Great and Little Tew are positioned close to Chipping Norton in classic, unspoilt Oxfordshire countryside, most of which forms part of the Great Tew Estate. The area is very popular for those who require easy access to both Oxford and London with the added bonus that it is within a 15 minute drive to Banbury station (which now has trains from 55 minutes to London Marylebone) and junction 10 on the M40.
Great Tew has a popular pub, The Falkland Arms, and there is also a village shop with a good local café for those that would like sit and relax. Daylesford farm shop is within a 20 minute drive, although this might now have competition as Soho House is currently seeking planning permission to create a new venture on the edge of Great Tew. This is bound to raise further interest in the area and we could see a rival appearing to the Daylesford triangle.
The Great Tew Primary School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted which makes the area a sought after location amongst buyers. There is also plenty of choice for secondary schools including Winchester House prep school, Kitebrook House, The Dragon, Bloxham and Tudor Hall.
The opportunity to purchase a home is limited in Great Tew as most of the property is owned by the estate. This therefore makes it a popular destination for the renter looking to test the move into the country before committing to purchase.
There are more buying options in Little Tew, which is within walking distance from Great Tew, and is a little quieter because it has no village pub or shop. The surrounding villages tend to be small and unspoilt which include Ledwell, Heythrop and Sandford St Martin.
Great Tew is home to The Cornbury Music Festival which is held in its beautiful park in July. Local residents get free tickets meaning parents and grandparents become very popular that weekend!
Local activities include the active Cricket Ground where youngsters can learn their skills whilst parents enjoy a drink in the pavilion. There is also a championship golf course at Heythrop Park. Enstone airfield also has a flying club, a rally driving school and a clay pigeon shooting club.
Examples of country house types and house prices:
* 3 bedroom cottage in reasonable condition in Great or Little Tew – in excess of £500,000 (approx)
* 4/5 bedroom period house with a small garden – in excess of £1m (approx)
* A substantial period country house with 5 plus acres and outbuildings – in excess of £3m (approx)
* Search country houses for sale in Little Tew, Oxfordshire
* Read Countrylife.co.uk’s guide to buying property in the Cotswolds
** Edward Clarkson is the local Central & Cotswolds region expert at The Buying Solution
