12 bedroom detached house

Poundon House is a Grade II listed country house located in the village of Poundon near Bicester. Approached down a drive with a lime tree avenue, the mansion was built in 1908 by the Eton educated gentleman cricketer John Heywood-Lonsdale.

The original design is typical of the neo-Georgian style of Eydon stone construction giving it a rich vibrant yellow facade. The house remained as the Heywood-Lonsdale's family home until the outbreak of World War II, when it was requisitioned by the government to help with the war effort. The house was used by Winston Churchill's crack espionage unit, the Special Operations Executive. Eventually it was bought by the Roscoe family.

Poundon House is approached through wrought iron gates down a tree lined driveway. There is a gravel parking area to the front.

GROUND FLOOR
Through the main double entrance doors is the lobby with a downstairs cloakroom, the lobby doors lead into the hallway and doors to the library; the drawing room has an original fireplace; the bright family room with french doors that open out onto the paved terrace providing views of the surrounding landscape and the large dining room with many original features including the fireplace and cornicing on the ceiling.

The kitchen has an oil fired AGA, and a former staff wing that comprises a utility room and boot room. Down the corridor there is an informal family living room/snug and a downstairs WC.

FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR
The principal staircase is a striking feature of the house with barley twists. On this floor there are 8 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms all of good proportion and size. The second floor has four bedrooms and two family bathrooms.

GARDEN WING
The guest cottage/staff quarters, has 3 bedrooms with a family bathroom on the first floor. The ground floor has a kitchen with oil fired Aga, living room and study. There is direct access out into their own private garden. The cellar provides two wine cellars, a studio and two boiler rooms.

GARDEN COTTAGE
The cottage has two bedrooms, a kitchen and living room suitable for staff accommodation or extended family.

STABLE YARD
The stable yard is an impressive set of buildings constructed of red brick under tiled roof including 12 stables, 4 flats and extensive garages.

GARDEN AND GROUNDS
Poundon house sits among 11.47 acres of land with a mix of landscaped gardens and paddocks. A special feature of Poundon House is the Victorian style walled garden, an enclosed site which includes garden plots and a variety of fruit trees. The garden is enclosed with a red brick wall with three entrances.

There is a roman style swimming pool within a private hedged garden. Beyond is a hard tennis court, a former croquet lawn and a garden pavilion.

Bicester 7 miles
Oxford 20 miles
Central London 70 miles (by train 49 minutes to Bicester north)
Heathrow Airport 58 miles