Horn Lane, East Hendred, OX12 8LD

An iconic village home

Originally dating back to circa c17th Century, Hines Cottage, amongst the oldest homes in East Hendred and now one of the most contemporary.  

Serenely set off a quiet country lane, Hines Cottage is a home reimagined and rebuilt by its current owners; an utterly unique and bespoke build, with all the 21st Century accoutrements you could desire whilst retaining its old cottage charm and warmth.  Blending historical elegance with modern comforts, behind the scenes modern touches include underfloor heating throughout, Rako lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, air source heat pump, an automist sprinkler system, Wi-Fi, and much more.

Retaining its Grade-II listing, within its whitewashed walls this chocolate box cottage is a home brimming with contemporary comforts, blending the very best of old and new. The ultimate ‘lifestyle home’, alongside its state-of-the-art kitchen and divine entertaining spaces, you’ll also discover a luxurious lower ground leisure space with a gym, hot tub, sauna and wet bar.  Plus, its enchanting garden with mature trees and a sunny terrace, offers an idyllic retreat.

Hines Cottage is a perfect fusion of past and present, meticulously restored for modern living.  We can’t wait to give you all the finer details…

Blending character and comfort

Set along a quiet lane on the edge of the village, Hines Cottage is as pretty as a picture with its white walls and recently thatched roof.

Pull through the five-bar electric gated entrance and along the wide driveway, which leads to a large, detached, 2.5 bay garage with EVC point. Drylined and insulated, with power and Wi-Fi connections, there is scope to create your own garden office here (subject to consent).

Make your way indoors, through a handsome glazed oak door, emerging into the sitting room, where a collection of lightly toned original timbers and beams pay homage to the heritage of the original cottage.

Warmest of welcomes

Emanating warmth and welcome, a log-burning stove, nestled within an exposed brick inglenook fireplace fills the room with toasty cheer on winter days. Traditionally finished in wattle and daub fashion, walls of lime plaster lend a smooth, 21st century finish to this sophisticated sitting room.

Stepping through from the sitting room, on the right, discover the spacious study, where royal blue, hand-built fitted furniture offers storage space and a curving desk for those working from home. Light streams in through a glazed oak door, offering instant access out to the garden for inspirational coffee breaks.

Walls embellished with timbers evoke the history of the home, instilling comfort throughout Hines Cottage. A versatile room, it could easily serve as a second sitting room or playroom.

Tucked off the study, discover a well-furnished utility/boot room, offering ample storage and stacked plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer, and providing handy access to a downstairs WC with wash basin.

Savour the view

Oak and glass lead the way through, on the left of the sitting room, to the family-dining-kitchen. Inviting the outdoors in, the large, picture window frames verdant views out over the sunny terrace and private garden beyond, with French doors opening to provide seamless access indoors and out for summer entertaining.

Wooden flooring flows out underfoot in this capacious family room, cleverly zoned to provide cosy seating areas and dining spaces alongside the practical and stylish culinary hub of the bespoke Bulthaup kitchen.

Owner Quote: “No corner has been cut, no shortcuts taken, or easy way pursued. Hines has been restored to exceed exacting and demanding standards, respecting its history and position within the village”.

A feast for the eyes

Contemporary blends with classic, as matt finish stainless steel splashbacks amplify the light. Wide worktops provide plenty of preparation space, whilst integrated appliances include Miele fridge, freezer, oven, combination oven, plate warmer, dishwasher, and Bora induction hob with integrated extractor alongside a Quooker instant hot water tap. Tucked off the kitchen, a flash of exposed stone reinforces the history of Hines Cottage in the neat pantry/utility room, where additional storage can be found.

Cultivate your own spaces, with an ample area for a dining table when hosting family and friends, and plenty of space for casual meals at the breakfast bar, all the while savouring the fantastic views.

A floating glass and oak staircase with low level lighting rises effortlessly from the kitchen to the first-floor landing, the original chimney wall a tactile feature upon ascent, displaying a centuries old timber beam in artistic fashion, a remnant of the original cottage. 

Sweet dreams

Tranquillity descends in the principal bedroom, where garden views greet you from the Juliet balcony, whilst banks of fitted wardrobes offer ample storage. Stone coloured carpet adds to the serenity of the scene, as natural light streams in through high Velux windows.

Light is a motif that echoes throughout the home, with a series of Velux windows inviting the daylight into the ensuite.  Here a Villeroy & Boch suite with Hansgrohe wet room shower, vanity unit wash basin, Bisque heated towel radiator and WC awaits.

