The Square, Swalcliffe, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15

An stunning country house situated in a peaceful and desirable village setting.

ABOUT THIS HOUSE
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Swalcliffe, Sparrow Hall is a beautifully restored country house offering a natural blend of historic charm and modern contemporary design.

This characterful home has undergone a substantial and detailed renovation by the current owners, to the highest of standards. The rooms are all well-proportioned and mostly overlook the attractive gardens to the rear with a fabulous contemporary glass extension. To the front Sparrow Hall overlooks farmland and picturesque cottages.

The house has been restored sympathetically retaining many architectural original period features whilst introducing a natural blend of modern style and design both internally and externally.

The gardens, which are framed by some magnificent mature trees, have been very well designed to provide wonderful colour and privacy. The gardens are a balance of the formal with individual corners contrasting well with the lawn and numerous doors from the main house lead directly out to the terraces which are wonderfully private and secluded.

ABOUT THIS AREA
Situated in picturesque, Oxfordshire countryside is the attractive village of Swalcliffe, the majority of which is built in the local ironstone. In the centre of the village is a small triangular green surrounded by traditional period properties. Near the green is the popular local public house, Stags Head. There is an extensive network of local walks and cycle routes directly from the house; a choice of 2 (and soon to be 3) livery stables for horse riders and a nationally renowned equestrian centre that hosts competitive riding and cross country events; a Woodland Play Park is located in the village, which is very popular with young children, and two local golf clubs.

Within about 30 minutes' drive from Sparrow Hall are the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford, easy access to Oxford, which hosts a plethora of attractions, National Trust houses and gardens at Hidcote Manor, Chastleton and Upton House, three historic castles (Warwick, Kenilworth and Sudeley) and of course the idyllic Cotswold towns and countryside on your doorstep.

The local stone, a ferruginous limestone, was quarried in several places near the village and apart from its use in the building of cottages, houses and churches, etc. it was also used in buildings such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and university buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.

The market town of Banbury is only 6.9 miles to the north. This town is a bustling commercial and retail centre at the edge of the Cotswolds, with a primarily rural surrounding. An impressive bronze statue of the “Fine Lady” from the famous “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross” rhyme is set close to the Banbury Cross at the meeting point of the roads from Oxford, Warwick and Shipston-on-Stour. Other points of interest include the Market Place, the St Mary’s parish church, the atmospheric lanes and streets of the Old Town and the Castle Quay shopping mall with the town’s Museum set directly beside the Oxford Canal. The Museum connects to the 18th century Tooley’s Boatyard, where you can take a guided tour of the narrow boat workshop and dry-dock.

The Cotswolds is renowned for its excellent selection of private and state schools, all being within easy driving distance. Grammar Schools include King Edward VI for boys, Stratford Grammar School for girls and Alcester Grammar School. Private schools include, Rugby, Kings High, Warwick, Tudor Hall, Bloxham and Sibford. Preparatory schools include St Johns' Priory, Carrdus, Sibford, Chipping Norton, Warwick Prep, Winchester House and Beachborough. Two popular local primary schools are located in Sibford and Hook Norton.

Communications are fantastic with easy access to the M40/M1 which in turn provide access to London, Birmingham, the midlands and south.