Crouch Street, Banbury, OX16

An exquisite Georgian house of over 1,900 sq ft, retaining great character. Sash windows, high ceilings and other period features meld seamlessly with a sumptuous bathroom, chef-quality kitchen and a really lovely layout. Unrepeatable.

Banbury is a historic market town on the North Oxfordshire border. It is far more than just that as it has a vibrant and growing community based around great travel links, excellent schools and a comprehensive range of amenities. For many people it has become a very clever town in which to be based as it has traditionally been cheaper than e.g. Oxford or Bicester but is increasing in worth terms as the town grows and improves. While the town itself has many attractions it is also surrounded by rolling countryside, with the Cotswolds just to the West and may idyllic villages and country pursuits.

.

Just occasionally we walk into a property where few words really adequately explain how much we enjoy all we see. This house is one of them. 2 Crouch Street is a rare survivor from circa 1830, a genuine Georgian house. From the elegant proportions at the front, including a rather grand portico entrance, to the bannister that runs uninterrupted from the ground floor to the top via half landings, it's a throwback to the golden era of architecture that was at once both bold and tasteful. Our sellers bought the house in ostensibly acceptable condition, only to find that for their standards and also their knowledge of Georgian design, it wasn't really doing itself justice. Since then they have worked their way through it, elevating the style and the feel of the house to the point where it is that zenith point of old and new - without either causing the other offence!

..

The substantial front door opens to reveal a long, formal hallway with a delightfully patinated timber floor and a ceiling that is high above. On the right, the living room is not far off square, ideal for placing furniture with ease. With quite substantial dimensions, lit by an elegant sash window to the front and a picture rail that is still intact, the room exudes charm. A neat fireplace with a simple and stylish surround contains a wood burner, and underfoot a modern oak floor has been fitted - both practical and warm. To the end of the hall, the space suddenly opens up, with the stairs rising to the right including a delightful curved bannister atop slender spindles. In very much Georgian fashion, the stair turns 180 degrees every half height, leaving room for easy chairs, bookshelves and the like.

...

Ahead, the cloak room is modern and neutral. Walking into the kitchen, the first impression is that this is a professional set up. Lovely Art Deco tiling and clever lighting choices, combined with a range of units on three sides centred around a professional stainless steel mini-range, are attractive and inviting. Clever touches such as the copper pipe saucepan hangers further reinforce the feeling that this is a kitchen built to perform as well as impress. To one side there is a large pantry cupboard, and to the rear the breakfast area is a good size for easily a table and six chairs, overlooking a pretty garden to the rear through double glazed doors. NB Beneath the stairs, and unusually for a townhouse, this property also has a cellar. Whether just easily accessible storage, or a combination of future cinema room and wine storage, the three red brick rooms provide between them nearly 300 sq ft of potential.

....

Rising to the first floor landing, the wing-back chair with the cushion proudly proclaiming reserved for the cat sits next to a window, the perfect place for a quiet book (if the cat agrees!). To the rear, the bathroom is instantly impressive both in size and quality. Even with a shower to one corner, bath in a tiled surround, double sink and wc, plus a lovely original fireplace, there is still significant free floor space. This is a pampering bathroom by most measures, and well lit by two windows that look over the garden. To the front, the master bedroom is a real surprise. Two fitted wardrobes and a further period fireplace are dwarfed by the space in here. A Super king size bed with a blanket chest at its foot still leaves ample room for a sofa, dressing table and drawer chest without compromising the space. And the sash windows to the front complete the feeling of a grand room.

.....

On the top floor, two further bedrooms are both proof of how spacious a house of this type really is. The smallest is a good double room, over 12 feet in length. The larger of the two contains two alcoves flanking the chimney, ideal for fitted wardrobes if you wish. And both contains those delightful sash windows.

......

Outside, to the front the entrance is framed by a red brick wall, as expected of the era, with a path leading to the door. Behind the house the garden is secure with a terrace immediately behind the kitchen that rises one step up to provide a handy paved dining area. To one side is a strip of lawn and on the other a plater bed is filled with flowers and shrubs. Facing almost South, it's a private and peaceful area with great natural light.