A handsome former rectory with cottage.

Description

Situated in a conservation area, just off the village green, the Old Rectory is approached though wooden gates to a gravel turning circle in the front of the property. Constructed of limestone rubble with dressed quoins beneath a Cotswold stone and Bradstone slate roof, it retains many of its architectural and period features. Too many to mention, they include, collar-truss roof with butt purlins, C17 stop-chamfered beams, early C18 panelled doors, panelling and sash and stone mullion windows.

Entered through the Gothic porch, the reception hall with flag stone floor is central with the reception rooms leading off and staircase with arch window rising to the first floor. The sitting room has deep skirting boards, picture rails, working fireplace with marble mantle and shuttered French doors opening to the garden.

Of similarly grand proportions and high ceilings, the dining room has parquet flooring, shuttered windows and fitted bookcases. The family room with access to the kitchen, has French doors to the garden, fireplace with stone mantle and wood burning stove. The kitchen has oak units and granite work surfaces, a pantry and a wood burning stove. By the back door is the utility/boot room and access to the barrelled ceiling cellar.

On the first floor the principal bedroom has high ceilings, sash, shuttered windows overlooking the gardens and en suite bathroom with freestanding bath with shower over. There are three further bedrooms on the first floor, all lovely proportions, and a family bathroom. On the second floor are two attic bedrooms with magnificent timber beams and further attic storage rooms.

The Cottage
Thought to have possibly originally been a dairy, the cottage is attached, but with private entrance. There is a sitting/dining room with stone fireplace and exposed timbers and a small kitchen. On the first floor are two good sized bedrooms and a bathroom. (Services are metered separately).

Outbuildings
Former stables attached to the cottage are used as a workshop. There is a separate concrete double garage, garden stores and an Alitex greenhouse.

Gardens and grounds
The gardens at the Old Rectory have been professionally designed by the current owners and will be their legacy. Formal gardens, bordered by high yew hedges have well stocked herbaceous borders, rose beds and include a variety of mature native and non-native trees. The orchard, with long grass and wildflowers, includes a very old damson tree, pears, Medlar and Blenheim Orange apple tree. Bordered by a ditch to one part, a treehouse overlooks the gardens. There is a terrace area in the rear garden, a pond and productive fruit and vegetable gardens. There is a further terrace on the North West side of the house, outside the kitchen and further offset a small secret seating and BBQ area.

The Old Rectory is a most inviting family home with rooms of grand proportions and cosy spaces. The gardens and grounds provide delight for children to play and adults to enjoy.

Location

Situated on the River Windrush, at the edge of the Cotswolds, Ducklington lies approximately 13 miles west of Oxford and about 2.5 miles from the market town of Witney. Believed to have origins dating to Saxon times, the village has a primary school, village hall, St Bartholomew’s church and The Bell public house. Witney provides for every day amenities including Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s, cinema, leisure centre and, nearby there is a country club with swimming pool and golf course.

More extensive cultural, recreational and shopping facilities are found in Oxford, Burford and Cheltenham. Oxford Parkway station (about 12 miles), has services to London Marylebone (from about 60 minutes). A bus service runs between Witney and Abingdon stopping in the village.

The area is well served by an excellent selection of state and independent schools, with primary in the village, secondary in Witney, Burford and Eynsham. Independent schools include Cokethorpe and St Hugh’s and the well-regarded Oxford and Abingdon schools.

Square Footage: 4,892 sq ft


Acreage: 2.25 Acres

Directions

From Oxford, proceed west on the A40 to Witney. Take the A415 exit to Witney/Abingdon. At the roundabout take the first exit signed to Ducklington. Proceed into the village along Witney Road and as it bends round to merge with Standlake Road going past the village green and duck pond as if leaving the village. The Old Rectory is found on the left a short distance after the primary school.

Additional Info

Distances
Witney 2 miles, Burford 8 miles, Oxford 13 miles, Abingdon 13.5 miles

The Old Rectory was the home of rectors of the Parish until 1976 and it was acquired by the current owners in 1977. Listed Grade II, it is understood that the façade facing the village green is of the oldest part of the property dating back to the early 1600s. In 1684 the advowson of Ducklington was acquired by Magdalen College, Oxford.

The property has evolved over the years with many of the rectors making their mark. Between 1798-1800 it was largely rebuilt with the substantial Georgian extension including the grand south-east facing reception rooms and the arched window is also thought to date from this time.

Much of the improvements used reclaimed materials, including the medieval door to the cellar and the 15th century beams in the attic area. Some of these are painted with heraldic coats of arms and were initially thought to have come from Minster Lovell Hall (Pevsner – Buildings of Oxfordshire). However, later research queries this. The property was extended and remodelled again in the mid-19th century adding the large bay window and Gothic style porch. The current owners have extensively restored The Old Rectory during their ownership, modernising it to create a wonderful and comfortable home for their family.

Services - Mains water, drainage and electricity are connected. Oil fired central heating. Electric radiators to second floor. Gas fired central heating to the Cottage.

Council Tax - Band G Main house; Band C Cottage