Abberbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire

INTRODUCTION
Located on a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of one of Oxfords’ most desirable residential areas this lovely period family home has been thoughtfully extended by the current owners and now benefits from six/seven bedrooms, including an annex extension that offers semi-independent guest accommodation with two ground floor bedrooms, study/snug, sitting room and private bathroom. Benefiting from a large mature garden, this house is the perfect choice for larger families.
Available with NO ONWARD CHAIN.

THE PROPERTY
Apple Cherry House stands on a peaceful tree-lined road in the heart of Iffley village - Oxford’s hidden gem. Built in 1928 it still retains many period features such as timber floors, and all the original doors, but has been extensively refurbished and enhanced by the present owners, with double-glazing throughout as well as energy-efficient insulating external render. It also now boasts a spacious annex extension that offers semi-independent guest accommodation with two ground floor bedrooms, study/snug, sitting room and private bathroom. In addition there is an elegant second-floor principal bedroom suite, and thus it offers unusually spacious and flexible accommodation.

On the Ground Floor -
Entering into the main hallway, on the left is the Drawing room with exposed oak floors and bay window overlooking the front garden. This now adjoins the formerly separate Sitting room, with its cosy log-burner. These two rooms combine to create a large and comfortable space for relaxing or entertaining. From the Sitting room French doors open on to a wide area of decking with outdoor dining area, and steps leading down to the garden at the side and rear of the house.

Returning to the entrance hall, directly ahead is the spacious and practical kitchen/dining room, with range cooker, breakfast bar, and large American-style fridge-freezer set within purpose-built storage units. The integral dining area is incorporated within a large extension to the rear of the original property and benefits from a dual-aspect. There is a large floor-to-ceiling window which overlooks the west-facing decking area, and also an array of bi-fold doors that open up completely to look out on to the garden terrace.

In a vestibule to the right of the entrance hall there is a cloakroom with sepa-rate w.c.

The Annex -
The Annex is accessed via a door to the right of the kitchen. Immediately on the right is the Utility room, and directly ahead is the Family room, which again benefits from paired glazed doors opening on to the deck overlooking the garden. A staircase leads up to a mezzanine ‘snug’ area which could also serve as an additional bedroom or study space. Connecting with the Family room is a Study, also with doors opening on to the garden. This well-proportioned dual-aspect room has a striking double height ceiling with large velux window creating an enviable, light-filled work space. Next to the Study is Bedroom 6, with en suite shower room.

The Annex is so-configured that it can be utilised as an entirely separate and independent living area, with a sitting room, two/three bedrooms, bathroom and, if required, a kitchenette (the utility room). It may also be accessed directly from the garden without passing through the house so offering occupants of both a degree of privacy.

On the First Floor -
From the hallway the staircase leads up to a central landing around which are arranged three spacious double bedrooms, and a smaller fourth bedroom currently utilised as a study. Each room retains its original doors and door furniture.
The well-proportioned family bathroom benefits from separate bath and shower cubicle. Also on the landing there is also a roomy and very useful airing cupboard.

On the Second Floor -
A further flight of stairs leads to the second-floor principal bedroom suite. A restful a haven at the top of the house this lovely dual-aspect room has been created from the original attic space and features double-height ceilings, and the dormer windows on each side now combine with the complex geometry of the roof to create delightful patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. There is ample under-eaves storage here, but adjacent to the bedroom is a dressing area with a range of fitted floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and cupboards. A further doorway off the dressing area gives access to the remainder of the loft space, with a substantial amount of additional storage.

The en suite bathroom has underfloor heating and a splendid free-standing ‘slipper’ bath and separate shower cubicle. There is also a separate w.c.

OUTSIDE
Apple Cherry House is surrounded by mature trees and a high beech hedge, and flanked on three sides by a pleasant mature garden of approximately 0.35 acres. The property is set back from the road with driveway parking for 2-3 vehicles. There is an electric vehicle charging point.
To the right of the house is a large garden shed/bike store equipped with power and light. On left side of the house is a timber shed, also equipped with power and light, and a purpose-built log store. Also on this side of the house is the well-tended vegetable plot, with a number of raised beds.
To the rear of the property is a wide, elevated deck that runs the entire width of the property and offers ample space for outdoor entertaining, and includes an attractive split-level dining area. Steps lead down to the garden below, and several sets of French windows and folding doors lead back into each of the rooms at the rear of the house.
The gently sloping garden is arranged on two levels. Nearest the house is a more formal arrangement of terraced flower beds. A magnificent screen of pleached beech trees then forms a natural border to the more informal lower garden. This larger space has been conceived primarily as a haven for wild-life, and is laid mainly to lawn with borders of dense shrubbery and, at the bottom of the garden, a pond.

LOCATION
The tranquil tree-lined lanes of Iffley village contribute to the feeling that this small community is a place apart yet, being barely two miles from the centre of Oxford, it is within easy reach of the university, schools and amenities of the city, by public transport, car, or bicycle. The eastern by-pass ring road affords easy access to the wider road network, so Iffley also boasts excellent transport links for those needing to travel further afield.

Iffley is a thriving and active community, with a long history. It boasts a stunning 12th century church, St Mary’s, and 15th century church hall. The Friends of Iffley Village community group coordinates and publicises many activities and events, which include a history society, classic car club, amateur dramatics, film and music societies, and several book clubs. There is a community-run shop which stocks basic supplies, sells stamps, and has facilities for posting parcels and drop offs. Iffley also boasts two pubs, and two hotels.

For families, a number of excellent state and independent schools are within easy reach, including Magdalen College School, Headington School, Cheney, and Oxford Spires Academy. A bus service to Abingdon School runs from Iffley Turn.

There are many green spaces nearby, including Rivermead Nature Park, Oriel meadow, Iffley Meadows (Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust), as well as the playing fields at the end of Abberbury Avenue just a short walk away. The river is also close by with two rowing clubs, City of Oxford and Falcon Rowing & Canoe Club. The latter is family friendly and welcomes rowers and kayakers of all ages and abilities. A walk over Iffley Lock and along the Thames towpath offers a delightful stroll into the city.

Approximate distances:
City Centre 2.3 mi/3.6 km
Oxford Rail Station 2.8 mi/4.5 km
John Radcliffe Hospital 3.6 mi/6 km
Churchill Hospital 2.6 mi/4.2 km
M40 to London (Thame) 9.3 mi/14.8 km