Faringdon Road, Southmoor, OX13

Set back from Faringdon Road behind a broad gravel approach, Niesen announces itself with quiet confidence. A contemporary village house with generous proportions and a carefully considered recent renovation, it balances the scale of a substantial family home with the warmth of spaces designed to be lived in.

The approach is simple and uncluttered - a wide drive with parking for several cars, mature trees softening the frontage and a sense of separation from the road. From the outside the architecture reads as clean and composed: pale render, timber detailing and dark-framed glazing bringing a modern clarity to the traditional form.

The house has been comprehensively renovated and extended in 2024, with the intention of creating a home centred around light, space and connection between rooms.

At the heart of the redesign is a generous kitchen and family space where the rhythms of daily life naturally gather. Rooflights and bi-fold doors let daylight deep into the plan while carefully chosen materials - warm timber, stone surfaces and dark cabinetry - introduce contrast and texture.

Underfloor heating runs through the kitchen and utility areas, reinforcing the sense that this is a house designed to be used daily rather than admired from afar. The result is a home that feels contemporary in its layout while remaining comfortably rooted within its village setting.

Much of life here naturally gathers around the kitchen and family room - the space the current owners describe as their favourite. It is generous in scale, anchored by a large island with seating, and designed for both everyday family life and informal entertaining.

Glazed doors and rooflights bring a softness of light throughout the day, while the adjoining dining room offers a slightly more formal setting when required. From here, views extend into the garden, creating an easy visual connection between inside and out.

A separate study provides a quieter place to work or read, while practical spaces - including a utility room and integrated garage - ensure that the day-to-day mechanics of family life remain discreetly managed.

Upstairs, the accommodation is arranged to provide both privacy and flexibility.

The principal bedroom is notably generous, complemented by an en-suite bathroom and a dedicated dressing room that adds a sense of quiet retreat away from the rest of the house.

Four further bedrooms provide ample space for family, guests or working from home. One benefits from its own en-suite, while the remaining rooms share a well-appointed family bathroom. The overall arrangement feels calm and balanced, allowing the upper floor to function as a restful counterpoint to the more social spaces below.

To the rear, the garden opens out across a wide lawn bordered by established planting and mature fencing. A series of stepping stones draws the eye gently across the grass towards the house, reinforcing the sense of openness.

A pergola and outdoor seating area create a natural setting for warmer months, while the north-facing orientation offers a cooler retreat during the height of summer.

Southmoor itself is a well-connected Oxfordshire village with a strong sense of community. Everyday essentials are close at hand, while countryside walks begin almost immediately beyond the village lanes. The nearby White Hart at Fyfield remains a favourite local destination, and a well-regarded primary school sits just a short walk away.

Niesen is a house that balances clarity of design with the practicalities of modern family life. Generous spaces, a thoughtful recent renovation and a peaceful village setting combine to create a home that feels both considered and welcoming.

It is, above all, a house designed to be lived in.