Great Bourton, Banbury, Oxfordshire

HILL HOUSE

Great Bourton is a delightful village very close to Banbury and here, in its elevated setting, stands this magnificent family home. A large, Georgian property, built in local ironstone, it has been the much adored family home for the present owners since 1969.

GROUND FLOOR

A central, wide timber door opens to the bright entrance hall with stairs rising gently to the first floor. A rear double glazed door allows natural light to flood in and provides a fine vista across the rear garden. A further door leads down to the cellar rooms with good headroom and lighting. The drawing room features an open fireplace with wood burning stove, hearth and fender with a marble surround. There are typically high ceilings, skirtings and picture rails. Leaded light rear window and door, sash window overlooking the frontage. Door to a study, or small craft room also with front window, Connecting larger room that could provide a home office, whilst having an en suite shower room, it could be used an occasional guest bedroom. Across the hall is a spacious dining room also featuring an open fireplace with original deep red inset tiling and an ornate marble surround. Picture rail, high ceiling and skirting boards, sash front window with shutters.

The rear hall connects to a versatile room that could be either a breakfast room or a play room. Tiled floor, storage cupboard, front sash window with shutters. The kitchen has base and eye-level wooden fronted units, tiled work surfaces, stainless steel sink unit, plumbing facilities, built in dresser unit, oil-fired Aga with two hotplates. There are front and side windows with door to the rear hall.

This connects to the main entrance hall with a cast-iron radiator, door to the secondary staircase, rear window with shutters, access to the laundry room and connected rooms. The single storey existing extension comprises a large split level laundry room with a double stainless steel sink unit, plumbing facilities, arched side window. The workshop/boiler room houses the Worcester oil-fired boiler, enamel sink, gardener’s loo, rear window. A flagstone corridor houses the RCD consumer unit and a wide timber door leads to the rear garden.

Seller Insight

It was for professional reasons that my parents moved into the area, and Hill House with its fabulous position within the village, its close proximity to everything required, was to be an idyllic home for themselves and their young family. The house required much TLC, but my father had the necessary skills and knowledge and passion to renovate and bring back to life such a beautiful home. High ceilings, beautiful sash windows with shutters, wonderful fireplaces all reflect the style and elegance of this period. A very comfortable, welcoming home with lots of space and functional rooms, each one with a fabulous outlook, together with its own individual personality. As both my parents were professionals the study was a peaceful safe haven for them to continue their work, whilst the garden provided the perfect space for them to unwind after a long day, alongside lots of areas for us children to pursue our interests. The dining room, with its distinctive decor is quite special, especially when the fire is roaring, candles are lit and prepared for those unique evenings my parents enjoyed. However, first and foremost, it has been an amazing family home for us all.”

“The garden has been very much the domain of Veronica who is passionate about her garden. It is very spacious and full of endless colour, variety and interest. We could play out here with our friends from dawn until dusk and the garden has been the focus for many events, not least of which has been the village fete. We also resurrected an ancient tennis court and had space for ponies. In addition, there are quite special areas in which to enjoy relaxation or al fresco dining.”

“The village has a very strong sense of community, with lots of activities taking place in its village hall. The pub is a popular meeting place and there are lots of opportunities to pursue wide ranging leisure opportunities nearby. The local countryside is quite stunning, whilst Banbury is where supermarkets and other amenities are available. Oxford is also very convenient to visit.”

“This has been a fabulous family home, but it is time for a new family to unpack their bags and to enjoy their life in this brilliant family home in this equally amazing location.”*

* 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 two secondary glazed leaded light rear windows allowing natural light to flood in from the south, there is also a sash window with shutters to the west. Walk in airing cupboard housing a fully lagged hot water cylinder with electric immersion, fitted shelving, separate WC. The spacious family bathroom has a modern white suite with a side window. The principle bedroom has two double wardrobes with a front sash window providing open countryside views. The adjacent shower room has a three-piece suite with a rear window, thus could easily be adapted to form an ensuite to the main bedroom.

