming raised patio area for seating and entertaining, perfectly positioned outside the kitchen, and a bordered lawn area for garden games and four legged friends.

Annexe

There is a detached barn / annex in the far corner of the garden. At 333 sq ft, it is a generous and interesting space, with a beautifully high vaulted ceiling and a charm of its own. There is an impressive L-shaped living / sleeping area, an ensuite bathroom and loft space. This could be ideal for visiting guests or for a relative to live onsite but with their own independence and privacy.

Parking & Garage

There is a gated driveway with parking for 2 cars and access to a detached garage, offering ample space for parking or storage.

LOCATION

Ramsden is a delightful Cotswold Village, peppered with unique and characterful homes, with glorious surrounding countryside and a thriving community. There is a beautiful church, tennis court, playing field and The Royal Oak pub, which is a beautiful building with a warm welcome, wonderful atmosphere and great food. In the neighbouring village of Finstock, there is a Community Shop and Post Office and highly regarded Primary School. There are some wonderful walks from your doorstep, and even more to explore and enjoy in the surrounding area. Ramsden sits within a network of wonderful villages and communities, all with beautiful surroundings, great amenities and sports clubs, and charming pubs and restaurants.

Ramsden is perfectly placed in the heart of the Cotswolds, between Burford (10 miles) and Chipping Norton (12 miles) and the list of places to visit and enjoy within minutes of your doorstep is endless. The Market Town of Witney with its array of shops, restaurants and cafés, is just 5 miles away and London is also within easy reach as Charlbury Train Station is less than 5 miles away, with its direct link to London Paddington in 1 hour 10 minutes.

There are some great school options here too. As well as the popular Finstock Primary School, Windrush Valley School is just 6 miles away and currently rated 21st in the Sunday Times top Prep schools in the country. The village is also very well placed for access to some of the County’s most sought-after State and Independent Senior Schools, with Burford School just 10 miles away and Cokethorpe School 8 miles away.

Ramsden is a village where you can enjoy all of the peace, beauty and fresh air of the Cotswolds, and be part of an active village community should you wish but still head in to the hustle and bustle of London and Oxford with ease.

EPC: Exempt

Council Tax Band: G Tenure: Freehold

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 22.03.2023

FINE & COUNTRY

EMMA BROOKS MNAEA ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Fine & Country

T: 01285 339 019 | M: 07585 914 373 emma.brooks@fineandcountry.com

Emma is the Associate Partner for Fine & Country in Oxfordshire & the Cotswolds. She lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, children and two dogs. She is completely immersed in, and passionate about, the area she lives and works in and is perfectly placed to advise you on all aspects of moving to and within the area.

Emma has a depth of knowledge and experience from 19 years of working in the property industry as an Estate Agent in Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. She has run highly successful businesses during changing and challenging markets, training her staff to her own exacting standards and creating a reputation as an honest and reliable professional who will guide you through the whole process and get you the best result for the circumstances.

Emma is dedicated to providing exemplary service throughout the whole buying and selling journey, offering expert and honest advice and developing long term relationships as a trusted advisor and friend to her clients.

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