Cete House, Oxford, Oxfordshire

Built in 1960 and latterly renovated by multi-award-winning Níall McLaughlin Architects, this remarkable four-bedroom house lies to the south of Oxford city centre, next to Bagley Wood and within 1.5 acres of its own arboreal grounds. Its profile is arresting: south-facing banks of wide and tall two-storey-high glazing provides the house's lateral living spaces with verdant views and plenty of natural light.



The Architect



Níall McLaughlin Architects is a practice that designs high quality modern architecture for a range of clients. It is known for its collaborative, holistic approach to design. They strive to develop and realise projects in an ethical, and socially aware manner, ultimately contributing positively to the wider societies they serve. The practice has a number of accolades, including the RIBA Stephen Lawrence Award and the prestigious Stirling Prize.



The Tour



Encircled by tall mature trees, the house has a distinctly secluded feel. A gravel-laid driveway extends in the front, with space to park four cars. The primary point of entry is here, though several doors built into its exterior facilitate easy passage between inside and out.



Its profile is demure at first glance, timber-clad to its upper part with brick below. It is at rear, southerly part of the building that the full brilliance of its design can be understood: two storeys of timber-framed glazing stretch across the entire breadth of the house, amplifying a sense of volume, light and openness in the process. Sliding doors open the space to the gardens in warm weather.



The living spaces occupy the majority of this area and are loosely delineated between sitting and dining areas. White-painted walls call attention to the soaring ceiling heights and pair effortlessly with the hardwood flooring that runs underfoot. Bookcases along one wall provide plenty of space for a personal library, and a fireplace set into a subtle dividing wall lends a cosy atmosphere during the winter.



Left open to the dining room, the kitchen branches off from the living spaces. It takes its cue from the house’s overarching proclivity for crisp, clean lines, with banks of smart white units and three countertops. Dual-aspect windows draw in more brightness and present a verdant backdrop. There is a Smeg range set centrally and an Bosch fridge/freezer is integrated.



A study sits at the opposite end of the reception space and has a stretched picture window along one wall framed by iroko panels. It has a second door to the gardens; as such, it also would make for a convenient and private guest suite.



Sculptural birch ply stairs ascend to the house’s first floor, which ascends next to a set of four square windows, each stacked atop one another. Upstairs, an open, light-filled gallery connects the house’s four bedrooms and is bounded by a matching birch ply balustrade.



The house’s principal bedroom is at the westerly end of the plan. A spectacular iroko-framed contemporary box bay with clerestory windows and a Juliet balcony on one side makes the room exceptionally well lit and sets it in a near unbroken dialogue with the outdoors. The opposite end of the room is lined with a generous bank of built-in cupboards.



A smart shower room lies opposite, while a second shower room sits at the easterly end of the plan and serves the remaining three double bedrooms. All are bright and spacious, with garden views and the same hardwood floors underfoot. The two rooms at the southerly edge of the plan have shared access to a balcony with steps down to the garden below.



Outdoor Space



Grounds of wildflowers embrace the house and are dotted with oak, sweet chestnut and tulip trees. A terrace abuts the living spaces and provides plenty of sheltered space, care of a timber overhang, for entertaining and dining outdoors. Beyond, a large swathe of lawn is perfect for a summertime kick-about or for relaxing in the southerly light.



A circular shed lies in the grounds and is used a storage space, while a separate barn serves as storage for garden equipment. There is a brilliant Alitex greenhouse where the current owners grow mimosa, jasmine and oriental ginger.



Direct access is granted to Bagley Wood - an ancient tract of land owned by St John’s College, Oxford - via a private footpath.



The Area



To the south of Oxford’s city centre, Cete House is within close proximity of several beautiful green spaces. Bagley Wood is accessible from the house’s gardens, while South Hinksey Community Woodland, Iffley Meadows and Aston’s Eyot - where the rivers Cherwell and Thames meet - are only slightly further north. Other popular parks include Port Meadow in picturesque Jericho, Christ Church Meadow and University Parks.



The centre of the city can be reached in around 15 minutes by bike. Known for what Victorian poet Matthew Arnold termed the 'dreaming spires', Oxford is shaped by its breathtakingly romantic architecture. It is home to some brilliant museums including the Ashmolean, the Pitt Rivers and Christ Church Picture Gallery.



It has a fantastic culinary scene, of which Gees, Arbequina and Pierre Victoire are particular stand-outs. There are plenty of pubs, including Turf Tavern, The Bear and The Perch, which sits on the periphery of Port Meadow.



We’ve written more about our recommendations in Oxford in our Journal.



There are several state-run and private schooling options nearby, including St Swithun’s CofE Primary School, Chandlings Prep, Radley College and Magdalen College School.



Oxford station is a 14-minute drive, or 20-minute cycle, from the house; services run to London Paddington in as little as 52 minutes. The A40 can be easily reached for connections to the capital as well as the Chilterns.



Council Tax Band: G