Across from the principal bedroom, soft shades of grey enhance the relaxing ambience of the guest suite. A peaceful double bedroom with private dressing area in one corner; a pocket door slides open to reveal a wet room shower, alongside a vanity unit wash basin, WC and heated towel radiator.

Wooden flooring features throughout the landing which retains original wattle and daub features alongside useful storage cupboards.

Heritage within its walls

Off the landing, a third double bedroom features an original beam within the exposed fireplace, creating a cosy feature beneath the airiness of the high ceiling. In juxtaposition, the diagonal feature beams in the teal wall behind the bedhead provide a chic contemporary balance.

Next door, on the left, a fourth double bedroom overlooks the front garden, carpeted underfoot and balancing country comfort with modern panache in its deep grey decorative palette.

Bathroom bliss

Soothe your senses in the boutique hotel-vibe bathroom, beautifully furnished with a gleaming nickel freestanding bath and a large, walk-in wet room Duravit shower, with vanity unit wash basin and WC, and where the setting and lighting against the wattle and daub walls create an amazing space in which to unwind and reflect.

The ‘Pleasure Dome’

The pièce de résistance of Hines Cottage awaits on the lower ground floor; transformed by the current owners to create a leisure suite including a home gym with mirrored walls drenched in natural light from a feature skylight above. Feel the burn or enjoy sedate stretches for those who prefer yoga to HIT workouts.

After your training, relax and unwind in the beautifully tiled hot tub, or treat your aching muscles in the private sauna.

Owner quote: “My favourite space? The basement…a chance to play loud music, exercise until I’m spent, then wind down in the Spa “pleasure dome”. 

On this level there is also a handy kitchen bar, beautifully furnished with Scheuller furniture, allowing you to stay hydrated. Freshen up for the day ahead in the handy shower room, served by wash basin with vanity unit storage, heated towel radiator and WC. 

Enchanting gardens

Outside, the private, enclosed gardens at Hines Cottage serve as an extension to the main living space. The large, lush green lawn offers plenty of space for children to play, interspersed by mature trees, providing shelter and shade in the summer months.

Prolific, colourful borders fringe the lawn, whilst a selection of original fruit trees, retained from the early 20th century East Hendred orchard, fruit abundantly, offering their harvest up for pies, chutneys and crumbles as autumn calls.

Soak up the sunshine on the large terrace, surveying the peace and tranquillity of this serene setting. Benefitting from all day sun, the patio terrace is ideal for drinks and al-fresco dining. Admire the careful and highest quality construction of Hines Cottage; its solid wood frame constructed from oak felled in Yorkshire, nestled beneath its wheat reed thatch, grown in Devon.

Outside the front and rear of Hines Cottage, there are two fossilised ammonites, among the dozens discovered during excavation work and dating back to a time before dinosaurs became extinct!

In the serenity of the garden, immerse yourself in chapter upon chapter of stories evident from the very old to the very new growth, new life emerging everywhere. Every one of them, marking the moment in time, with the constant background chatter of birds serving as a reminder to enjoy and enhance.

Owner quote: “The restoration returns Hines Cottage to its iconic status in the village, albeit as a brand new, ultra-modern, contemporary home whilst retaining its cottage appearance and Grade II listed status.”

On your doorstep

One of 73 individual and evocatively constructed listed buildings and historical monuments in East Hendred, Hines Cottage keeps good company; take a stroll around this peaceful and picturesque village to take in the architecture and ambience.

Hines Cottage has its extensive history documented by East Hendred Heritage Trust, sited within Champs Chapel.  Captured in photographs as early as 1905, the life and times of Hines is captivating.

Served by two nearby (walkable!) pubs, slake your thirst and sate your hunger at the Eyston Arms, a convivial gastro inn, and The Wheatsheaf, a friendly and welcoming pub.

Step out and about and stretch your legs with a walk to Ardington via The Grocer Chef, a tea room and general stores serving up breakfast and lunch alongside its highly recommended Cream Tea.

Savour the views from the Ridgeway across the Thames Valley, walkable in around 30 minutes.

Hines Cottage, a timeless sanctuary in East Hendred, beautifully marries historical charm with modern luxury. A labour of love, its quaint character preserved whilst elegant interiors embrace contemporary comforts, enveloped in an enchanting garden, alive with original fruit trees and vibrant blooms, inviting peace and reflection - Hines Cottage is a legacy reborn, promising joy and comfort for generations to come.

Owner quote: “We are immensely proud of the outcome and hope it is filled with joy, laughter and happiness for another four centuries.”

Parking - Garage