Rare, rural retreat in a magical setting.

Description

Former watermill believed to be of 18th century origins with later additions. The property is of stone construction under a pitch slate roof.

The property has been in the same ownership for over 30 years over which time it has been maintained and enhanced, all to take advantage of the property’s beautiful gardens and rural setting surrounded by farmland. It is fair to say the property now offers the incoming purchaser the opportunity to undertake some modernisation.

Period features include open fireplaces, exposed timbers, window seats, flagstone flooring and original mill wheel housing.

The property has evolved from what was once a working watermill to now comprise a fabulous, spacious family house offering considerable, yet versatile accommodation.

Its internal configuration has evolved from a working mill to what is now modern split level living with 1st floor drawing room enjoying the views over the gardens and mill ponds and having direct access out into the garden to the front. In addition there is a ground floor guest bedroom suite. All the rooms have delightful aspects and views, and generous windows allow natural light to pervade throughout. Attic bedrooms are ideal for teenagers and with water to a hand basin, there is scope to create a further shower (subject to the relevant consents).

Across from the kitchen the current owners created a lovely garden room designed to take advantage of its elevated position above the mill race and water gardens. With under floor heating, glazed elevations and roof light, it makes a lovely summer evening retreat, studio or home office.

Beyond the garden room is a courtyard flanked on one side by a stone wall with access to the front and on the other side by a range of traditional stone outbuilding including a three bay open barn with hay racks and brick flooring.

In addition is a useful workshop with power and light connected. These outbuildings offer scope for conversion/ alteration to other uses, subject to the relevant consents.

Outside: The gardens are a key feature of this charming property and are gently undulating allowing for the flow of water to meander through the gardens and out to the ford beyond.

Some of the original upstream mill race has been filled in and as a result water cascades from some height into the first mill pond creating a lovely feature to the garden. No doubt of interest to intrepid water borne children. The gardens have been substantially landscaped and improved by the current owners and are a fitting backdrop to property. Various lawns are interspersed with flowering beds and borders, with boundaries flanked by mature willow trees. Wooden bridges cross the downstream mill race. Orchard. Walk to the west and you reach the ford and across the lane is a utility area for grass cuttings and compost (this area of the garden is not included in the sale, as it is held under licence from the adjoining land owner).

Given the nature of the land and plethora of trees riven by the old mill race and mill stream, this is a haven for birds and wildlife.

In all about 1.3 acres.

The property stands in an unspoilt valley just outside the village, with access from Souldern. Whilst the access is open to the public via footpath, in the main Souldern Mill enjoys considerable space and privacy - an environment to grow into; a place to make your own and stamp your identity on.

Location

Souldern is a popular village situated on the edge of the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border. There is a parish church, public house/restaurant, The Fox, Village Hall, children’s playground and playing field.

The nearby market town of Banbury caters for the everyday requirements whilst for more extensive facilities, at Bicester Shopping Village 7.5 miles, or Oxford is within 17 miles.

The village lies within the catchment area for Fritwell Primary School with secondary education available at Bicester or Banbury. Local private schools include Winchester House, Beachborough, Carrdus, Stowe,
Bloxham and Tudor Hall, in addition to a number in Oxford, including The Dragon School, St Edwards, Magdalen, Abingdon, Radley College and Headington girls school.

Mainline railway station at Banbury offers services to London Marylebone in approx. 56 mins, or Bicester to London (Marylebone) in approx. 46 mins. M40 junction 10 is about 3 miles.

Leisure and sporting activities include Soho Farmhouse at Great Tew; golf at Tadmarton and Brailes; horse racing at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Cheltenham; indoor sports centres at Banbury; motor racing at Silverstone; Bicester Village; polo at Kirtlington and Southam; walking and riding locally.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,500 sq ft


Acreage: 1.3 Acres

Additional Info

Council Tax Band - H