The Causeway, Steventon, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13

Historic and beautiful Grade II* family home.

Description

Under the stewardship of the current owners, The Priory has undergone a thoughtful programme of restoration, creating a spacious and highly liveable family home with further scope for enhancement. Believed to date in parts from the 14th century, this exceptional Grade II* listed house is steeped in history. Once part of the Manor of Steventon—granted by King Henry I to a Norman abbey—the property later passed to Westminster Abbey. In the 20th century, it was linked to the Ferguson Gang, a secretive group of female philanthropists who supported the National Trust. Period features are abundant: ancient beams, original fireplaces, oak panelling, and a wealth of architectural character throughout.

The kitchen/breakfast room is both practical and welcoming, with a four-door Aga, granite worktops, Belfast sink, quarry-tiled floor, walk-in pantry and central island. Adjacent is a large, characterful drawing room with a restored open fireplace and crossed-beam ceiling, along with a formal dining room, sitting room, study, laundry room, all readily accessible from the central wood-panelled entrance hall with its oak staircase and chequerboard floor. Upstairs, the principal suite includes a dressing room and marble-finished bathroom; a further guest suite, three additional bedrooms, family bathroom, nursery and loft bedroom complete the upper floors.

The house is accessed from the picturesque Causeway and occupies a private position tucked away in the heart of Steventon. The gardens, enclosed by red brick walls, extend to around one acre and are thoughtfully arranged into distinct areas. These include the cottage garden, a large lawn, a productive orchard and vegetable beds. A magnificent timber-framed barn, directly connected to the main house, offers impressive entertaining space. A second timber barn has been converted into a heated indoor swimming pool with adjoining changing and shower rooms, and a Victorian-style greenhouse. The timber-framed double garage includes a full-sized mezzanine and had previously secured (now lapsed) planning permission for conversion to ancillary accommodation. Various brick outbuildings and a cobbled courtyard complete the picture.

Location

Steventon is a thriving village with a cricket club, primary school, artisan bakery, supermarket, Post Office and three well-regarded pubs.

The area offers a broad and high-quality selection of schools, both state and private. Oxford, Abingdon and Didcot are easily accessible, and nearby transport links include the A34 and Didcot Parkway, with direct trains to London Paddington from 37 minutes.

Square Footage: 4,465 sq ft


Acreage: 1 Acres

Directions

From the A34 Milton Interchange take the A4130 towards Wantage. After 0.5 miles turn right to Steventon. After about half a mile turn left onto The Causeway. Continue over the railway crossing and take the second left turning and The Priory will be seen after a short distance on the right.

Additional Info

Oxford 13 miles, Abingdon 4miles, Newbury 18 miles, Didcot Parkway (London Paddington from 42 minutes)
4 miles, central London 67 miles (all distances are approximate).

Founded by Henry I, The Priory was not a true monastery, but rather a grange or farm administered by a Prior. During the Hundred Years War, the Priory fell on hard times and was sold into private ownership. It was eventually returned to the crown, namely Richard II, who in 1399 bequeathed it to Westminster Abbey who retained ownership until the last century.

With Grade II* listing, the house is of great historic interest with many architectural features preserved.

All mains services are connected. Gas-fired central heating. Superfast broadband available.

Council Tax - Band G