Property for sale in Steeple Aston, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX25

Described by architectural historian, Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, as an eccentric ornamental castle, West Grange, a significant Grade II Listed wing of the Steeple Aston Grange, is an architecturally stunning house, steeped in history in the centre of the village.

Originally built in about 1720 as a modest country house, it was remodelled beyond recognition by Thomas Davis, surgeon to William IV. Thomas used a highly decorated gothic revival style and worked on the main house and surrounding outbuildings for about twenty years from 1826. West Grange retains the most impressive facade with castellated parapets and battlements that accentuate the beautiful gothic windows overlooking the formal gardens. The property displays many wonderful architectural details and perhaps most importantly retains the original main entrance, reception hall and drawing room of The Grange. There is a plethora of fascinating features including sculptures, gargoyles and friezes incorporated into the brick and stonework both internally and externally.

The accommodation is arranged over four floors with an entrance hall that leads to a study/dining room and the original Grange drawing room with a stunning fireplace as the centrepiece. Beyond the drawing room is a versatile room that works well as both an additional reception room and a ground floor guest bedroom with shower room directly off. The kitchen is located in the lower ground floor along with a utility room, cellar room, wine store and a notable breakfast room with two archways leading to the garden.

The first floor consists of a remarkable main bedroom with a ribbed vaulted ceiling including elaborate bosses and corbels, once the ceiling of the main entrance hall. Bedroom two enjoys a wonderful outlook and a fireplace, and there is also a main bath and shower room. Stairs lead to a bedroom situated within the eaves of the house.

The gardens are mature and well-tended, creating a private and sheltered outside space. Indeed West Grange is not easily visible from the surrounding roads with an elevated position from North Side and a discreet approach from the rear with a driveway. The house is approached via a path that leads through the garden from the drive to the impressive front door.

Cherwell District Council. Tax Band G

Steeple Aston is a beautiful north Oxfordshire village located within the Cherwell valley. Referenced in the Domesday book and ideally situated with Banbury approximately ten miles north and Oxford approximately thirteen miles to the south, the village is well served with village shop/post office, public house, village hall. There is a highly rated pre-school and primary school, recreation ground with two play areas, and 13th Century church. The village is also well placed for commuters with the M40 (Jct 9/10) providing good access to London and Birmingham. There is a regular bus service to Oxford and Banbury throughout the week and excellent train service from Bicester North or Bicester Village to London Marylebone. Trains from the nearest station at Lower Heyford run to Oxford and London Paddington. Buses taking children to the major private schools in Oxford run from Hopcrofts Holt approximately a mile from the village. Local leisure and entertainment venues include Soho Farmhouse Private Members Club at Great Tew (8.2 miles), and golf and polo in the village of Kirtlington.<br/><br/>