The second bedroom has two single wardrobes, recessed shelving, wash-hand basin. Loft access, small rear window, front sash window providing similar views over the neighbouring stone houses. The adjacent single bedroom five also has a front sash window, and would easily convert to a nursery/dressing room, or an ensuite bathroom to this spacious and bright bedroom. Bedroom three is also a bright double room with fitted shelving and a front sash window. Bedroom four has a small loft access and a front sash window.

OUTSIDE Front Garden

Hill House is nicely perched just behind the village green protected by an ivy and holly hedgerow to the front. There is a two tiered front lawn forming a ha-ha. There is a mature holly tree, laurel bush and a flowering cherry tree. The front slate border has roses and snow-drops planted. There are steps leading around the side of the house connecting to the impressive frontage of this charming house

Garages & Parking

A tarmac driveway rises gently and curves from the village road around the left of the property leading to an area suitable for 5 or 6 standard vehicles to be parked. The garage attached to the boiler room would be levelled to accommodate the extension plans. The large detached garage has a pitched slate roof with boarded loft, light, inspection pit, with an up & over door and rear window.

Rear Garden

Directly behind the property is a private level south-facing formal garden with an ornamental pond, well-stocked colourful flower borders and a fig tree. This area is enclosed by 3m Victorian walling providing a serene place to spend time outside. Beyond two mature holly trees and a large bay tree the garden splays off to the east and west, slightly undulating in parts. There are plum, apple and pear trees, along with many more established trees and heavily planted borders throughout the garden. The Atlas plastic oil tank is tucked to the left of the detached garage just inside the left flank. In the far left corner is an old greenhouse and wood store, along with a brick stable and a useful machinery storage shed. There is a large productive kitchen garden, where the best views are to be enjoyed to the north and east towards Cropredy village. The plot extends to around 0.72 an acre, and is predominantly south-facing, forming a fitting backdrop to this very attractive late 18th century family home.

LOCATION

Great Bourton is a pretty small village, with strong links to both Little Bourton and nearby Cropredy. Situated just over 2 miles to the north of Banbury just off the A423 Southam Road. All Saints Church is one of only three churches in the country to have a separate bell tower thanks to Architect William White in 1863. The Bell village public house is closed at present, but there are two public houses in the nearby larger village of Cropredy where there is also Mulberries coffee shop and a useful village store on the bridge. There are several excellent farm shops nearby including Carpenters near Warmington. The Falcon is a very popular restaurant, The Moon & Sixpence restaurant is also just across the M40 in Hanwell. The M40 (J11) is 3 miles to the south giving fast access to the motorway network, Birmingham airport is 38 miles and 43 minutes away. Regular trains from Banbury give access to Marylebone, London in around an hour.

Services

Mains electricity, water, drainage, oil-fired central heating to radiators, BT (34.6 Mbps download, 9 Mbps upload) are typical broadband speeds.

Tenure

Freehold

Local Authority

Cherwell District Council

Telephone (01295) 227000

Council Tax Band: ‘G’

Current Payable £3,456.73p PA

Planning Permission

Permission was granted in September 2022 to demolish the existing rear garage and lean-to car port, coupled with internal alterations to allow a two-storey rear extension to be constructed. A copy of this consent with associated drawings can be obtained from the agent. It can also be fully inspected on the planning portal of the Cherwell district Council website with an application reference of 22/02952/F.

Viewing Arrangements

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

Directions

From the Banbury Cross, head northwards to the main crossroads at the Three Pigeons public house. Go straight ahead passing Waitrose and the large Banbury town cemetery on your left. At the next roundabout go directly ahead passing Tesco on your left hand side. Go straight over the next small roundabout and continue up the hill on the A423 for just over 1.5 miles, then turn right towards Cropredy and Great Bourton. Just after the village Church on your left, you take the next right turning at the village green where ‘Hill House’ is easy to recognise directly in front of you.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm

Saturday 9.00am - 3pm

Sunday By prior arrangement

Guide price £1,100,000

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 16.03.2023

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 32 years with Elizabeth, (his wife of 37 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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