Foundation Square, Bicester

Showcased on Grand Designs, this state of the art five bedroom detached home blends luxury design with impressive sustainability. Designed and built by the owner in 2018 and newly refurbished in October 2025, it achieves an energy positive EPC A rating of 104/100. Voluminous interiors feature vaulted first floor ceilings, 2.7 m tall ceilings to the ground floor, triple glazed electric Velux roof windows and high efficiency wood/aluminium PAS 24 doors and windows.

Underfloor heating runs throughout the ground and first floors, complemented by air conditioning to Bedroom 1 and the ground floor. A floating oak staircase with LED lighting sets an elegant tone.The open plan kitchen, living and dining space is anchored by Miele integrated appliances, a pop-up worktop extractor and hard wired data to every room. Spa style bathrooms include fully tanked wet rooms with flush thresholds and a freestanding solid stone resin bath with smart bath TV. Loxone whole house automation controls heating, lighting, electric blinds and towel rails, supported by MVHR with summer bypass, Sonos multiroom audio, Hikvision 8 MP CCTV and smart glass room controllers.

The sustainability is exceptional. A 4 kW plus 2 kW solar array works with a MyEnergi system to divert surplus generation to hot water and EV charging. A 500 litre high flow buffer links to a gas boiler with solar bypass. A 2,000 litre underground rainwater harvesting tank feeds WCs and outside taps, reducing water bills.A self contained annexe, finished to the same specification, provides flexible additional living or office space with separate electrics, air conditioning, electric panoramic rooflights and a fully fitted kitchenette with built in fridge freezer.

Externally, cement cladding with treated western red cedar niches, a composite metal roof with rain noise suppression, aluminium and hardwood doors and windows, and a natural stone terrace complete the contemporary aesthetic. Internally, natural stone floors, oak to the landing and principal bedroom, quality carpets elsewhere, solid oak joinery and crisp shadow gap detailing underscore the calibre. A structural warranty runs to 2028 and the build quality surpasses current standards.Set within the vibrant Graven Hill development, Britain’s flagship for contemporary self build, the house faces mature trees and sits moments from green spaces and ancient woodland. Everyday amenities include a primary school, café and wine bar, with historic Bicester close by. Junctions 9 and 10 of the M40 are easily reached, and Bicester North and Bicester Village rail stations offer services to Oxford, Birmingham and London Marylebone in about 45 minutes.