Parsonage Close, Charlton, OX12

The thoughtful design and meticulous construction of Merille are evidenced in abundance with its light and spacious feel, solid walls, high ceilings and large windows.  And with superb eco-credentials including air-source heating, zoned underfloor heating downstairs and a hot water heat recovery system, it’s incredibly energy efficient, too.

The location is fantastic.  It’s a short walk to the local primary school, pub and shops and just a 20 minute stroll into Wantage town centre.  Transport links are straightforward, with easy access to the A34 for Oxford or south to the M4, and Didcot Parkway for trains to London in around 45 minutes.

We’re excited to tell you more about Merille, so let us fill you in on all the details…

Light and space in abundance...

Merille lies tucked away in a quiet position at the end of Parsonage Close, an exclusive cul-de-sac of individually designed homes with friendly neighbours and a real sense of community.  There are regular social events throughout the year and residents share fruit from each other’s gardens – there’s even a ‘Parsonage Close Cider’!

Refined yet modern, Merille is built in brick and grey cedar cladding and is located in a tranquil spot next to fields, yet within a few minutes of the primary school, local pub and shops.  There’s parking for two cars on the driveway plus a double garage.

The glass front door opens onto a double-height entrance hall with galleried landing above, a downstairs cloakroom/WC and useful storage cupboard.  To the right lies the contemporary kitchen/diner with sleek white gloss units, grey worksurfaces and porcelain tiles underfoot.  Integrated appliances are designed to make cooking a breeze and include Siemens double ovens and induction hob, a Smeg dishwasher, Bosch fridge and a Quooker instant boiling water tap. 

There’s space for a large kitchen table for the whole family to gather, and the room is flooded with natural light thanks to the entire wall of glass sliding doors (repeated in the sitting room) that overlook the garden terrace and can be opened up in the summer to create a wonderful merger of inside with outside. Internal plantation-style shutters are a stylish addition to all the downstairs windows, adding privacy and shade.

Leading off the kitchen is a good-sized utility room with plumbing for a washing machine and dryer, plus plenty of extra cupboard space.  An internal door leads into the double garage, which could easily be converted into additional living space (subject to planning).

The elegant sitting room at Merille is the perfect spot to relax or entertain friends and family.  The feature exposed brick wall houses an inset woodburner which provides warmth and atmosphere on chilly evenings.  In the summer, the sliding doors open to create a lovely connection with the outdoors.  A neutral decorative palette, dimmable spotlighting and luxurious Karndean flooring in a herringbone pattern lends a sophisticated feel to this lovely room. 

Sweet Dreams

Climb the stairs to the galleried landing, with vaulted ceiling above and a pretty picture window which overlooks the garden.  There are four superb double bedrooms on the first floor, all generous sizes and with fitted wardrobes.

The star of the show is the principal bedroom, which is a luxurious retreat for grown-ups with all they need to relax in peace.  There’s a bank of built-in wardrobes plus a stylish ensuite with walk-in rainfall shower.  All the bathrooms are beautifully appointed and feature sanitaryware by Roca and Gerberit.

The guest suite and two further double bedrooms are all immaculately presented.  The guest bedroom has its own ensuite shower room, whilst bedrooms 3 and 4 share the large family bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. Bedroom 3 has a private doorway into this bathroom with 'Jack and Jill’ access.  Bedroom 4 is currently arranged as a study, with super-fast broadband and Cat5 Ethernet cabling in the main rooms making working from home effortless.

Into the garden

Easily manageable and south facing, the garden enjoys a spacious elevated terrace which runs alongside the entire rear of the house and is separated into two sections, allowing for a dining table and a seating area.  The terrace can be accessed from both the kitchen and the sitting room, allowing a lovely flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

There’s a generous amount of lawn and well-stocked borders with azaleas, acers, rhododendrons and old roses creating colour and interest throughout the year.  A feature stone wall gives privacy and extra interest to the garden.  In addition, two raised vegetable planters will keep the green-fingered happy and provide an abundance of home-grown produce.

LOCATION
Wantage is a thriving market town with a good mix of the traditional and the 21st Century.  You’ll find plenty of independent boutiques, cafes, and a local library alongside high street essentials such as Waitrose, Costa Coffee and Boots, all within walking distance.

On the cultural front, Wantage boasts a wonderful local museum with a great café, whilst nearby lies the peaceful natural oasis of Betjemen Park.  These amenities are supplemented by the town’s annual literary and arts festival, and lots of musical events of all genres held throughout the year.

Fitness fans can enjoy swimming and tennis at Wantage Leisure Centre and the Fitness Space in the Market Place offers hot yoga and personal training.  If food and drink is more your thing, The Bear Hotel offers probably the best Sunday lunch in the area, Wildwood Kitchen and Grill has its own private cinema, and the Swan Inn just off the market place is a very traditional pub with a very un-traditional cocktail bar upstairs!  Further afield, there are some fine restaurants in the villages outlying Wantage, for example The Star Inn, Sparsholt and The Eyston Arms in Hendred.

Transport links are great from Wantage.  If you’re headed into London by train, Didcot Parkway is just 9 miles away and will whisk you into Paddington in under 45 minutes.  There are regular bus services from Market Place to Oxford City Centre, Abingdon, Didcot and Faringdon, plus the A338 offers easy road access to the A34, M40 and M4.   When you live in Wantage, some of England’s most glorious countryside is right on your doorstep.  In 5 minutes you can be walking, cycling, or horse riding on the ancient Ridgeway and enjoying the stunning views over the North Wessex Downs.  If golf is your passion, Frilford Heath, with its three courses to choose from, lies just a few miles north.

Educational opportunities are plentiful, whether you’re looking for state or independent provision.  King Alfred’s Academy sixth form is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, and there are a number of excellent local primary schools within walking distance including the highly regarded Charlton Primary and Wantage C of E Primary School.   Regular bus services run from the Market Square to top independent schools including Abingdon, St Helen and St Katharine, Our Lady’s, The Manor and Radley.