Lot 1 | Edgcote House and Park, Edgcote, Banbury, Northamptonshire, OX17

A wonderful residential and amenity Estate.

Description

Edgcote House dates from the mid 18th century and is Grade I Listed for its exceptional architectural significance. Designed according to classical principles of symmetry, balance and proportion, the house was conceived as a confident statement of Georgian taste and status. The House famously featured in the BBC’s 1995 production of “Pride and Prejudice”.

Of particular note is the condition of the stonework which has weathered very little in comparison to similar aged houses built in similar style, reflecting the quality of the buildings and the stone used in its construction. The house is constructed primarily of local Hornton and Cubbington ironstone with limestone dressings, complemented by paler Keuper sandstone from Warwickshire used for architectural detailing. The principal façade to the west is centred on a grand Entrance Hall approached by a double flight of stone steps with balustrades, while to the east the House benefits from far reaching views across the lake, Edgcote Pool, surrounding parkland and rolling farmland beyond.

Access to Edgcote House is from Edgcote Road via Wardington, while a tree lined carriage drive provides further access from the village of Chipping Warden, crossing the River Cherwell before arriving at the formal gates of the entrance courtyard.

The accommodation extends to approximately 25,908 sq ft over four floors, comprising extensive principal reception rooms, including the Saloon with double height window and views across the formal lawns, lake and parkland, the Dining Room, Drawing Room, Boudoir and Billiard Room, alongside a well equipped Kitchen, historic School Room and additional office and cloakroom accommodation.

The first floor includes the Principal Bedroom Suite occupying the full south wing with far reaching views over the lake, together with further bedrooms and bathrooms. The second floor comprises 12 attic rooms retaining considerable character, offering significant potential for flexible use including guest accommodation.

The lower ground floor contains a remarkable array of historic service and ancillary rooms, including the West Vault, Justice Room, Deed Room, Gun Room, wine cellar, Servants’ Hall, scullery, old kitchen, utility areas, workshop and vaults.

The gardens and grounds include extensive lawns, terraces, a ha-ha dating from 1758, Edgcote Pool, Pleasure Grounds, kitchen gardens, orchard, greenhouse, and a Hidden Garden with orangery, together with mature trees dating back to the 1750s.

The Stable Courtyard, designed by William Smith of Warwick and built in 1747, includes traditional stables, residential flats and period architectural features, together with additional residential properties across the Estate. Home Farm provides further stabling and agricultural buildings, and equestrian facilities.

The Parkland is historically significant, forming part of the site of the Battle of Edgcote 1469, centred on Edgcote Pool fed by the River Cherwell, with woodland, historic trees and a formal water vista culminating in an ornate fountain.

Lot 1 also includes approximately 102 acres of parkland and pasture, approximately 108 acres of grade 3 arable land, over 38 acres of woodland and lakes.

Location

Set amid the rolling countryside of South Northamptonshire, The Edgcote Estate enjoys a wonderfully private yet highly accessible location close to the Oxfordshire border. The Northamptonshire countryside, renowned as the “shire of spires and squires” is characterised by a number of historic buildings, churches and gently undulating rural scenery.

The Edgcote Estate, surrounded by parkland and farmland, benefits from nearby connections and local amenities, just a few miles from the market town of Banbury. Nearby villages including Wardington, Chipping Wardon, Eydon and Culworth provide a selection of local cafés, traditional and well-regarded pubs, and village shops. Popular nearby attractions include, Bicester Village offering an extensive luxury shopping experience, Soho Farmhouse a private members club with leisure facilities and Silverstone for Formula 1 British Grand Prix; each within around a 40-minute drive from the Estate.

The Estate benefits from excellent road links, with the M40 Junction 11 (4.7 miles) providing swift access to Oxford and London to the south and Warwick and Birmingham to the north. There are also strong rail connections, with stations at Banbury, Kings Sutton and Long Buckby providing services to London Marylebone, Euston and Paddington from 66 minutes.

Edgcote Estate is situated 28 miles from London Oxford Airport, and is well connected for international travel, with Birmingham International Airport within 37 miles, Luton Airport within 53 miles and Heathrow Airport within 69 miles.

The area is well served by an excellent selection of schools, including Culworth Primary School, Helmdon Primary School, St John’s Priory, Winchester House School, Beachborough Prep School, Stowe, Bloxham, Tudor Hall, Rugby and Warwick School.




Acreage: 288.03 Acres

Additional Info

The Edgcote Estate has a rich history dating back almost 1,000 years, beginning with its grant by William the Conqueror to Geoffrey of Mowbray. It passed through notable ownership, including Isabel de Bruce, before returning to royal ownership and later being sold by Henry V to Richard Buckland. The Estate was the site of the Battle of Edgcote in 1469 and later came into the possession of Sir Thomas Cromwell and Anne of Cleves. From 1546, it was owned by the Chauncy family for around 270 years, during which Edgcote House was rebuilt in the mid-18th century.

The Estate remained significant for its architectural heritage and landscaped parkland, later becoming associated with horseracing under the Courage family in the 20th century.

Viewings are strictly by appointment only. Please contact the agents.