Church Lane, Wendlebury

Mentioned in Pevsner's guide, a truly wonderful G2 listed 17th century Manor House, offering an elegantly updated & remodelled interior, with high ceilings and flooded with natural light, all centring around a splendid kitchen extending to over 40 feet in width. Over 3,000 sq ft, and NO CHAIN.

Wendlebury can trace its roots back over a thousand years. It remains a traditional village in all the best sense of the words, with a close community centred around a fine gastropub, The Lion. Go to for more information. The village also benefits from close proximity to local amenities. These include the world-famous Bicester Village shopping outlet, many shops and eateries, a cinema, and a David Loyd leisure centre. Swift commuting is easy to all points of the compass, with London Marylebone just 40 minutes from Bicester North, and Heathrow barely an hour by car via M40. And the location offers easy access to a range of excellent schools both private and state.

Wendlebury Manor is part of the original Wendlebury House, an important facet of the local history - as mentioned in Pevsner's Guide. The English Heritage listing dates it to the early eighteenth century, but it's likely the origins are somewhat older. It is a wonderful, attractive house, with large sash windows set in a honey stone facade. The evolution over generations is evident through features such as a jettied window and the castellated rear extension.

However, the significance of our clients' contribution over recent years cannot be overstated. Reworking the layout, upgrading all utilities, the new staircase, refitted kitchen, bathrooms, decor and lighting choices, have culminated in a house that is a delight both visually and functionally. Elegant, grand and relaxed in equal measure, it flows beautifully with a layout that is intelligent and contemporary. In doing so they have managed to reinforce the feeling of the character and history, rather than diminishing it. Few renovations can boast such a claim!

Inside the main door, a stone floor runs from the hallway through to the kitchen. A new bespoke staircase has been created, with great natural light from the landing window above. Flanked by elegant panelling, with a beautiful polished oak handrail, it is the perfect interpretation of a Georgian entrance hall.

Look right and the first of the receptions is a stylish and spacious living room. Generous proportions with windows on two sides make this an inviting and positive space that's also easy to use. Directly opposite, another bright reception is currently used as the playroom. It's larger than its neighbour, with wonderful light. In addition to the large, elegant sash to the front, the original rear window - beyond which is the later kitchen extension - is retained, complete with a window seat. And there's a rather fine Georgian fireplace as a pleasant focal point.

Occupying most of the rear of the house, the kitchen is delightful. To the right, the kitchen area, with a lantern roof above, features high quality cabinetry plus a double butler sink, dishwasher, Neff ovens, and a slot for a US-style double fridge. Alongside, the rear hall connects back to the main entrance, with another cloakroom/WC to one side and a well equipped utility room to the other.

Separating the kitchen from the dining area is a large island with a range of store cupboards and a further sink, plus a wide breakfast bar. Thereafter the room expands to offer space for sofas, dressers, chests and cabinets. It's all beautifully lit with a large lantern, with glazed doors that connect to the terrace.

Arriving on the first floor, a very elegant landing continues the Georgian theme. There are two bedrooms on this floor, both en-suite. The smaller overlooks the lane and cottages beyond, with an open fireplace and ceiling timber giving it character. A pair of doors to the rear open into an en-suite shower room overlooking the garden.

On the other side of the landing, the sumptuous main bedroom is particularly generous, around 17 feet square. Behind the panelled wall, two hidden doors open into "his n' hers" dressing areas with hanging rails, shelves and drawers all expertly fitted. And the rather fine en-suite is so generous it features a pair of sinks, roll top bath and a walk-in shower.

A further staircase heads to the top floor. Double bedrooms to either end feature vaulted ceilings with exposed roof timbers. The final bedroom is the only one that could be described as a single, a great child's room or perhaps a study. Serving all three, the bathroom continues the quality found elsewhere, part panelled with a roll top bath and a separate shower.

Outside, stone walls separate the frontage from the lane, with an area that's mostly lawned. There is a hedge to the left and a wonderful Wisteria meandering across the corner. Ornate metal gates open to a gravel drive. To the rear, a pair of timber gates enclose the rear garden. A broad terrace behind the house is ideal for entertaining and summer lunches. Thereafter, the lawn runs a good length between red brick walls flanked by various planted beds and some pretty fruit trees, a peaceful and safe space for any family to enjoy.