Location

The Priory is situated in the heart of Dorchester-on-Thames, a thriving and historic village by the river Thames, nine miles to the south of Oxford.

Famous for its Abbey and museum, Dorchester is rich in cultural heritage and hosts a popular annual arts festival. There is plenty to do with various groups and societies including cricket, tennis and sailing clubs. Facilities in the village include a primary school, a Catholic church, hairdressers, three pubs (two of them also hotels), a tea room beside the Abbey, a convenience store and the popular Bishop’s Court Farm with its Snug cafe and regular jazz events. The nearby market towns of Wallingford and Abingdon offer a wider range of amenities and shopping. The village is also well known for its access to a wide choice of country or riverside walks.

Dorchester is well connected with convenient transport links to Oxford and Reading. Didcot Parkway mainline railway station is seven miles away with direct trains to London.

The area is also well known for its excellent choice of schools, both state and independent. These include St Birinus C of E Primary in the village, Moulsford Preparatory School, Cranford House, The Oratory Prep, Abingdon Prep, Radley College, Abingdon School and the many highly regarded Oxford schools. Dorchester-on-Thames is also within the catchment area of the Europa international school at nearby Culham.

Description

The Priory is a fascinating and charming Grade II listed village house, in a prime position at the end of the High Street. Thought to date back in parts to the 15th century, it was remodelled in the 18th century and features a striking fine Georgian facade with shutters and parapets. The house has been thoughtfully updated by its current owners, resulting in the desirable combination of both heritage and modern living. There is gas central heating, including a recently fitted boiler and a water softener. Gigaclear high-speed broadband is available. The property’s other great benefits are its generous, private walled garden and ample parking behind double gates.

Just steps away from Dorchester Abbey, The Priory is situated in a prime location yet is very private and tucked away. The house is set on different levels with a good choice of rooms and spaces, each offering abundant original features. There are two formal entrances; one to the front which is not currently in use and the other, to the side, approached through the property’s high double wooden gates. The side entrance opens into a large and bright hall with flagstones, light painted beams and large sash windows overlooking the High Street.

The entrance hall leads into a spacious internal hallway, from which all the ground floor rooms flow including the double aspect drawing room. This is a delight with original oak panelling, window seats and glazed doors opening on to the courtyard. Down a level to the front of the house is a galleried library featuring a solid oak bespoke bookcase and brass chandelier. There is a quiet study situated on the lower ground floor which would work well as a music room. The spacious eating/living kitchen also has direct access to the courtyard and garden. The style is traditional and cosy with light-coloured flagstones, handmade units and granite and wooden worktops. At one end, a large gas Aga is set into an inglenook, and at the other is a matching open fireplace, with room between for a sofa and dining table.

Wine lovers will enjoy the substantial cellar at The Priory, accessed via a brick staircase from the kitchen and capable of storing around a thousand bottles. Directly off the kitchen, the current owners have added a large bright utility and boot room with wall to wall storage, a shower room and converted loft space. It has its own outside access and could be used as an annexe.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom suite is situated at the rear of the property. It overlooks the garden and features a striking open wall of original beams. The immaculate solid oak flooring continues throughout much of the first floor including a generous landing. The main guest bedroom is at the front of the house, overlooking the High Street. It has its own bathroom and it leads to a further double bedroom. Up short flights of stairs from the landing are another bright double bedroom overlooking the garden, an airing cupboard and a smaller second-floor bedroom with roof access.

The large walled garden covers around a quarter of an acre and is very private. Designed to be easily manageable, it wraps around the side and rear of the property and features mature shrubs, a pergola and a raised lawn. There is also a good sized entertaining terrace and a children’s play area. The brick garage has been converted into a workshop and could work well as a home office. There is parking for several cars.

Directions

Coming from Oxford on the A4074, turn right onto the A415, signed to Abingdon and Dorchester. Follow signs left to Dorchester, and pass through the village along the High Street. The Priory is situated at the end of the High Street, on the left, next to the Abbey.

Distances - Oxford 9 miles, London 56 miles,
Didcot Parkway 7 miles with direct trains to Paddington, Heathrow 37 miles