Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire SN7 7HU

A distinguished Grade II listed Georgian house of exceptional scale and character, thoughtfully enhanced for modern living, with beautifully landscaped south-west facing gardens and a superbly converted coach house.

Occupying an elevated position beside the 12th-century All Saints Church, Astley House is a notable period residence dating from circa 1720. Once the Dower House to Faringdon House and later the town’s Vicarage, it retains a refined Georgian appearance, with sash windows, dormers and deep coved eaves, alongside later architectural detailing including Roman Doric columns.

The property is approached from the market square through gates opening onto a gravelled forecourt, with stone steps rising to the original front entrance. This leads into a grand reception hall, where an early 18th-century staircase forms an impressive centrepiece.

The principal reception rooms are elegant and well-proportioned. A superb drawing room enjoys high ceilings, intricate cornicing, a feature fireplace and tall sash windows, creating a wonderfully light and formal space. Beyond the hall lies the dining room, ideal for entertaining, while a generous study provides an additional reception room, well suited to home working. A utility room is also located on this level, and beneath the house a substantial wine cellar is accessed from the main hall.

The evolution of Astley House has been carefully considered, most notably in the exceptional conversion of the former coach house. Accessed via an additional reception room and secondary hall – with ground floor WC – this part of the house opens into an outstanding kitchen/dining space extending to almost 480 sqft. beautifully designed with bespoke hand-built cabinetry and fully integrated appliances, it forms the true heart of the home, offering both scale and practicality for everyday living and entertaining. A bright conservatory to the rear enjoys direct access to the gardens, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior living.

The converted coach house further benefits from underfloor heating at both ground and first floor levels, ensuring a high degree of comfort throughout.

The first floor of the main house offers four well-proportioned double bedrooms, one with en suite facilities, all presented in a style sympathetic to the age and character of the house. A family bathroom, fitted with both bath and separate shower, serves the remaining rooms.

Extending into the converted coach house at first floor level, a versatile studio or gym space provides excellent flexibility, equally suited as a home office or a private sitting room serving the principal suite. Beyond lies the principal suite, comprising a generous dressing area and a luxurious en suite bathroom with freestanding bath, separate shower and twin basins. The bedroom itself is particularly impressive, with dual aspect windows and an abundance of natural light.

The second floor offers further adaptable accommodation, currently arranged as a large reception area, sixth bedroom, bathroom and additional storeroom. This level lends itself well to independent living and could be configured as a self-contained annexe, with scope to create further bedroom accommodation if required, subject to the usual consents.

In total, the house extends to over 6,000 sqft, offering a rare combination of historic character and modern versatility. The property has also benefited from a comprehensive overhaul of the heating system, ensuring efficiency and comfort throughout.

Externally, the gardens have been significantly enhanced and landscaped. The former swimming pool has been replaced with an expansive paved terrace, creating a private south-west facing sun trap ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining. The gardens are arranged over two levels, combining lawned areas with established planting and mature borders.

A substantial double garage has been constructed, complete with EV charging, providing excellent parking and storage. The building also offers clear potential for the creation of a first-floor annexe, subject to the necessary consents.

Astley House occupies a central yet discreet position within the heart of Faringdon, a historic market town well placed between Oxford and the rolling countryside of the Vale of White Horse and the Lambourn Downs.

The town provides an excellent range of day-to-day amenities, centred around its historic Market Place, which hosts a weekly charter market and regular farmers’ markets. There is a good selection of independent shops alongside larger supermarkets, including a Waitrose, as well as a range of places to eat and drink. The Old Crown Coaching Inn, just a short walk from the front door, has been significantly improved in recent years and now operates as a well-regarded gastro pub, with a more formal ‘ballroom’ restaurant area. In addition, there are several other pubs within walking distance, along with a variety of convenient takeaway options.

Leisure and cultural facilities are well catered for, with the Faringdon Leisure Centre offering a swimming pool and gym, while the Corn Exchange and Regent Cinema provide a programme of events and film screenings. The Faringdon Folly Tower and Woodland offer delightful walks and far-reaching views, while Folly Park includes recreational facilities such as a skate park and outdoor gym. The Pump House Project serves as a vibrant community arts and cultural hub.

The area is particularly well regarded for schooling. St Hugh's School, located nearby, now offers education through to 16 from September 2026, while the highly regarded Abingdon School and Abingdon Preparatory School are also easily accessible. Oxford and its renowned schools are within convenient reach.

Communications are excellent, with easy access to the A420 linking Oxford and Swindon, as well as the A34 and M4. Mainline rail services to London Paddington are available from nearby Didcot, Swindon and Oxford.

Services, Utilities & Property Information:

Tenure: Freehold
Council Tax band: G
Local Authority: Vale of the White Horse
EPC: Band C / Grade II listed
Property construction : Stone and tile
Electricity supply: Mains
Water supply: Mains
Drainage & Sewerage: Mains
Heating: Gas
Broadband: FTTC / Standard Fibre Broadband connection available - we advise you to check with your provider.
Mobile signal/coverage: 4G and 5G mobile signal is available in the area - we advise you to check with your provider.
Parking: Double Garage & driveway
Total Internal Floor Area: 6,039sft

Viewing Arrangements:
Strictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country