Mill Lane, Iffley, Oxford, Oxfordshire

A modern five bedroom family home in a riverside setting with private mooring and incorporating a separate two bedroom apartment. Fabulous development potential in the heart of leafy and much sought-after Iffley Village, just a 15 minute cycle ride to Oxford station and the city centre.

INTRODUCTION
Situated in the heart of Oxford’s popular Iffley Village and just a few minutes’ walk from picturesque Iffley Lock, this modern one-of-a-kind house was designed to take advantage of a unique plot which extends from an elevated position on Mill Lane all the way down to the banks of the Thames. A superbly conceived first floor living room offers wonderful views over the garden towards the river, where the property has the benefit of a private river frontage.

Despite its compact footprint, the property boasts three double bedrooms on the ground floor (one of them en suite), and also incorporates, on the lower ground floor, a completely self-contained two-bedroom apartment, with bathroom and kitchen, and direct access to the patio and garden.

Well-maintained by the present owner it now offers a fabulous opportunity to remodel and refurbish throughout to create a stunning new layout suited to the needs of families today.

ACCOMMODATION
One enters through the front door into a spacious central hallway, around which each of the ground floor rooms are arranged. Immediately to left is the practical and comfortable breakfast kitchen, a pleasantly bright and sunny space by virtue of the dual aspect windows to the front and side of the property. A glazed door gives access to the outside, with a short flight of steps leading to the driveway at the side of the house. A second door leads through to the Sitting room, a magnificent space over 30 ft in length, from which two sets of sliding patio doors give access to a balcony that extends the entire width of the house and affords wonderful west-facing views over the garden to the river. The feature fireplace with brick chimney breast provides an additional focal point to the room.

Returning to the central hallway and proceeding clockwise, on the left is the principal bedroom; a well-proportioned room which has the benefit of its own private access to the balcony overlooking the garden, as well as full-sized en suite bathroom. Adjacent is the family bathroom with shower cubicle. Next are two further double bedrooms which face the front of the house.

LOWER GROUND FLOOR
From the hallway, a flight of stairs leads down to the lower ground floor, which is currently configured as a separate guest apartment.

The accommodation comprises a kitchen, shower room, and a second impressively spacious Living room which again features an array of floor to ceiling windows incorporating sliding patio doors that open on to a paved terrace, and the garden beyond. There are two bedrooms, the larger of which also has a patio door giving private access to the terrace. The apartment also has its own independent access via a door that opens to the driveway beside the house.

Of special note are the two large storerooms also on this level. Formerly utilised as a library by the current owners, they have a combined area of almost 42 sq m (449 sq ft), and could readily be repurposed as a gym, home cinema, games or music room, or home office.

OUTSIDE
The house is set back from the lane and enclosed by a high stone wall, set within which are paired timber gates which when closed provide complete privacy. Immediately to the front there is a parking area sufficient for two vehicles, and to the right a double car port. To the left of the house, a driveway curves down to the rear and the lower ground level accommodation, part of which was, originally, a very spacious double garage. There is an integral garden store on this level accessible from the outside of the property, beside which is a flight of steps leading back up to the front of the house and emerging next to the car ports.

Immediately to the rear of the house is a wide paved terrace, perfect for dining and entertaining, beyond which an area of lawn slopes gently down to the river bank. This beautiful space is bordered on each side by mature trees, but also incorporates a number of flower beds, fruit bushes and shrubs. At the end of the garden there are views along the river, and across to the island of Iffley Lock itself, with the historic lock-keeper’s cottage directly opposite.

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 and sells stamps. 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