Brackley, Northants

THE OLD BARN

A spacious and versatile attached barn conversion nicely tucked away on the outskirts of this popular market town set in 2 acres

GROUND FLOOR

The property has a bright and welcoming entrance hall with full height glazed door and windows. Stairs rise to the first floor, under stairs storage cupboard, tiled floor, exposed brick walling. The connected dining hall also has a tiled floor, exposed stonework, wall light points, full height rear windows and a door to the rear gardens. The spacious living room is a private and cosy room with a fine Inglenook fireplace housing a multi-fuel stove set on the stone hearth. Exposed stone walling and ceiling beams, wall light points. Down lighters, two front windows, double doors open to the covered rear terrace. The spacious front study has internet connectivity with two front windows. The utility room has quality graphite grey fronted base and wall units, space and plumbing for tumble dryer and washing machine. Solid oak work surfaces, acrylic sink unit, tiled floor. Worcester LPG boiler, quality wall tiling, rear door and loft hatch. The re-fitted cloakroom has a tiled floor, low-level WC, washstand, extractor fan, opaque rear window.

The kitchen has been well designed and re-fitted and is a stunning room. It offers a comprehensive range of quality grey fronted base units, two drawer sets, three tall units, glass fronted drinks chiller, Neff integrated induction hob, extractor hood and dishwasher. Samsung fridge/freezer, Bosch microwave, Beko electric double oven. Granite tops, Blanco grey acrylic sink, white fronted eye-level cupboards, breakfast bar. Two contemporary radiators, fitted LG television, tiled flooring, two front windows, double doors opening into the rear garden. The original integral garage was converted in to a versatile family/cinema room with surround sound, air conditioning and quality cupboards. Full height glazed windows and bi-fold doors opening to the frontage, ideal in the summer months. It could be used as an occasional ground floor bedroom or easily be converted back to a garage at limited cost. It has a staircase leading up to a useful storage loft.

Seller Insight

The barn was converted back in 1995, so we were the second owners when we purchased in 1999, and it was in great condition when we bought it. However, in the past few years we’ve given the whole house quite the facelift. It retains an array of traditional features, such as the exposed stone, brick and some lovely old beams, however we’ve now given the interior a much more modern look and feel. We have struck the ideal balance between the old and the new. The layout, with its big rooms and easy flow, has been perfect for everyday family life and entertaining. We did convert the garage into another reception room, which at one point was the kids’ sleepover room, but it’s now a fantastic cinema/family room.”

“The barn sits in around two acres of land, with the largest section being a big L-shaped paddock, half of which is covered with established trees, and it’s also home to a large fish pond. We have really attractive formal gardens both at the front and back. The garden and grounds have been ideal for all of us as there was plenty of space for the children to enjoy when they were young, it’s a lovely place to just sit out and relax in.

What they’ll miss most / why they are leaving: “This is a real hidden gem and we’ve loved every minute of our time here,” says the owner. “We’ll be sad to leave, but it’s time for a new chapter in our lives and it’s also time for a new family to fill the house and enjoy all it has to offer.”

* 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 vaulted landing features exposed stonework and attractive exposed wall and ceiling beams. There are two loft hatches. Full height windows overlook the attractive front garden. Airing cupboard with a large pressurised hot water cylinder and shelving. Cloakroom with an opaque front window. The main bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and purlins. Exposed stone gable wall, dual aspect windows provide some lovely views over the gardens. The en-suite shower room has quality fittings to include a tiled shower enclosure, close-coupled WC, vanity unit with wash-hand basin, eye-level cupboard with fitted mirror. Tiled floor and walls, opaque front window. The original 5th bedroom is being well used as a dressing room with a rear window (could provide a nursery too). Bedroom 2 has a built in double wardrobe, exposed beamed and vaulted ceiling. The full width rear windows provide

a panoramic view over the extensive gardens and paddock land. The en-suite has a shower enclosure with Aqualisa shower unit, ladder radiator, WC, built in wash-hand basin with eye-level cupboard with fitted mirror. Quality floor and wall tiles, shaver point, extractor fan, r ear window.

Bedrooms 3 & 4 are identical rooms (to keep the peace), each has a double fitted wardrobe, one looks over the frontage and the other the fabulous rear. These two rooms can share the re-fitted family bathroom which has a very comfortable corner bath with headrest. Wash-hand basin, WC, quality fitted cupboards, contemporary radiator, shaver point. Smart wall and floor tiles, eye-level cupboard with fitted mirror, opaque front window.

