Lower End, Leafield, Witney

A Magnificent Grade II Listed Victorian former Vicarage on the edge of Leafield, Oxfordshire

Nestled on the edge of the charming village of Leafield, Oxfordshire, this exceptional Grade II listed Victorian former Vicarage built with Cotswold Stone, designed by the renowned architect Giles Gilbert-Scott, offers a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and historic family home, with its period features intact. Originally built in 1851 as part of a visionary Gothic development to replace the collapsed Way Chapel, this majestic property is a true testament to architectural grandeur.

Key Features:

• 7 Bedrooms
• 4 Reception rooms and additional eat in kitchen
• Substantial and Elegant Living Spaces from a formal central hallway
• 5318 square feet internal excluding garaging
• Substantial wine cellars
• Grade II Listing, preserving historical character
• Located in Leafield, Oxfordshire – A picturesque village setting with views over open fields
• Set within generous gardens and grounds in excess of 1.3 acres

A Home of Historic Significance

This beautiful home has intact period features throughout, from its intricate Gothic design to the craftsmanship of its build, to restored stone mullion windows with internal shutters, and flagstone floors. With dramatic rooms, displaying high ceilings, for formal entertaining this house retains its original charm while offering the comfort and convenience expected from a home of this calibre. The property was thoughtfully refurbished by the present owner in 1989 with extensive upgrades, including a new wiring system, central heating, and plumbing, ensuring the house offers modern living alongside its Victorian elegance. With the same owner still in residence some 36 years later, the house is now awaiting a new owners decorative touch.

This historic mansion offers generous proportions throughout, with a seamless flow from room to room, making it ideal for family living with a good separation of living areas. The flagstone floors keep the house cool in summer, while the thick, sturdy walls ensure warmth in the winter months. Its unique combination of space, character, and functionality creates a perfect balance for those seeking a home full of history, yet one that is perfectly suited for contemporary life, with plenty of substantial rooms for separate home offices.

The house is set within its own grounds with just the church and a former coach house as neighbours. The house has a long private driveway taking you away from the road, behind the church, whilst also having an additional entrance. The house sits within lawns, and has charming rural views over open fields. The surrounding gardens have a sense of peaceful tranquillity, blending seamlessly with the property’s heritage.

The former Vicarage has enjoyed a fascinating history, attracting attention from the world of television and film. In 1997, it was featured as a central location in a popular episode of Jonathan Creek (“Danse Macabre”), where its dramatic setting was showcased in a thrilling Halloween storyline. This project led to significant upgrades to the property, including a re-leaded roof and extensive interior renovations. In addition, the house has also been used for a Channel 4 pop video.

This is a truly rare opportunity to acquire a substantial, historic property in one of Oxfordshire’s most picturesque villages with its historic features intact. The former Vicarage, now called Leafield House offers an enviable blend of grandeur, history, and modern living, making it the perfect setting for those wishing to continue the legacy of this remarkable house.

LOCATION
• 17 Miles from Oxford
• 8 minute walk to the local village shop.
• Just 5 miles from Witney which has a variety of shops and supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose, M&S, Coop and Lidl.

Charlbury station is just 4 miles away, and contains direct trains to London Paddington every hour of the day from 6:12am to 11:49pm.

Local state schools include:
Leafield Church of England primary school A primary school for boys and girls aged 5 to 11, rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.
Burford School - A secondary school offering education for students aged 11 to 18.
The Henry Box School - A secondary school in Witney for students aged 11 to 18.

Private schools include:
Cokethorpe School - An independent day
school also in Witney for boys and girls aged 4 to 18.
Sibford School - An independent co-educational day and boarding school in Banbury for children aged 3 to 18.


There are also a number of good state and private schools situated in Oxford – 17 miles away. Some of which include the renowned Dragon prep School for children aged 4 - 13 and Abingdon school – a private boarding school for children aged 11 – 18.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact us directly.

Council tax band H