Middleton Park, Middleton Stoney, OX25

Set in 38 acres of magnificent parkland, a quite delightful South-facing apartment of over 2,000 sq ft within the Grade 1 listed Lutyens-designed former home of the Earl of Jersey at Middleton Park. Includes share of amenities incl tennis court and pool,. Single garage provided, option for 2 further garages. NB service charges apply. NO PETS, NO CHILDREN UNDER 16.

Middleton Stoney is a small village set between Bicester to the East and Lower Heyford to the West. It has history dating back to at least the 13th century, a fact confirmed by the age of the Jersey Arms hotel/ restaurant. The access to both towns and arterial routes is excellent, with Bicester a short drive away (from where London Marylebone is as little as a 42 minute journey by rail) and Oxford a straight run to the South. Surrounding the village is wonderful open countryside and farmland with some delightful established walks including at least one tree lined avenue that was once a Roman road.

There really is nowhere quite like Middleton Park. Originating from a place called Home Wood in the early 13th century, the park was established and landscaped in the early 18th century, gradually evolving to what we see today. Owned by the Earls of Jersey for many generations, the mansion house from the 1750s was demolished in 1935 to be replaced with no expense spared by a new design by Edwin Lutyens, the world-famous architect of designs as diverse and evocative as Thiepval Arch and the Cenotaph, both WW1 memorials, and the HQ of the British Medical Association. His bold building incorporated many forward-thinking ideas from underfloor heating in bathrooms to a central heating system supplied from the cellar. Everywhere the design is consummate in its expression of sublime architecture, but it is also practical with lifts, easy stairs and vast windows. To live in such a place is a privilege. Nb due to the nature of such a building, the annual maintenance charge sits at approximately ?14,000. However, this is why the purchase price is by comparison so modest.

The approach via a wide, grand stair leads to a large atrium with a huge light well that stretches two floors above. A substantial oak door opens into a large and elegant hallway. To the left the first of two bedrooms is large by any standard, and even more so as the ceilings are elevated. Elegant cornicing and dado detailing frames the large space, while huge windows flood in the light, brightening a space that is nearly 18 ft square. Sturdy panel doors set off with brass handles open into a large cupboard to one side and on the other the en-suite. This is stylish and extremely well executed with great space throughout, and includes a thermostatic shower with wide pan. The adjacent bedroom is similar in size and details, with the added joy of the most wonderful view out across the formal lawn beyond which there is open countryside. Its entrance is flanked by panelled doors that open into wardrobe and store cupboards, a clever touch. Here too there is an en-suite that exhibits the same fresh style, light and space.

Along the hall the first door leads into the kitchen. Smartly fitted, it is fully equipped with the latest modern utensils. The units are fitted to two sides, including a Franke sink and double oven, and this leaves space for a small table in front of the window to enjoy that view. However, with a dining room that would be a treat to eat in on any day this isn't really needed! The dining room is what was the marble bathroom for the Countess of Jersey. It is classical in style with semi-circular arch details that are set off perfectly by crystal glass lights. There is room here to seat eight with ease. But perhaps the crowning glory of this apartment is the drawing room. Two doors from the dining room each open into a space that can only be described as a vast. What would otherwise be the central feature, a substantial marble fireplace, is overshadowed by three full height windows facing South. Almost any suite of furniture is dwarfed by the size, but the design is such that it is genuinely inviting and relaxing - truly a stunning room.

Outside, the house sits in extensive grounds. The formal lawn is reminiscent of a Regency palace and throughout the grounds the many mature trees frame large grass areas, landscaped but appearing naturally placed. The entrance to the park is via imposing gates just off the centre of Middleton Stoney village, past the gatehouse and through trees. At the family church public access ceases and beyond it a long drive reminiscent of Blenheim or Stowe runs through beautiful scenery and past four lodges before it turns a full circle in front of the house. The garage and parking are to the right just before the lodges, and here there is a swimming pool in a walled area. At the other side of the driveway there is also a tennis court. ***NB for those interested in further garaging, a newly-built double garage of quite significant proportions can be purchased separately at an additional cost of ?25,000.