Skyline, Ambrosden, Oxfordshire

Inspired by Santiago Calatrava’s Ysios winery, this dramatic three-bedroom house in Ambrosden, Oxfordshire, was featured on Grand Designs in 2022. Recently winning the prize for Architectural Single Residence at the UK Property Awards, the building takes a distinctive form with double-height glazing and unique diagonal larch cladding that contrasts against its steely aluminium frame. The house is a five-minute drive from Bicester Station, which runs a direct service to London Marylebone in just over an hour, and is around a 30-minute drive from Oxford.

The Tour

At first sight, the extraordinary structure of the house creates a distinctive silhouette against the sky above. The spaces within are organised around the principles of height, light and volume. Beautiful views across surrounding woodland and greenery create a sense of elevation, hence the name 'Skyline'. There is a run of solar panels on the house's roof.

The entrance leads to the hallway, which has an excellent provision of storage, into the kitchen and dining room. Soaring panes of glazing draw the eye upwards towards the lofty ceiling heights, with bifold doors unfolding out towards the garden. On the ground floor, there is a handy shower room with a sliding door mechanism.

The kitchen has integrated AEG appliances within black cabinetry, as well as an island that doubles up as a breakfast bar. Worktops are a contemporary laminate made from compressed paper and echo the industrial materials used throughout, such as the reclaimed scaffolding boards from the build that have been repurposed as shelving. A wooden staircase ascends to a mezzanine living area, where there is an abundance of natural light.

Situated on the second floor, the remarkable main bedroom has a wonderfully secluded feel. Floor-to-ceiling bifold doors open out fully to a decked balcony, creating a seamlessness between indoors and out while framing views towards the ancient woodland of Graven Hill. The en suite is central to the layout of the room, with a freestanding bath and double sink beneath a skylight.

The house's two other bedrooms are on the first floor. Both have mezzanine sleeping areas above versatile living space, which opens directly to a decked terrace area.

Outside Space

Large bifold doors lead out onto a decked patio garden with bamboo planters that provide privacy. The garden is divided into two levels, with a studio tucked to one end.

The Area

There are ample amenities nearby, including a cafe that sells daily essentials and a dentist within walking distance. Soho Farmhouse is a 30-minute drive away. Ambrosden itself is a characterful village on the outskirts of Oxford that has a pub, library and Grade-II* listed parish church that dates to the 12th century. The nearby market town of Bicester is filled with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the famous shopping village. Local favourites for coffee and pastries include Savoir Fare, set within Garth Park, and Spokes Coffee Shop.

Oxford is around a 30-minute drive south, with its brilliant museums, breathtaking architecture and impressive culinary scene. Gee’s is a perennial favourite restaurant set in a Victorian conservatory, while the Turf Tavern and The Bear are cosy spots to hunker down on a chilly afternoon. The Ashmolean is Britain’s oldest museum and has an extensive permanent collection as well as changing exhibitions. We’ve written more about our recommendations in Oxford in our Journal.

The house is near an excellent range of private and state schools, including Langford Village Community Primary School and Graven Hill Primary School. Nearby Whitelands Academy and The Bicester School both have “Good” ratings from Ofsted.

Bicester Station provides fast direct commuter services to Oxford, Reading and London Marylebone. Road links are equally excellent, with the A41 a short drive away for connection to the M40.

Council Tax Band: D