Fox Lane, Middle Barton, OX7

Hidden away in one of the most tranquil locations in the village, a characterful detached period house set in over 1/3 acre of generous and peaceful gardens. Over 2,400 sq ft, four ample bedrooms, four receptions, and great character including beams and Inglenook fireplaces. ***Virtual tour available***

Westcote Barton is one of three Barton villages approximately 7 miles from Woodstock, dating back to pre-Norman times. Middle Barton offers a range of facilities including pubs, a mini-market and cafe, a garage and a post office. The village has extensive sporting facilities and a recently-completed children's playground. The primary school is within easy walking distance, and it is exceptionally well regarded. While rural and very much tucked away the village is well placed amongst other charming North Oxfordshire Cotswold locations such as Great Tew and Duns Tew. Commuting is easy: Lower Heyford station is a short distance away with connections to Oxford, London (Paddington), Banbury and Birmingham (New Street). Oxford Parkway Station, in nearby Kidlington, has direct connections to London (Marylebone) via Bicester. A local bus service circulates around the nearby villages.

Fox Lane is a location only really known to locals. Hidden away from the main road, it meanders gently down between just a handful of period houses, culminating in a charming ford that crosses in front of the Old Mill. Unless you look hard, you could miss Ford Cottage, so discreet is the location set back behind the line of other properties. The pleasant facade gives little hint of what is on offer beyond. This is a house that provides generous and really inviting living spaces filled with character, in a plot that includes the most wonderful, spacious gardens bordered by the stream - somewhat grandiosely called the River Dorn. It's the sort of house that cossets families for decades, from the first-born right through grandchildren - the venue for big Christmas gatherings and Sunday lunches. As you can tell, we love its warmth and character, but most of all we love the relaxation and space it offers. The next owners will feel privileged to own it.

A light hallway greets you on entry, with the first impression one of great character, looking straight through the dining room to the patio and garden. Oak doors with Suffolk latches, and beams overhead, set the tone of what is a historic house. The hall leads off to the right, with the stairs rising to one side, and all around there are cupboards providing masses of good storage. The dining room ahead is exactly what many of us would hope for: Bright and well-proportioned. And the thick timbers overhead are set pleasingly higher than in many cottages, so the headroom is good. Throughout Summer we would imagine the doors onto the terrace are rarely closed, so inviting is the scene beyond. To the right the kitchen is fitted with a range of units, with the central feature an Aga range cooker. Windows to the rear and side bring in excellent natural light, and to the right of the Aga is a utility/larder space which also has double doors to the side access. It's interesting to note that the vendor currently has no breakfast table in here, but a sofa and coffee table instead. With the dining room next door, it isn't needed - the luxury of space!

On the other side of the dining room, there are three receptions. All three are great sizes, although in particular the room to the front is exceptionally light with a delightful box bay window that includes a rather charming window seat. At nearly 18 feet square it's a very generous size, and the stone walls exude great character. Next door, a further living room is perhaps the greatest surprise. Overhead is an attractive and unusual gallery linking one part of the upstairs with the other. The ceiling over part of this room is vaulted, with a further window at first floor height. The impression of space this arrangement provides, even painted its current terracotta red, is considerable. And with a wood burner set into the imposing stone fireplace this is a cosy and relaxing space. Adjoining it, the third contains more of the same, historic ceiling timbers and also a large Inglenook fireplace with wood burner. A door from here leads out into a lean-to, glazed greenhouse.

Upstairs is just as roomy and inviting. At the top of the stairs, which are light and bright, a landing heads past three bedrooms, then over the gallery and on to a fourth with its own shower room next door. The largest of these is a particularly generous double room, complete with a range of built-in wardrobes. There are also exposed timber a-frame trusses - a lovely feature. Bedrooms two and three are also fitted with wardrobes, both are generously proportioned and characterful, and both look out over the garden. Serving the three is a bathroom which is a little dated, but light and also featuring a wooden floor. The previously mentioned fourth bedroom sits tucked away past the gallery, also enjoying that same view to the rear, and adjacent to it is a modern shower room. Bedrooms 1, 3 and 4 have access to a house-length, partially boarded, floor- insulated attic.

Outside there is a great deal of space. To the front, the driveway is accessed via a five-bar-gate, xxx which is almost hidden away by other cottages on the lane. This leads into a gravel parking area with ample space for three or four vehicles, more if the various trees and shrubs were removed. On the right to the rear, a gate in the wall leads to the garden. And at the front of the house a paved path leads from the open porch to the gate.

Behind the house, the space opens out to a large and exceedingly pleasant expanse of garden that is private and mature, mainly laid to lawn and meandering down to the mill stream at the bottom. At the rear of the house the roof line runs across the terrace behind the dining room, creating a wonderful veranda and sun shade. There are different areas with lawn, borders containing a range of flowering plants, a stone bothy, small raised fish pond, a compost heap, and a shed. It is very private, and very gently landscaped, hence feels natural and calm. And because of the location it is also extremely quiet. There are few gardens we know that are this lovely.