Location

Longview is to be found just outside of the much sought after North Oxfordshire village of Sibford Gower which, along with its sister village of of Sibford Ferris, sit either side of the River Sib. The Sibfords are surrounded by rolling countryside yet are extremely well placed, close to the market towns of Chipping Norton and Banbury.

Communication is excellent with frequent intercity trains from Banbury to London/Marylebone (about 57 minutes) and M40 (J11) at Banbury for the south or (J12) at Gaydon for the north.

There is a primary school, village church, village hall and an award winning pub in Sibford Gower and a post office/general store and doctors surgery in Sibford Ferris.

Additional amenities can be found at Banbury, Shipston on Stour, Chipping Norton, Moreton in Marsh, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham.

Local independent schools include: preparatory at Kitebrook (Chipping Norton), The Croft (Stratford-upon-Avon), Sibford School (Sibford Ferris), St John's Priory (Banbury), Carrdus (Overthorpe), Winchester House (Brackley); senior independent at Sibford School (Sibford Ferris), Tudor Hall Girls (Bloxham), Bloxham School (Bloxham), King's High (Warwick) and the property is also in the catchment for the Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar Schools.

Sporting and cultural activities in the area include Soho Farmhouse at Great Tew; Daylesford Organic Farm shop; golf at Tadmarton Heath, Rye Hill and Chipping Norton; horse racing at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Cheltenham; motor-racing at Silverstone; RSC theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon; cinema and indoor sports centres in Banbury.

All distances and times are approximate.

Description

A rare opportunity to build a large, contemporary country house on stunning plot, with ample land, privacy, and proximity to everything this beautiful, and sought after, area has to offer. The house design was created by renowned, multi RIBA award-winning James Ghorst Architects. The site has planning permission for a replacement dwelling of approximately 5,000 square feet plus the annexe and barn: planning reference Cherwell District Council 23/02368/F.

Conceptually, Longview was designed as a well-proportioned, strikingly beautiful, light, modern family home in an elevated position with unparalleled countryside views over an AONB. Buyers have the flexibility to proceed with the approved design, or (now that precedent has been set for planning approval) progress with their own architects and vision. The vendors believe that the current scheme does not push the planning boundaries and therefore leaves scope for the next owner to secure a larger building, subject to a new planning application. There were no objections to the scale of the design, as approved. Such a re-visit to the plans would therefore enable the new owner to maximise the plot.

Inside:
Maximising its position on the top of the hill, the design of the house enjoys the beauty of the setting and expansive views. Built into the side of the hill with stone elevations, Longview offers 'upside down living', with bedrooms opening straight onto the terrace and gardens. Utilising large amounts of glass, every room will take advantage of the incredible views over open countryside to the south-west and the spectacular sunsets, summer and winter.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, Longview has been consciously designed for practical family life and home working. The main entrance will lead into a hallway overlooking the magnificent double height sitting room below with its feature window and the view beyond. To the left will be the family kitchen and dining room, with its full glass wall and garden room opening out to the terrace. To the right will be the TV/sitting/play room. This floor will also feature a coat/boot room, larder and separate WC.

Head up the stairs and you will come to a home office. Conveniently private from the rest of the house, this would also make a perfect reading room and library. Downstairs will be the main sitting room, with its double height window and open fireplace. To the right will be the principal bedroom suite with bathroom and sizeable dressing room. To the left will be a corridor off which three further en suite bedrooms will be found, along with a laundry and plant room.

Outside:
Longview is approached along a sweeping drive to the front of the house, passing the tennis court. Just across the driveway and parking area will be the separate annexe offering versatile space for those looking to work from home, accommodation for guests, parents or staff, or as an additional income stream, subject to the relevant consents. It is designed as one self-contained studio with shower room and kitchenette, along with a separate double bedroom, children's room and bathroom. In front of the house will be a garage building with space for a car, and a second home office/gym. There will also be a spacious new car barn at the bottom of the driveway on the footprint of an older barn currently in situ. This could be utilised for any number of purposes.

The property is bounded by mature gardens laid to lawn with views over the adjoining paddocks. A terrace will run along the length of the lower ground floor on the south-west elevation. A further terrace sits off the garden room, ideal for summer entertaining and winter sun. Beyond to the south is the hard tennis court partially screened by mature hedge. To the north is an orchard, garden store and greenhouse. There are two "Nissan" huts located along the north-east boundary ideal for storage. Here there is potential for further re-development, subject to the relevant consents. The boundary is flanked by various mature trees.

The land extends to about 14 acres, laid out currently as two pastures with gated access off the main drive and Pound Lane. There is a current agreement (which can be terminated) with a local farmer to graze sheep.

Current Site:
Currently on site is a detached, partly re-furbished, 3,100 sq ft contemporary house (which has separate planning permission for a sizeable extension), two "Nissan" huts, an annexe building and the tennis court.

In all about 16 acres.