Ginge, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12

Rare opportunity to acquire a tucked away rural idyll set in about 5 acres.

Description

With its origins dating to circa 1600, Upper Farm began life as an agricultural barn. In the early 90’s the present owners purchased the farm and set about creating a family home, from the by then dilapidated old barn.

This beautiful home is a celebration of the finest craftsmanship, showcasing infinite attention to detail. Much of the original fabric of the barn has been preserved, with other ancient beams and doors being sourced elsewhere.

Quirkily, an old church pew, already repurposed as seating in the historic Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, was again creatively repurposed as a dividing low wall between the kitchen and sitting room.

Huge old oak beams merge seamlessly with new oak and have become the heart of the building. Full height oak framed doors and windows throughout flood the house with natural light. The bespoke oak staircase, crafted by a local carpenter, takes centre stage in the stunning entrance hall, and rises to a magnificent galleried landing. Full height glazed windows overlook the garden.

The entrance hall, sitting room and kitchen are open plan with an old flagstone floor throughout. The cosy sitting room has a large open fire with wood burning stove within. Full height French doors and glazed panels open to the west facing terrace.
In the kitchen, a full height, oak framed, square bay, with bi-fold doors, also opens to the terrace. A two door Aga has an electric module and sits within painted wood units beneath wood worktops. A large laundry room and walk in pantry are directly off.

The drawing room, also with a full height, oak framed bay, has a large fireplace with huge, curved beam above. The study has bespoke shelving and cupboards to one wall.

From the hallway, a corridor leads to a large boot room with cloakroom off.

The staircase winds to the galleried landing. To one end is the triple aspect principal bedroom, with far reaching views toward the top of The Ridgeway. A good sized dressing room is just off. There are three further bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with separate showers.

From the landing, stairs rise to the second floor with its striking vaulted ceilings. This floor is presently arranged as a one bedroom flat with kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and shower room. A second staircase drops directly down to the boot room.

Outside
The driveway sweeps up and around to a large, gravelled courtyard at the front of the house. Mellow red brick walls frame a box parterre garden either side of the front door. The gardens to the rear are a delight, featuring mature herbaceous beds and a large pond, home to a variety of fish and a pair of ducks. A stone terrace spans the width of the house, with stone walling either end, making for a sheltered spot to enjoy. Steps rise to a large lawn with a mature, woodland beyond. The orchard boasts 24 mixed fruit trees and attractive chestnut fencing encloses a vegetable garden with its raised beds echoing a parterre.

The paddocks wrap around three sides of the boundary of the land and include two stables and a feed and tack room.

Location

Ginge is a small hamlet on the edge of the ancient droving roads, the Ridgeway and Icknield Way. Despite being tucked away in a very rural setting, it has easy access to national road and rail links. The hamlet is within the Berkshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is situated between the stunning Lockinge, Ardington and Hendred Estates. The source of Ginge Brook is on Upper Farm land, which then flows on down the valley. The area abounds with footpaths and bridleways to explore and enjoy. Properties seldom come to the market in Ginge and Upper Farm presents a rare opportunity to live in a such a tranquil and un-spoilt location.

Everyday shopping needs are met in the nearby market town of Wantage with weekly markets, monthly farmers’ market and two large supermarkets. Nearby Oxford provides more extensive shopping and many cultural activities and pastimes.

Neighbouring East Hendred boasts two public houses, including the renowned Eyston Arms, Church of England and Catholic churches and primary schools, post office and shop. Ardington has a thriving shop and café, and pub, The Boars Head.

Schooling
There is a wide choice of private and state schools in the area. St Helen and St Katharine’s and Abingdon School in Abingdon, and Magdalen, Headington and Oxford High in Oxford. Didcot Girls School was rated ‘Outstanding’ in the last Ofsted report and King Alfred’s School, Wantage rated ‘Good’ in its last Ofsted report.

There are two primary schools in East Hendred, and nearby prep schools include Chandlings Manor, St Hugh’s and Abingdon Prep.

Square Footage: 4,586 sq ft


Acreage: 5 Acres

Directions

Exit the A34 at Milton Interchange towards Wantage. After 1 mile turn right down Featherbed Lane. At T-junction turn right to Wantage. Immediately after The Hare turn left onto the Greenway. After 0.5 miles continue onto Ginge Road. Continue for 1.3 miles taking a sharp right hand bend at the end. Continue past red brick walls and the post box. The driveway can be found after the red brick house on the left with a wooden bridleway sign.

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Additional Info

Wantage 5 miles, Abingdon 9 miles, Oxford 16 miles, Didcot Parkway (London Paddington from 40 mins) 8 miles, Central London 71 miles, Heathrow Airport (Terminal 2) 50 miles
(Distances are approximate)

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Tenure
Freehold with vacant possession on completion

Services
Mains electric
Oil central heating
Private drainage
Broadband

Photographs taken and brochure prepared March 2024