2 bedroom apartment

The Earl of Jersey's private apartment within this Lutyens-designed Grade 1 listed mansion, set in c.40 acres of magnificent parkland. 1,600 sq ft of bright & airy accommodation, including a panelled drawing room overlooking open countryside. Lift, garage, tennis court & a pool included. NO PETS

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 "no expense spared" by a new design by Edwin Lutyens. 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, shallow stairs and vast windows. To live in such a place is a privilege.

The approach via a wide timber and panelled stairway leads to a large hallway. A substantial oak door opens into a long and elegant hallway, and ahead the first striking feature is a large, glazed display cabinet inset into the wall. To the left a further large cupboard with double doors provides excellent storage, and opposite is the kitchen entrance. This is modern with a comprehensive suite including a stainless oven plus dishwasher, and underfoot is a charming, faux vinyl parquet floor. In the alcove is a fridge and there are also shelves to the corner. The next door opens into a wonderful panelled drawing room reminiscent of a Christie novel! The contrast between the strong natural light from those large windows and the darkness of the wood is glorious. This is the grandest of rooms, with inset shelves and a corner fireplace overshadowed by the Murano glass chandelier overhead, equally perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

At the other end of the hall the two bedrooms are pleasingly separate from the living space. The first is an ample double by modern standards and it includes a wardrobe. Adjacent to it the en-suite is modern with a shower and a classic white suite. Next door, the master bedrooms is the larger version, simple and elegant with a fireplace to the corner. Its en-suite is similarly large, now fitted with a modern suite that includes both an large shower and a bidet. The heating and water costs for this property are all included in the rent.

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 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.