High Street, Clifton Hampden, OX14

Little Place is only little in name – the substantial home was built in the 18th century, with several extensions over the years, and is full of character. It is well situated within the village – from its elevated south-facing position, it enjoys fine views across the meadows and Thames toward the Wittenham Clumps and is close to the village school and Post Office/shop. The house has been beautifully preserved and there are many original features, including parquet and tiled flooring, and original fireplaces. The house is nestled within delightful tiered gardens, with brick terraces, and there is off-street forecourt parking and a garage. A previous occupant, Judge Medd, refers to the gardens in his memoirs – writing that local tradition has it that the gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll, the famous garden designer. She was a friend of Lady Ottoline Morrell of the Bloomsbury Set who lived here.

This substantial house offers a wealth of character and history. The rooms are generously proportioned with high ceilings and large, leaded windows which look out over the pretty gardens. Some of the bedrooms have views over the river Thames, and one over the historic church. The well proportioned main reception rooms are at the front of the house, facing south, and provide an excellent space for entertaining. The additional living space includes a study, a charming farmhouse kitchen, a family room currently used as a gym with access to the garden, and both a utility room and boot room. There is a useful cellar for storage and a cloakroom. Upstairs, the five large bedrooms can all accommodate a king-size bed, and there are three bathrooms. There is a high-ceilinged loft running over most of the property with potential for conversion (subject to planning), and a further loft over the laundry and boot rooms.

Outside

The mature gardens and grounds of around 0.728 of an acre are arranged on different levels intersected by yew hedges and walling with paved areas, hedged lawns and places to sit and take in the views. An area of woodland surrounding the top lawn, high hedges and mature trees make the outside space feel wonderfully secluded, and there are lovely views of the various borders and flowerbeds. Two levels have extensive lawn areas, one of which used to be a grass tennis court. The garden is wonderful for families, with a summer house and thatched hut. There is a detached garage with space for four cars on the forecourt. The house has an impressive wisteria, which clambers over the front elevations, and paved paths and box hedges.

Situation

Clifton Hampden is a charming village situated just north of the river Thames, about 4 miles from Abingdon and 8 miles from Oxford. The village includes a GP surgery, a primary school, village hall, church, Post Office/shop, tennis and cricket clubs and a pub, The Barley Mow. Abingdon boasts excellent sporting facilities including a leisure centre with indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a swimming pool. Abingdon’s Tilsley Park features a top-notch UK Athletics ‘A’ Grade track and field facility, as well as two full-sized artificial hockey and football pitches. The town is home to a rugby club and a rowing club, along with an open-air Thameside swimming pool and parks. In addition, the town offers a weekly market, a monthly farmers’ market and several large supermarkets. There are very good local schools to choose from, both state and private, including St Helen and St Katharine, Abingdon School, Radley College, Chandlings, the Manor, the Dragon School, St Edwards, Magdalen College School, Headington and Oxford High. The house is very close to historic Oxford with its extensive shopping and world class cultural facilities. Clifton Hampden is only 55 miles from London and has excellent communication links. The A34 connects to the motorway network via the M4 and M40, and regular bus services are available nearby to Oxford, Henley, and surrounding villages. There is a station at Culham, 1.6 miles away. This links with Didcot mainline station (5 miles away) with regular fast services to London (Paddington) in approx. 40 minutes. From Paddington station the Elizabeth Line takes approx. 3 minutes to Bond Street and approx. 11 minutes to Liverpool Street.

Additional Information

Local Authority: South Oxfordshire District Council
Council Tax Band: G
Mains water, electricity and drainage are supplied to
the property. Oil-fired central heating. (Gas is available
in the village).