Pilgrims Way, Blewbury, Oxfordshire

Situated in the historic village of Blewbury, this characterful, architect-designed three-bedroom house bears all the defining features of mid-century architecture. The dynamic interior spaces extend over 2,020 sq ft across a single, split-level storey and are finished with a tactile, pared-back material palette. A terrace and well-tended gardens surround the house. 14 miles south of Oxford, Blewbury's centre is minutes away on foot, while Didcot Parkway Station is a 10-minute drive away and runs services to London in around 40 minutes.

The Tour 

A quiet country lane leads up to a private driveway, with off-street parking that comfortably fits two cars.

The primary entrance leads into a beautifully light and well-proportioned central entrance hall. A wall of original timber-framed glazing frames leafy views on the south side, while full-height, hand-crafted ply cabinetry provides plenty of storage.

Discretely concealed, the primary living space is revealed from behind a double door to the right of the entrance hall. Arguably the most impressive room in the house, the space is defined by a double-height pitch, a mezzanine behind an open walkway and a floor-to-ceiling run of bookshelves. Arranged in a free-flowing, open-plan layout, this room offers great flexibility of use. The dining area is currently positioned to one side with the sitting area on the other, orientated towards the open fireplace. A wall of glass doors slides open to the terrace, bringing in an excellent quality of natural light throughout the day.

At the far end of the room, a neat staircase rises to the mezzanine bridging the upper library. An inviting reading nook at the far end has views across the open countryside.

A pocket door connects to the kitchen, a thoughtfully designed space with a central island and a huge, timber-framed glass door opening again to the terrace and gardens. Lines of bespoke cabinetry neatly house appliances, with further storage built overhead. Laundry facilities are in the utility room opposite, with external access from here to the side passageway.

More intimate in scale and proportion, the snug (or fourth bedroom) sits adjacent to the kitchen and has pretty garden views. Opposite is the first of the three bedrooms, with the family bathroom adjacent. The latter is finished with neat square tiles, ply joinery and a bathtub.

Down four steps, a passageway with tall glazing at either end connects the second and third bedrooms. Each has been designed with a pleasing uniformity of proportion, scale, material and colour. Both have built-in cupboards, while the larger of the two has an en suite shower room executed in floor-to-ceiling marine blue tiling.

Outdoor Space

Lovingly tended over many years by avid gardeners, the gardens form an integral part of the house.

The upper terrace runs two-thirds the length of the house, subtly screened by parterre vines. Steps lead down from here to a maze of dense box hedging, as well as herbaceous perennials and foxgloves. More steps descend through a laburnum walk which, come summertime, erupts with fronds of yellow flowers.

Expanses of lawn are bordered by mature trees to form a leafy boundary. On one side of the garden is a well-sized timber-clad outhouse, lending well to a creative workshop and studio.

The Area

Set in the North Wessex Downs AONB, at the foot of the Berkshire Downlands, Blewbury is around three miles south of Didcot and 14 miles south of Oxford. Architecturally, the village spans nearly a thousand years, with the Norman walls of the village church still standing, and over 70 listed buildings in the designated conservation area. The location is excellent for easy access to the extensive network of walking and cycling routes, and many bridleways across the surrounding countryside.

The village has an active and friendly community, with a family-owned nursery and market garden shop, two traditional pubs, a garage and shop, a primary school and preschool, a tennis club and riding stables. Blewbury also now has the advantage of Superfast Broadband connectivity. There is also a much-loved open-air theatre.

The house lies in the catchment area for an excellent range of private and state schools, including those in Oxford and Abingdon.

Around a 30-minute drive north is Oxford, with its brilliant museums, breathtaking architecture and impressive culinary scene. Gee’s is a perennial favourite restaurant set in a Victorian conservatory, while the Turf Tavern and The Bear are cosy spots to hunker down on a chilly afternoon. The Ashmolean is Britain’s oldest museum and has an extensive permanent collection as well as changing exhibitions. We’ve written more about our recommendations in Oxford in our Journal.

For a broader selection of daily amenities, Didcot is easily reached in around 10 minutes, with Didcot Parkway Station providing fast direct commuter services to Oxford, Reading London Paddington. Equally road communications are excellent with the A34 a short drive away linking to the M4 at Chieveley.

Council Tax Band: TBC