St. Aldates, Central Oxford, OX1

Description

A wonderful Grade II Listed townhouse arranged over four floors, including a shop on the ground floor. It extends to c. 1967 sq ft and is located opposite Christ Church College and its magnificent gardens. With late medieval origins, the timber-framed, stone building was expanded and redesigned in the early 18th century and restored in 2007 in collaboration with renowned conservation architect Julian Harrap. Entry to the house is at the front, opening into a hallway with black and white mosaic tiles and plenty of space for hanging coats. Parquet flooring leads to the rear, past the original 15th century lime-washed stone wall and to the wooden staircase which winds its way up the four floors. The rooms throughout the house are elegant and spacious, with large windows and a fantastic quality of natural light. The dining room is at the front on the first floor, illuminated by an expansive window that frames views over Christ Church and its wonderful meadows. The room has (truncated)

History

St. Aldates has had many lives since it was built in the 16th century. The house was requisitioned during the Civil War, when it became home to the Royal court’s entourage. But the most notable transformation took place in the early 18th century, when the existing house was remodelled and an external passage that once ran alongside the house was incorporated into the living space. The Georgian building remains intact and preserves many of the original features including original oak panelling, a moulded cornice parapet and a Welsh slate roof. Later in life, in the mid-1950s, the legendary restaurant Elizabeth opened in the house; a unique dining club that hosted many of Oxford’s grandees and famous visitors. In 2007, Julian Harrap oversaw the restoration of St Aldates. It received an Oxford Preservation Trust Award in 2008 in recognition of the quality and merit of his intervention. The comprehensive renovation includes work behind the scenes, such as complete re-plumbing, (truncated)

Location

The property is exceptionally well located. It lies in Oxford’s city centre, yet is on a relatively quiet road, which has been largely pedestrianised except for buses and taxis. With Christ Church College and its famous meadow and the Botanic Gardens in front, the views are exceptional. The River Thames is also a short walk away. Next door to the house on the south side is the famous ‘Alice’s Shop’, which was the real shop that Alice Liddell – she of ‘Alice in wonderland’ fame – would visit as a child and features as The Old Sheep Shop in ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass‘ by Lewis Carroll. On the north side is the Bishops Palace (now the University Catholic chaplaincy), Christ Church School, Pembroke College and the Town Hall. An array of museums, shops, cafes and restaurants are nearby, including four supermarkets and the Westgate Shopping Centre. At the top of the road is the famous Covered Market, which hosts everything from artisan grocers to independent cafes and (truncated)

Services

All main services are connected.

Viewing Arrangements

Strictly by appointment with Penny & Sinclair.

Tenure & Possession

The property is Freehold. The shop on the ground floor is currently let on a 5 year lease £14,000 rent; Rent review dates - after 6 months and each anniversary of the lease start date; Tenant break after 3 years on 3 months’ notice; Within Landlord and tenant Act security of tenure provisions. The flat above is offered with vacant possession upon completion.

Local Authority

Oxford City Council, City Chambers, Queen Street, Oxford OX1 1EN Tel:

Agents Note

Penny & Sinclair, their clients and any joint agent gives notice to anyone reading these particulars that: i) the particulars do not constitute part of an offer or contract; ii) all descriptions, dimensions, references to the condition and necessary permissions for use and occupation, and other details are given without responsibility and any intending purchasers should not rely on them as statement or representations of fact. Iii) the text, photographs and plans are guidelines only and are not necessarily comprehensive. Any reference to alterations to, or use of, any part of the property does not mean that all necessary planning, building regulations or other consents have been obtained and Penny & Sinclair have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. A buyer or lessee must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise. Iv) the descriptions provided therein represent the opinion of the author and whilst given in good faith should not be construed as statements (truncated)