Wixford, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49

A handsome former threshing barn with panoramic views


Description

Oversley’s history dates back to the reign of King Offa. Records date back to the 11th century with archeological finds evidence of earlier settlements. It is likely that a motte and bailey style castle was replaced around 1238.
Once owned by Sir Thomas Cromwell, Oversley Castle was created in the late 17th or early 18th century from a 17th century farmhouse to create an extravagant castellated folly, visible from Ragley Hall. During the Regency era, the Prince of Wales is believed to have visited the castle for romantic encounters. In 1932 the castle was remodelled to become a prominent Arts & Crafts country house.

Now in the 21st century the castle is being reconstructed by the current owners of Tudor Barn as part of ‘Grand Designs’ with a planned air date at the end of 2024. Oversley Castle will incorporate the latest technology to ensure it is carbon-neutral and self-sufficient whilst retaining the historical integrity of the property.

Formerly a threshing barn, Grade II listed Tudor Barn showcases exquisite craftsmanship, featuring timber framing, square panels on a coursed Lias stone squared plinth, oak weather-boarding, and oak window frames - all crowned by a meticulously handcrafted clay-tiled roof.

Tudor Barn has been thoughtfully designed to combine traditional charm with contemporary comfort. The layout is innovative with the ground floor housing the main bedroom accommodation and an open-plan design on the first floor to maximize the wonderful views.

The heart of the home is the fully equipped German kitchen with high-end integrated appliances and premium quartz work surfaces. Soft-close units conceal two ovens (traditional or steam options), a combination oven, warming drawers, an induction hob, integrated dishwasher, wine cooler, and an American fridge freezer. There is a Quooker boiling tap for added convenience.

On the ground floor the principal bedroom suite features bespoke fitted wardrobes in the dressing room, an en suite shower room with a steam shower, and a spacious bedroom with French doors opening onto the garden. There are two more ground floor bedrooms, each with ample wardrobe storage. On the first floor is a further bedroom and guest room in annexe. The second floor offers versatile mezzanine accommodation with breath-taking vistas along the barn's roof trusses.

A separate annexe includes a vaulted kitchenette, a professional home office/bedroom and a shower room. The main room features substantial fitted joinery and glazed doors leading to a terrace with stunning views. There is also a drop down bed built into the cupboards.

The wonderful garden was designed by Jonathan Uglow with stone-paved terracing, a formal lawned area, raised water feature, stainless steel sculpture, and well-thought-out landscaping. There are two decked terraces, a slide, sunken trampoline, and an anchored rope for children's entertainment.A double en bloc garage with power and lighting, along with barrel vaulted stores for your convenience.The property extends to approximately 0.65 acres, with potential for additional land by separate negotiation. Lot 2 comprises 3.59 acres.

There is Control4 automation for lighting, music, and heating. Automated gates with remote access, a CCTV system around the property's perimeter, and extensive outdoor lighting.

Location

The Oversley Castle Estate is located 350 ft above the Warwickshire countryside and has spectacular panoramic vistas across the neighbouring counties. The views encompass the Cotswold Escarpment and the Bredon and Malvern Hills. Located in idyllic countryside in Shakespeare’s Country, yet within convenient reach of the bustle and bright lights of Birmingham, and with easy access to motorway and rail networks.

The nearby villages of Alcester has a good range of facilities, including a grammar school, excellent ousted rated schools, Waitrose as well as a variety of boutique shops, medical centre, dentist, veterinary practice, pharmacy, a bank, a church, restaurants and a garage. More extensive shopping, dining, leisure and cultural facilities can be found in the nearby towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, which is home to the famous Shakespeare Theatre. Stratford-upon-Avon has an excellent range of schools including Stratford Girls Grammar School and King Edward School.

The surrounding area provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, notably pleasant local walks and also the nearby Cotswold Way; fishing and boating on the River Avon and on the Stratford-upon-Avon canal; equestrian and country pursuits and horse racing at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Cheltenham.

Oversley Castle is within convenient proximity of excellent transport links. The A46 and A422 are easily accessible, providing connections to the nearby M5, M42, M40 and M6. Rail services are available at Honeybourne, Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, Evesham and Warwick providing frequent services to Birmingham and London.

It is about 10 miles to the Cotswolds with quintessential honey-coloured houses and cottages, miles of beautiful footpaths and bridlepaths, charming pubs serving excellent local produce and speciality shops. The Cotswolds' year is packed with events ranging from world famous international festivals like Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cheltenham Gold Cup Week to major musical events such as the Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Festival or the Big Feastival, as well as a jam-packed events calendar featuring concerts, exhibitions, arts and literature festivals and theatrical productions.

Square Footage: 2,688 sq ft


Acreage: 0.65 Acres

Additional Info

Viewings: Strictly by prior arrangement with Savills Stow-on-the-Wold .

Services: Sewerage treatment plant, private water supply, mains electricity, air source heat pump and electric car chargers.

Service Charge: £4,600 per annum for water supply, maintenance of sewage treatment plant, 1 Gb/s Fibre internet, maintenance of the drive, gates and communal areas and provision of satellite TV. The owners of Oversley Castle are the managing agent.

Local Authority: Stratford District Council. Band H.

Particulars prepared: January 2024. Photographs taken: September 2023.