Banbury, Oxon

THE OLD RECTORY

A handsome period property tucked away within this pretty and popular small village.

The Old Rectory is a bright and spacious family home offering much character throughout. There are two charming reception rooms, one having a fine inglenook fireplace and wood burning stove. It offers a bespoke handmade kitchen/breakfast room, laundry and cloakroom. Upstairs are four double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house has oil central heating, double glazing with a mullion stone window. Outside there is a detached stone annexe (ideal for Airbnb), a private terraced garden and parking for three cars.

GROUND FLOOR

A wide solid timber door opens to a flagstone inner hall. The far dining room has a calm feeling and has an open fireplace with a blue Hornton stone surround and hearth. TV and telephone points, central ceiling beam with spot lighting, oak flooring, original recessed display shelving, bay side window, front window with window seat. A door and well-worn stone steps lead down to the fabulous laundry room. The former cellar has been very skilfully linked to the house. It has flagstone flooring, bespoke grey fronted base units, open shelving, granite work surfaces, half wood panelled walls. Plumbing facilities and a low-level dog shower tray with shower head attachment. Drinks chilling fridge, 5’ 9” headroom, stable door to the front courtyard.

The larger sitting room has fine ceiling beams with a T-post. The impressive Inglenook fireplace has wood storage niches and a Clearview wood-burning stove, perfect as the cooler nights are here! Flagstone and oak flooring with a step and door to a connected cloakroom. Turned staircase to the first floor, two contemporary radiators, leaded light rear window with shutters. The front window also has shutters and a window seat beneath.

The kitchen/breakfast room is a well-designed, bright and spacious room with a range of bespoke base units, open shelving and drawer sets. The spacious island has a granite counter top with an inset Neff induction hob and single fan-assisted oven, oak base units with enamel Butler sink, water softener, shelved tall cupboard with plumbing for dishwasher. Inglenook fireplace with oak bresimar housing the oil-fired Aga with two hotplates. Limestone flooring. Space for a tall fridge/freezer unit, ceiling beams, high level shelving. Deep pantry housing the oil-fired boiler, L-shaped seating with ample room for a standard farmhouse table to accommodate 6 diners. This area has natural light flooding in via a glazed rear extension and sloping glass roof, a new stable door leads to the garden. The double glazed rear windows provide a lovely vista across the colourful rear garden, a front window overlooks the fore garden and gated entrance.

Seller Insight

I was blown away by how pretty the property was when I first came to look around and it was everything that I could have hoped for and more. The village is equally as beautiful and I knew that I would be very happy to live here,” says the owner.

“I’ve owned The Old Rectory for nearly 6 years and have made a number of changes that have really changed how we use the property. The garage has been converted into a self-contained annexe complete with kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom, private patio, and garden, and I’ve since utilised this as a successful Air BnB but it would also be perfect for visiting guests. I also added a new door opening in the kitchen which has given us easy access to the garden and the lovely new patio area.”

“Wroxton is a great place to live as we have excellent amenities locally, along with an abundance of wonderful walks where we can wander for miles with our dog. It’s such a unique location for access to such scenic beauty. There are lots of interesting villages nearby and we’re close to Stratford-upon-Avon which has fabulous shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.”

“The patio area is made for relaxing and entertaining. It’s fenced off from the annexe garden and it’s private and safe for children and animals as it’s fully enclosed. It’s very peaceful here and I feel so lucky that we have been able to enjoy all it has to offer.”

“The cellar was originally used for storage and I rarely went down there but we added external access and converted it into a multipurpose space with a shower for our dog and laundry facilities, so we come home from long muddy walks and it’s easy to get everyone clean without having to walk through the main living space. I’m probably in there 3 or 4 times a day now and I think it’s my favourite room in the whole house along with the master bedroom which is my sanctuary as it’s quiet and tranquil with amazing proportions.”*

* 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

A spacious and bright landing with double-glazed side windows, one with a window seat and a feature stone mullion rear window looking over the garden. High level cupboards house the RCD consumer units, radiator, down lighters, door and stairs to the second floor bedroom. The main bedroom is a really attractive room with an exposed stone wall, wide Elm floor boards and a castiron radiator. Original cupboards, side window with seat below. The en-suite has a shower enclosure with a rainwater showerhead and mixer attachment, quality tumbled limestone tiles, washstand with cupboards beneath and a white basin, low-level WC. Down lighters, extractor fan, leaded light side window.