OUTSIDE Front Garden

The Old Barn enjoys a high degree of privacy for an attached property, assisted by a generous and very attractive frontage. To the left of the driveway mature trees, hedgerow and bushes give both shelter and privacy to the three areas of front lawn divided by newly laid paved pathways. There is an ornamental fir tree, circular fishpond and a pergola with a wooden decking base housing the hot tub. There are well-stocked evergreen borders with box privet hedgerow, laurel and spruce trees, garden lighting, cold-water tap, double power point, enclosed in part by 5ft capped brick walling.

Parking Arrangements

Automatic ornate double wrought-iron gates with intercom open to the extensive stone gravelled driveway. This provides excellent parking to the front, ample turning space and a 4m access runs around the right hand side of the barn. This takes you to a larger hard-standing area ideal for a motorhome or horse boxes if required. Otherwise it provides an additional ‘overflow’ car park for larger families or just the busier periods!

Rear Garden, Stables & Workshop

The gardens are very attractive, extensive and private, which is very hard to find in newer farmyard conversions. Directly behind the property is a large level terrace enclosed by wooden picket fencing, decking area and a shingled orchard with young fruit trees. The formal rear garden has a large circular privet hedgerow and a new covered terrace just off the lounge, garden lighting, security cameras, cold-water supply and an outside power point, Daikin air conditioning unit. There is a stable yard with a concrete hard-standing, electricity and water. Extra outside storage includes a stable block with three units and a good size workshop.

The paddock extends well beyond the stables and is laid to lawn interspersed with many trees including fruit, conifer, spruce and fir. The plot is L-shaped with a large pond within the paddock area. The paddock extends to around 1.6 acres and is enclosed by a mixture of wooden fencing with trees and bushes which retain its privacy. The majority of the gardens require little maintenance, and would be ideal for those keen for livestock, whether it be horses, sheep or even the more interesting alpacas! Or, it may be just perfect for a football goal, rugby posts or a circuit for the children’s quad bikes!

Restrictive Covenant

An ‘Overage covenant and Restriction’ in favour of the original developer of the Barns was applied to the paddock when the property was converted in 1994. This covenant entitles the developer to a percentage of any uplift in value over and above its current amenity value, less costs, in the event that the purchasers or their successors in title obtain planning permission for one or more additional dwellings. A copy of the ‘Overage and Restriction’ can be viewed on request.

LOCATION

Brackley is a popular market town with a rich history, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the castle was built soon after this date, and the site ground works remain near Tesco, it was founded on the lace and wool trades. St.Peter’s Church of England Church was built in the 11th century in a typical Norman style. There is a charming town hall, and an extensive range of local businesses, to include beauty salons, butchers, hairdressers, restaurants, cafeterias and GP surgerys. Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Costa and all centrally located. Magdalen College is the senior school, there are now four junior schools in Brackley and there is fee-paying independent schooling at Winchester House or nearby Westbury. Brackley is now home to Mercedes and has a popular Antiques cellar in Draymans Walk. Brackley is located in Northamptonshire, bordering both Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Banbury is 11.6 miles to the NW, and Buckingham just 7.3 miles to the East offering excellent Grammar schooling along with the world renowned Stowe School. There is an extensive range of sporting options open to all. The M40 at Banbury (J11) is around 8 miles away and the nearest 18-hole golf course is in nearby Middleton Cheney that also offers the Chenderit senior school. Regular trains from Banbury providing access to Marylebone, London in around an hour, or Milton Keynes to Euston, London.

Services

Mains electricity, water, private drainage, LPG central heating, current ISP is BT (expected download speed 66.2 Mbps, upload speed 17.3 Mbps).

Local Authority

West Northants District Council.

Telephone (0300) 126 7000.

Council Tax Band ‘G’.

Current Payable £3,513.14p

Tenure

Freehold

EPC: E

Viewing Arrangements

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

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 9.00am - 6pm

Saturday 9.00am - 4pm

Sunday By prior arrangement

Directions

From Banbury head out towards the M40 (J11) on the east side of the town and take the 3rd exit where signposted A422 to Brackley and Buckingham. Continue for just over 6 miles until you arrive at Brackley, turning left at the first roundabout you meet. Turn left again in to Pavillions Way, and stay on this road until you meet the T-junction with the Halse Road. Turn left again here and continue to the very outskirts of the town. Go straight over the next roundabout, then you will see the entrance to Brackley Fields Barns on your right and side very soon afterwards. Drive down the initially shared drive and you will see the electric gates in front of you.

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 01.12.2022

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 32 years with Elizabeth, (his wife of 37 years), so is without doubt a local property expert!

YOU CAN FOLLOW CHRIS ON

“Chris was absolutely superb, he had faith in the true value of our property and achieved a sale that was considerably higher than the closest other valuations of competing agents with similar fees. Chris was very professional and went above and beyond for us, chasing every step through to completion. His service was worth every penny and, as well as being a thoroughly nice chap, he was honest and very responsive - a rare find! Well done Chris and F&C!”

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