Risborough Road, Aylesbury, HP17

The house was constructed around 1933 on "Glebe-Land" (an area of land belonging to the Church) and believed to have been occupied by the Bishop of Oxford. Set behind electrically-operated gates and approached via a sweeping driveway culminating in a turning circle, the house sits well back from the road in an elevated position and offers views over the Vale of Aylesbury to the front.
Over the past few years, the current owners have extensively renovated and extended the house to a high standard, creating a luxurious family home. Entry to the house is gained by means of a covered porch with an attractive stained glass window in the door, complementing the black and white tiled hall flooring. A study to the right, and overlooking the front, has been fitted with bespoke Strachan furniture. The sitting room is highly contemporary with a stylish electric fire beneath the integrated Bang & Olufsen screen and speakers. The dining room is adjacent with highly polished tiled flooring which runs through to the spectacular and wonderfully spacious, state-of-the-art kitchen/breakfast room. It is triple aspect with floor to ceiling windows along the entire rear wall with double doors; perfect for entertaining and enjoying the views across the gardens.
The kitchen itself is clearly the domain of a serious chef. Designed by Ebberns, it comprises a bank of integrated AEG appliances. There is a large integrated fridge/freezer and an oversized dishwasher. The work surfaces are corian with an inset induction hob on the island. To the eastern end of the house, there is a dual aspect family room (again with a Bang & Olufsen television screen and speakers) and a utility room with fitted appliances and a door from the exterior; ideal for muddy dogs and children. Two cloakrooms complete the ground floor accommodation.
Rising to the first floor via the Abbot-Wade oak staircase and galleried landing, there are four bedrooms, three of which have fitted bath or shower rooms. The principal suite is the height of luxury with a spacious en suite bathroom; one can admire the glorious views from the comfort of the roll-top bath. The bedroom itself is dual aspect with an adjoining dressing room, both of which are fitted with Strachan furniture. There is also a family bathroom on this level. On the second floor, the fifth bedroom/guest space could be converted to a self-contained apartment, subject to the usual planning consents. At present it serves as a useful "chill out" zone with a Bang & Olufsen television screen and speakers, plus storage room for the hot water tank.
Interesting design and ergonomic features include louvered wooden shutters in many of the rooms, a solar panel on the roof and underfloor heating in the dining room, kitchen, hall and bedrooms.

Outside

The drive branches off to the left of the house and leads to a double garage with an up-and-over electric door whilst the double garage next to the house has been converted to a gym and workshop. A passage runs between the workshop and the house and, set into the wall, one can appreciate the fascinating bronze engraving of The Last Supper dating back to the Bishop of Oxford's time in residence. A door opens to a staircase descending to the wine cellar beneath the house.
The grounds are a joy to behold. Gardens surround the house providing year-round colour. In addition to the more formal landscaped areas of lawn and flower beds, there is a paddock and a woodland area offering the best of the far-reaching views over the Vale of Aylesbury. A heated swimming pool, enclosed by mature hedging and fencing, is located in an easterly position, making the most of the summer afternoon sun. There is a summer house/"pub" on the large lower deck, exemplifying how well this property lends itself to entertaining. Other external noteworthy features include a sun deck with hot tub, barbeque hut, a greenhouse and several storage sheds.

Situation

Located in a semi-rural position at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, there are two Ofsted-rated "Good" primary schools nearby and a charming 14th century church in Little Kimble. Princes Risborough is two miles away, offering everyday and specialised shopping, leisure facilities, pubs, restaurants and a station with a fast train service to London Marylebone in approximately 40 minutes. For golf enthusiasts, there are two clubs in the vicinity (Whiteleaf and Ellesborough). The property is bordered by the Ridgeway walk to the west, the Chequers estate to the east and surrounded by superb countryside which offers a comprehensive network of footpaths, bridle paths and areas of historical interest. Buckinghamshire is renowned for its state and private education including grammar schools, details of which may be obtained from the local authority.