A magnificent period property in a perfect parkland setting.
Bletchingdon Park is a magnificent Grade II* Listed building, built in 1782 by the distinguished architect James Lewis, for Lord Valentia. Once considered to be one of the out-lying defences of Oxford, the house that formerly stood in the place of Lewis’ construction played an important part in the Civil War – it was fortified by the supporters of King Charles I and, in 1645, attacked by Cromwell’s forces.
The current house is built in limestone ashlar with a welsh slate mansard roof and moulded stone chimney ashlar stacks. Constructed in the pleasing mid-Georgian style, an impressive semicircular flight of steps lead up to the pedimented portico, giving rise to commanding Corinthian columns and wrought iron railings.
The grand proportions of the property allow spacious and airy accommodation: the ground floor comprises of a reception hall, library, drawing room, sitting room, saloon, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom and a magnificent staircase hall. The garden floor offers further reception space with the garden room, used as an entertainment room with doors leading onto the paved garden terrace, a playroom/billiard room and a fitness room with spa pool, sauna, changing rooms and showers. Upstairs, there is extensive bedroom accommodation: the master bedroom suite (complete with dressing room and en suite bathroom), 8 further bedrooms (5 en suite) and 2 staff flats.
The villa is situated in 126.69 acres of spectacular parkland. Immaculate lawns are complimented by a variety of trees, including beech, oak, chestnut, large pines and wellingtonia. Within the immediate house grounds are formal gardens, a walled garden, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
The estate is situated on the edge of Bletchingdon village, a prime Oxfordshire location with a local pub, primary school and village green. Bletchingdon Park also has its own gates to the village church from its grounds.
Bletchingdon Park is surrounded by excellent recreational and sporting opportunities, with footpaths and bridleways for ambling mounted or on foot, polo at Kirtlington Park Polo Club, golf at Kirtlington Golf Club, racing at Newbury and Towcester, and hunting with the Bicester with Whaddon Chase.
The estate is well located with the A34 providing access to the M40 (giving access to London and Birmingham), A40, Oxford and Newbury. Trains from Bicester provide a fast rail service into London Marylebone taking around 57 minutes.
The guide price is £15m. For further information please contact Knight Frank on 020 7861 1065.