Bedroom 2 has a vaulted ceiling with exposed purlins and cross beams, wide Elm floor boards, radiator with cover. Two dormer windows, door and step down to a wardrobe area incorporating the hot water cylinder. Bedroom 3 is a cosy double bedroom, single wardrobe and a side window with seat below. The family bathroom has a stunning white slipper bath with mixer tap and shower head attachment, corner shower enclosure with a Matki shower unit, curved tray and doors. Quality limestone wall tiles, low-level WC, wooden washstand with an ornate stone basin and mixer tap. Ladder radiator, down lighters, large circular mirror, side window.

SECOND FLOOR

The second floor has a gentle staircase with hand rail and balustrade up to a fabulous secret bedroom. This triangular room does have limited headroom but more than makes up for that by offering the best nights sleep in the house, if not the village! There are handsome cruck beams and purlins, loft storage, cold water header tank, light point. A double-glazed gable window allows a great view of the rear garden, a lovely room to offer to occasional visitors.

OUTSIDE

Front Garden & Parking Facilities

The Old Rectory is centrally situated in the village with high wooden gates opening to the shingle driveway providing room to park 3 standard vehicles. There is a stunning Yew Tree and 4m laurel hedging retaining privacy across the frontage. There is a well, and a colourful split level cottage garden nicely stocked with annuals, roses, alliums, hydrangeas, gladiolus and buddleias. There is a garden shed, refuse bin store, metal oil tank and a cold-water supply. Trellis fencing and newly erected gates separate the garden areas making it safe for young families or dog owners.

Rear Garden

The rear garden is mainly west-facing (check) and measures around 68ft deep by 54ft wide. The garden runs gently uphill towards the rear fencing where there is a fine Maple tree. The borders are all well-stocked with an wrought-iron rose arch and a fine range of annuals including roses, red robins, a bay tree, gladiolus, poppies, buddleias and a wisteria. There is a flowering cherry tree and privet hedging, there is a raised private seating area with steps down to the kitchen door.

Detached Stone Annexe

The original garage has been skilfully converted in to a compact & bijou self-contained facility, It comprises of a large open plan double bedroom and a well-equipped kitchenette, serviced by a smart shower room. This could now satisfy many needs, guest accommodation, a studio or occasional visitors. The most beneficial usage would be for providing a passive income stream as an Airbnb, as there are few villages as pretty and sought after as Wroxton village is with its Duck Pond and Wroxton Abbey as well and The Wroxton Hotel.

LOCATION

Wroxton village is around 3 miles to the west of Banbury and has always been a very popular destination for tourists with its wonderful selection of thatched and period houses dotted throughout its winding lanes. Wroxton Abbey is a fine Jacobean country house on the site of a former Augustinian priory. Since 1965 Wroxton Abbey has been home to Fairleigh Dickinson University and its grounds are again open to the public. There is a 13th century Church and a Church of England primary school. Sadly both public houses are closed at present, but The Wroxton House Hotel does have a good restaurant and bar. The M40 (J11) is around 4 miles away 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 ‘F’.

Current Payable £3,141.01p PA

Services

Mains electricity, water, private drainage, oil-fired central heating to radiators, BT (fast broadband should typically deliver around 69Mbps download, and over 18Mbps upload speeds).

Viewing Arrangements

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

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm.

Saturday 9am - 5pm.

Sunday By prior arrangement

Important Information

The current owner recently discovered evidence of knotweed in a small section of the garden, so this is being treated by a management plan with an insurance backed policy and is treated and monitored annually.

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 reach the T-junction at The Barley Mow at the top of the Warwick Road. Turn left here on to the A422 Stratford Road driving through Drayton and after a further mile you will enter Wroxton with The Wroxton House Hotel on your right. Just after The White Horse (currently closed) turn sharp left down Mills Lane, passing the famous duck pond on your right. After just 400 yards The Old Rectory can be easily found on your left with a Fine & Country board outside.

Guide price £900,000

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 09929046. VAT No. 232999961

Registered Office 5 Regent Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2PE copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

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 28.09.2023

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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