Weald, Bampton, OX18

Evolving from a functional 1700s farmhouse to a modern, sociable, light-filled family home, College Farmhouse has always kept the same constants: a full table, boots by the door and the warmth of a glowing fire.

A blend of 1700s farmhouse and 2005 barn conversion, College Farmhouse retains all of its traditional character; from mullion windows and limestone floors to beams and open fireplaces whilst keeping pace with the comforts of modern living. Nestled in a peaceful hamlet, just around the corner from Bampton and surrounded by fields, College Farmhouse is a home built for company, from the inside out.

With plenty of parking available on the gravel driveway, College Farmhouse is set back from the road behind a buffer of green, with a large, lawned front garden featuring borders and trees for extra colour and privacy, and a summer house currently serving as a log store.

Stepping through the front door, the period character of the entrance hallway presents itself instantly in the wall of exposed stone, rustic beams, wide latched wooden doors and window seats. Stealing the show, the deep inglenook fireplace on the right, with its bread oven , epitomises the essence of the home. Modern, creamy limestone flooring flows underfoot, with the glazed eye of the now-covered well set directly ahead.

Capturing the imagination immediately, behind a door off the entrance hallway, wooden stairs lead up at a slightly steeper pitch past a low window to the principal bedroom’s en suite...

Heart of the home

For now, continue ahead and left, leaving behind the warm, intimate feel of the entrance hall for a light-washed, full glass atrium, leading on to the soaring ceiling heights of the expansive, open plan kitchen-diner.

Combining the warmth of underfloor heating with commercial-grade SMEG appliances (including dual oven and hob, microwave, steamer, plate warmer and dishwasher) and well-crafted cabinetry, the kitchen is the hub of the home.

Balancing perfectly the easy-living functionality of contemporary design with the classic farmhouse feel of its origins, a tall stone chimney breast features a double-sided log-burning stove, issuing warmth to both the seating area and dining area.

Full height wooden cabinetry lifts the eye to a glass balcony above, with robust timber beams, naturally aged, in an A frame to the centre of the room. Share a glass of wine with the chef at the breakfast bar central island or prepare meals whilst watching the children play safely in the enclosed back garden through the glass doors, which slide easily open for al fresco dining in summer.

A butler’s pantry sits directly behind the dining table, offering additional prep and storage space, while boosters ensure strong water pressure throughout. The hot water tank serving this area is located in the boot room beyond - a room brimming with storage and connecting to both the garden and downstairs WC - where the deep sinks make ideal ice buckets for summer parties when the sun is sizzling. A practical place, yet its value incalculable for the indoor-outdoor footfall of summer barbecues.

Stairs lead up from the boot room to a fantastic mezzanine level filled with light, currently used as a gaming area/playroom for the children, overlooking the kitchen below.

Cosy corners

Returning to the entrance hall and turning right along the inner hallway, a second downstairs WC appears on the way to the drawing room. Here, exposed beams and a broad stone fireplace immediately set the tone, the fire crackling in the grate and giving the room its unmistakable winter warmth. A cosy, shutters-drawn space perfect for Christmas evenings, quiet movie nights and settling in beside the flames, it’s easy to see why this room is among the current owners’ favourites.[SI2] 

The same cosy, cocooning atmosphere flows into the living room next door, a snug counterpoint to the home’s larger spaces, where a vast stone fireplace and log-burning stove issue warmth and welcome. Low beams overhead add to the comfort, while in summertime doors on both sides open to the garden.

Another hallway leads through to a cosy office before arriving at a staircase servicing the current children’s bedrooms. Finally, at the foot of these stairs, step through into the gym. An area ideal for annexe use for multigenerational living, continue along to discover a WC, kitchenette with oven, hob and garden views and a further room with high vaulted ceiling and French doors out to the garden room-conservatory – ideal for use as bedroom and living space (or even as a games room).

And so to bed

From the main living room, stairs lead up past a large window on the light-filled landing where views stretch out over the garden.

Turning left, seek sanctuary in the comfort and period charm of the principal bedroom, which retains its original exposed beam and fireplace. Window seats provide a point to pause and admire the garden from the main bedroom, yet the showpiece here is the en suite: a broad walk-through shower and a modern oval bath, halo-lit at its base and set beneath the heavy, timeworn beams, and against the backdrop of the exposed fireplace - a standout meeting of classic structure and contemporary design.

Stairs lead quirkily both up from the en suite to a dressing room with vaulted ceiling and a further bathroom, and back down to the entrance hall – another heritage hallmark of College Farmhouse.

Escher-esque in its dedication to the allure of staircases, to the left of the main landing at College Farmhouse, stairs rise up once more to reveal an ancient wooden door with characterful details, which opens to an inviting bedroom with vaulted beams rising up almost in a teepee design.

Another bedroom on this level features beams again, with its own en suite shower room – magical for children of all ages.

The main landing also leads right, to arrive at a large double bedroom, with classic beams overhead and a feature fireplace. This bedroom offers access to a Jack ‘n’ Jill bathroom containing bath with shower over.

Another Jack ‘n’ Jill bathroom, with separate toilet, also awaits off the landing, serving a twin bedroom with built in storage, beams and garden views to front and rear, currently serving as a children’s bedroom but with ample space for a king size bed. This bedroom has an exclusive feel, with its own private staircase accessed from beside the gym on the ground floor.

Above this bedroom is a large loft space, boarded and lit, providing plenty of storage.

Garden

With its large front garden, to the rear there is a formality to the garden, which extends to just over half an acre. Enclosed and private, safe and secure for both children and pets, pathways stretch through the flat, verdant lawn, leading to large patios, perfect for entertaining and al fresco dining.

Sheltered by the farmhouse and barn on three sides, much of the garden has a private, courtyard-like feel, with the gentle tinkle of the water feature lending a country-manor calm. Safe, enclosed and easy to supervise, it’s ultimately a garden for families: a place for play, for gatherings and for good company.

On your doorstep

Set in Bampton, enjoy a sense of countryside calm blended with community living at College Farmhouse.

For families, the home sits within catchment for Burford School and close to countless walking routes, from rope-swing trails and woodland tracks to field walks leading to the recreation ground and skate park.

Longer routes take you towards Clanfield, Buckland Warren, White Horse Hill and Wayland’s Smithy, with the local running club offering even more scope to explore.

For dining options, Lynwood’s in Bampton is a must for coffee and sourdough, with Blake’s in Clanfield revered for its breakfasts and fresh bakes. Try the Double Red Duke for drinks and ambience, or the Mason’s Arms for relaxed, reliably good pub food. Estelle Manor and Soho Farmhouse are also both within easy reach for special occasions.

Countryside, community and comfort abound at College Farmhouse: a heritage home, brimming with contemporary charm.

 Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the fixtures and fittings mentioned throughout, items included in sale are to be discussed at the time of offering

 [SI1]looks like a bread oven? Can you double check please :-)

 [SI2]I might have got this down in the wrong room - it might be the next room!