5 bedroom detached house for sale

On the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds, The Sycamores is at the heart of sought-after Hailey nestled in the pretty countryside just a couple of miles from the thriving market town of Witney.

The Sycamores is a particularly substantial and flexible detached house with 4,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space across three floors including a vast open-plan kitchen/dining/family room at its hub, a refined sitting room, six lovely bedrooms and five modern bathrooms – be assured, there’s space for everyone and everything.

From the moment you set eyes on this handsome stone-built house, you’ll be smitten. Its good looks are replicated throughout the entire property which was rebuilt ten years ago to the highest of standards and is presented in pristine condition with luxe features such as the glamorous principal bedroom suite complete with dressing room.

With plenty of parking space on the gravelled courtyard in front of the house and double garage, plus a lovely walled rear garden with paved terraces, lawn, flower-beds and a fantastic treehouse that youngsters will love, The Sycamores has it all. Let’s fill you in on the details . . .

Super-spacious perfection

An engraved name plaque set into the Cotswold stone wall signals your arrival at The Sycamores and the double timber gates open onto the gravelled driveway and courtyard with parking space for several cars.

The elegant sophistication of the house is immediately impressive and entry is via a set of dove grey doors sheltered by an oak-framed porch.

Light and airy, the expansive entrance hall radiates a buoyant ambience that’s echoed throughout the entire house. The attractive light oak staircase sweeps up to the first and second floors and there’s zoned underfloor heating stretching throughout the entire ground floor. A cloakroom/WC is tucked in one corner and coat cupboards in another. To the left is the 13x11ft home study usefully set up with built-in cupboard storage.

Next to this is the 26x17ft sitting room, a really lovely, light-filled room with French doors at the far end opening onto the garden terrace. Equally delightful for family relaxation or refined entertaining, an elegant stone fireplace with woodburner is the focus of the room flanked by dark grey built-in dressers with cupboards and shelving.

Radiant in oodles of natural light cast by four windows in the family/dining area and French doors/windows in the kitchen, this immense open-plan hub is accessed by a pair of light oak doors to the right of the entrance hall. It’s a really great space that the family can utilise for all their day-to-day needs - the family/dining room extends to a capacious 24x20ft. It’s equally perfect for casual meals or candlelit entertaining round the table, family chill-out time with books and board games, watching the TV, or for children to play – or do their homework – while meals are prepared.

White cabinetry with grey marbled granite worktops in the 23x15ft kitchen area adds to the light, bright ambience and the big central island houses the sink and has a breakfast bar that’s ideal for quick school-day breakfasts or relaxing with a coffee and the daily paper. A Falcon range cooker with six-ring gas hob and wall-mounted Neff oven and microwave take care of the cooking and there’s also an integrated Miele dishwasher. Other freestanding appliances, including an American-style fridge/freezer, are available by separate negotiation.

That feeling of space continues in the adjoining utility room which, at 16x15ft, has plumbing for all the laundry appliances, lots of storage cupboards and a sink. There’s also a boot room with outdoor access, an essential of rural life to mop up the muddy detritus of countryside rambles! Finally on the ground floor, there’s a cloakroom with WC and shower and access to the 17x17ft garage which has a staircase to a vaulted room above.

Bedtime story

Having a choice of wonderful bedrooms is one of the highlights of The Sycamores – a good night’s sleep is assured.

On the first floor the grown-ups can revel in the most fabulous principal bedroom suite. Triple-aspect and 20x13ft, there’s plenty of space for the biggest of beds and your choice of furniture. The, luxurious contemporary en-suite bathroom has elegantly neutral floor-to-ceiling tiling, a freestanding bath tub and walk-in glass shower cubicle. Alongside, a glamorous dressing room with a bank of mirrored fitted wardrobes is a fashionista’s dream!

The guest bedroom is also generously proportioned at 17x10ft and complete with fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. Two further bedrooms are identical at 13x12ft and one also has an en-suite shower room. Both of them have a built-in wardrobe.

Climb the stairs to the second floor for two more spacious bedrooms located under the eaves and leading from the large landing, complete with skylight. The largest, 22x11ft, would be ideal for youngsters to sleep and/or play – the extensive floor area is perfect for setting up model train layouts, race tracks and so on. Equally, it would be a brilliant teenagers’ den – they can play their music loudly without disturbing anyone else! Completing the sleeping quarters is the sixth bedroom, 16x14ft, and a big bathroom with shower.

Into the garden

Enclosed by Cotswold stone walls and mature trees that provide welcome shade in the summer, the garden of The Sycamores is a private haven, ideal for a family with a sweeping stretch of lawn and easily maintained peripheral flower beds. Children can play and kick a ball around while the treehouse built around a big old sycamore tree is a delightful extra that they will cherish.

The adults can lap up the sunshine on a choice of two patios – perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining friends.

Round and about

Enjoying the surrounding countryside is part and parcel of village life, and it’s particularly lovely in the Hailey area. A lane next to The Sycamores and another just across the road give immediate access to public footpaths and the glorious landscape with all the leisure options it presents from muddy rambles and cycling to leisurely walks with the dog or pony trekking – there’s a riding school nearby.

Villagers are particularly fond of their community woodland, Breech Wood, which was opened 20 years ago by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales. In the spring there are magnificent bluebell woods to stroll through.

Need a pint of milk or a newspaper? The nearest shop is Budgens a mile away at Cannon Pool service station on the edge of Witney. Supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury’s can be found in the centre of the thriving town with its bustling high street lined with independent shops and big brands such as Next and Marks & Spencer. A choice of pubs, cafes and coffee shops offer a wide range of eating and drinking options and there’s a leisure centre and cinema too.

Hailey is a welcoming community with events and get-togethers held throughout the year including a fete, village rounders contest and legendary scarecrow trail. The village local, The Lamb & Flag, is at the heart of the village community, serving a menu of pub favourites alongside its ales, and there’s also a village hall hosting groups such as the gardening club and the Hailey Singers.

This lovely rural area is particularly well served with foodie pubs such as the ever-popular The Lamb at Crawley, the Bird in Hand just outside Hailey and, in Charlbury, The Bull and The Bell. Nearby and recently refurbished, Witney Rugby Club has a thriving membership and superb clubhouse.

Education is a priority for families and the local school, Hailey Primary, is Ofsted-rated ‘good’ as are the two nearest secondary schools, both in Witney, Wood Green School and Henry Box School. Private schools nearby include Cokethorpe, The King’s School, Windrush Valley School and St Hugh’s.

Located on the B4022 from Witney to Charlbury, where there are mainline train services to London Paddington, Hailey has a good regular bus service.