Harcourt Hill, Oxford, OX2

Harcourt Hill  

Striking the perfect chord between tradition and modernity, light-filled living awaits on Harcourt Hill, in this individually designed home on the cusp of Oxford and within a short stroll to open fields and countryside.  

Country living on the cusp of the city 

Bathed in light, and nestled beneath its characterful roof of thatch, experience the serenity of rural living, with all the convenience of the city on the doorstep. Completed in 2003 before being extended and reconfigured over the years, spacious and versatile rooms entreat within. 

Tucked back along a wending driveway, beyond mature trees and lawns enclosed by post and rail fencing, traditional thatch crowns the red brick façade of this warm and welcoming home. Parking is plentiful along the driveway and within the double garage. 

Beech hedging wraps around the side of the home, fringing the lush green lawn in autumnal gold. Shelter beneath the portico entrance, before making your way indoors. 

A warm welcome 

Emerging in the entrance hall, stairs lead up directly ahead, whilst to the walls, the oak panelling, installed in 2017 imbues a characterful feel to this modern family home. Warmth from the underfloor heating pervades, creating a welcoming feel upon arrival home. 

Feast your eyes on the elegant dining kitchen to the right. Made by Stoneham, inlaid light oak cabinetry offers ample storage, whilst granite worktops in Nero Africa provide plenty of preparation space for family mealtimes. Light toned tiling flows out underfoot, balancing the warm tones of the oak cabinets and drawers with a fresh, contemporary feel.  

Flavourful features 

Ignite your culinary creativity, with space for a Rangemaster cooker and space for an American style fridge freezer within the fitted cupboard units.  Light also streams in through French doors, inviting you to dine alfresco in the beautifully landscaped garden. Alongside an integrated dishwasher, a utility room just off the kitchen provides further storage space, with plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer. With its double height ceiling and traditional suspended airer, this is the perfect place to dry off waterproofs and muddy boots after a morning exploring the countryside nearby. 

Work from home in comfort and convenience, in the warm toned décor of the peaceful study found to the left of the entrance hall. Fitted in 2005, cherry wood shelving and cabinetry provides space for all your important documents and books, with views out over the driveway and garden. 

Cosy spaces 

Next door, oak panelling meets apple green walls in the cosy snug, the perfect spot in which to curl up and unwind with a book. In summer, double doors open out to invite the outdoors in. 

Freshen up in the cloakroom across the way, furnished with wash basin and WC, before making your way right along the inner hallway. A home ever connected to the outdoors, French doors open into the garden. 

Heart and hearth 

Tucked off the inner hallway on the right, the dining room is a sociable hub, bathed in light from windows and double doors opening to the garden. Traditional touches include chair rails and elegant cornicing, with so much space for a large dining table when it’s time to entertain. 

Imbuing the living room with warmth and cheer, the handsome exposed stone inglenook fireplace features a gas living flame fire and is the focal point of the room. Cosily carpeted underfoot, light serenades the space from windows to both sides, whilst double doors open to the dining room, allowing for an easy flow on special occasions and celebrations. Fitted cabinetry provides space for books and treasured possessions. 

Ascending the stairs to the first-floor landing, make your way through to the principal suite at the rear.  

And so to bed… 

Overflowing with light, the principal suite exudes classic elegance, offering ample room for a sleigh bed, and dressed in delicate floral-patterned wallpaper in muted tones. Warm lighting illuminates the room from the sconce lighting, whilst the glass-panelled doors of the built-in wardrobe amplify the airy, spacious feel of the room. Soft shades of green bring a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary to this serene and sophisticated retreat. 

Stash all your seasonal attire in the built-in English Wardrobe Company wardrobes of the newly fitted dressing room, ensuring a serene and clutter free sleeping space. 

Refresh and revive in the stylish, spa-style, Villeroy & Boch furnished ensuite, warmed by underfloor heating and featuring a blend of modern and natural elements. Recharge your senses with a soak in the freestanding oval bath tub or unwind after a busy day at work in the steam room shower.  

Refresh and revive 

Crisp white walls and large, light-coloured tiles elevate the deep chestnut accent wall behind the sleek, minimalist, wall mounted vanity unit, furnished with twin wash basins, also affording plenty of storage. Also furnished with heated towel rails, natural light streams in through the classic leaded windowpanes. 

With feature walls of contrasting zesty green and cherry red, two guest bedrooms can be found to the front of the first floor; bedroom two, furnished with its own shower room ensuite, and bedroom three, with access to the capacious family bathroom.  

White marble tiling features underfoot in the bathroom, with white tiling to the lower walls for a classic feel. An archway frames and provides distinction to the bath, which features a showerhead attachment, with a separate shower also available. 

Versatile living 

Up on the second floor, the family room is a cosy and versatile space with a stylish, modern-rustic feel. Traced by beams, the vaulted ceiling lends an airy and open atmosphere, whilst soft lighting shines down from the eclectic glass pendant lights adding warmth and a touch of elegance. 

Flexible and spacious, this room is currently zoned to provide a comfortable seating area gathered around the cushioned window seats, alongside a central dining space, with a built-in workspace also providing a practical home office setup, ideal for those working from home. Underfoot, classic herringbone wood effect vinyl flooring flows out resonating with the rural setting. A versatile space, it could serve as a guest suite or playroom for teenagers. 

Two further, bountiful double bedrooms on this level, bedecked with high, sloping ceilings, complete the complement of five bedrooms. 

Further enhancing the scope of use on this upper floor is a handy kitchenette with built-in appliances, and shower room, providing the potential for self-contained living. 

 Outdoor oasis 

Originally landscaped in 2008, the rear courtyard garden is a private and picturesque retreat. Wrapping around the home, gardens provide ample space for entertaining and relaxation. Hidden patio seating areas offer quiet corners in which to unwind, pockets of privacy framed by planting, while soothing water features enhance the tranquil atmosphere.  

The manicured, flat lawn is perfect for ball games and a haven for wildlife, enclosed by mature beech hedging and dotted with sculpted trees that add charm and character making it the ideal garden for children and grown-ups alike. 

Out and about 
Enjoy all the bliss of rurality, with easy access to a host of delectable dining options. A favourite local spot is The Fishes, just a walk away in nearby North Hinksey village. 

For a wider selection, Oxford’s vibrant culinary scene is just a short journey away, boasting an array of restaurants, cafés, and pubs to suit every palate. 

A paradise for walkers and nature lovers, numerous walks unfurl from the doorstep. Nearby 

Raleigh Park is a perfect spot for dog walking, just across the road, whilst for a peaceful tree lined escape, The Hurst is also close by. 

Happy Valley Nature Reserve and Hinksey Heights are also within easy reach - beautiful green spaces brimming with diverse wildlife and offering stunning views. 

Rural, but not remote, enjoy a leisurely and picturesque Saturday morning stroll along the banks of the river into Oxford. 

Oxford’s schools and colleges are within easy reach, making it an ideal location for families.  

For commuters, both railway and road connections are conveniently accessible.  

A home that effortlessly blends tradition and modern comfort, offering light-filled, versatile living just moments from the history and culture of Oxford yet surrounded by nature, experience the ultimate in spacious and serene family living, here on Harcourt Hill.