Cassington Road, Yarnton, Kidlington, Oxfordshire

Designed by renowned architect Charles Ashbee and built in 1907, Byways is Grade II listed and a notable example of Arts and Crafts architecture, documented in Pevsner’s The Buildings of England. The house boasts a handsome façade beneath a gabled stone slate roof, complemented by a wonderfully mature wisteria. Original features abound, including tall sash windows, fireplaces, stair rails and the original brass detailing to the front door, alongside a wealth of bespoke joinery and cabinetry. Thoughtfully extended and comprehensively renovated in 2007, the works included a new roof, updated electrics and modern central heating, while sensitively retaining the character and integrity of Ashbee’s original design.

Arranged over three floors, the well-planned accommodation includes four generous reception rooms that enjoy views over the gardens. The dual-aspect family room and drawing room each feature bay windows, with the drawing room centred around an elegant stone fireplace. The adjoining music room has bespoke built-in shelving and French doors opening to the garden. A formal dining room leads to a breakfast/sitting room in the kitchen with an impressive gabled ceiling and twin French doors to the terrace, creating a natural flow outside for al fresco dining. The kitchen is fitted with light-painted bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances, and is complemented by a practical utility room with storage and external access, plus a separate laundry room.

The first floor provides the well-appointed principal bedroom suite, with ample fitted wardrobes, a south-east-facing balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens and an en suite shower room. There are four further bedrooms, three of which are double in size, and a family bathroom. Two further bedrooms occupy the second floor and are served by a well-appointed bathroom with a separate shower, making this level particularly well suited to guest accommodation. The upstairs landing has a built-in airing cupboard along its length providing plenty of space for linen storage. An attractive œil-de-bœuf window in the gable end of the bathroom is a charming architectural feature, drawing plenty of natural light to the space.

A semi-circular driveway with dual access points provides ample parking and leads to the house, which is surrounded by established gardens and mature planting. Believed to incorporate elements of a design by Ashbee himself, the gardens reflect the Arts and Crafts principle of integrating house and landscape. Mature trees, shrubs and yew hedging create a leafy and secluded setting, while established rose and vegetable gardens provide structure and seasonal interest. More recent planting has been introduced sympathetically, retaining the character of the original garden. A lawn adjoining the music room forms the garden’s centrepiece, with a terrace providing space for relaxing and outdoor dining. A garage, greenhouse and garden store provide useful ancillary space.

The property occupies a peaceful position on the south-western edge of Yarnton, a well-connected Oxfordshire village with a strong community atmosphere and a range of local amenities. Nearby Kidlington provides more extensive everyday facilities, with a village centre offering a good selection of shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and services, together with a library, market and leisure facilities.

Beyond the property, the setting opens to rolling Oxfordshire countryside, with opportunities for walking and enjoying the rural surroundings. Oxford city’s historic centre is approximately six miles to the south and is easily accessible by car and local bus services. Oxford Parkway Station is around three miles away, providing regular direct services to London Marylebone. The area is well placed for a number ofseveral highly regarded private schools, including The Dragon School, St Edward's, Oxford High School GDST and Magdalen College School. The village itself is well served by excellent state schools, Yarnton Primary School holds a 'Good' Ofsted rating, and The Churchill Secondary was recognised by Ofsted in 2023 for its 'Outstanding' trajectory.