Tudor House Main Road Hagbourne OX11 9LR

Tudor House Main Road Hagbourne OX11 9LR

Seller Insight When we succeeded in buying Tudor House by sealed bid in 1988, our first thought was What have we done? as having had tenants for much of its life it had undergone a minimum of changes and repairs over the 400 years since it was built. Decomposed thatch was sliding off the barn, there were just a few storage heaters, the only bathroom was downstairs, a number of ceilings had holes in them However, over the years we ve done a huge amount to bring it back to its former glory and make it much more conducive to modern living. We had the tiled roof of the house stripped and redone; the barn roof was stripped, structurally strengthened and re-thatched; we installed a bathroom upstairs, installed gas central heating the list goes on. We have derived huge satisfaction by doing much of the work ourselves and never once regretted our move to East Hagbourne. We think a number of improvements were also made to the house between 1904 and 1914 when Robert Anning Bell, an artist and Royal Academician, was tenant. Interestingly the large, double-height room behind the kitchen was used as his studio (we were told this by some elderly sisters who lived opposite when we first moved here). During his time here huge Victorian windows were installed on the garden side, and that room was also lined with tongue-and-groove panelling. We think he also had some windows installed on the allotment side of the house and that he added 17th or 18th Century panelling, a carved cornice and a fire surround in the dining room. The large inglenook fireplace in the downstairs sitting room is identical in style to a fireplace in National Trust Avebury Manor that is labeled as being Tudor, and the Arts and Crafts copper hood may well be another addition by Anning Bell. The garden is another gorgeous feature of the property and has been developed over the years to provide all round colour and structure. The umbrella-shaped holly tree and conical yew were at the front of the house when we came and a beautiful parterre as well as some other topiary has since been added, all of which is in keeping with the house. In 2003 we took the opportunity to buy the land next to the house that had been used as allotments since the 1920s. These allotments now provide the village with a really attractive focal point and they have drawn many compliments and been much photographed. Favourite Room: Each of the rooms has its own unique character and charm, says the owner, but one of the nicest and the biggest is the upstairs sitting room. It could easily be transformed into another very large bedroom, but the house is so spacious we decided to use it as another reception room because it has such a nice feel to it. Favourite aspect of the grounds or surrounding area: The village has a great community spirit, wonderful Community Shop run entirely by volunteers, a thriving school just over the road and a great pub just a stone s throw away, says the owner. The house occupies a very prominent position in the heart of the mediaeval village so we feel very much a part of day-to-day village life. Memorable event (if not another favourite room or unique feature): In 1997 we discovered the well that had once provided the water supply for the house. It was full of decomposed wood, farm metal and many rusty tins. When it was emptied and restored it was found to be wider and rounded at the bottom. We now have an electric pump in it to supply water to three garden taps; much better than using purified water. Over the years we ve been here the barn has provided a wonderful space for parties. What they ll miss most / why they are leaving: Reluctantly we have decided it s time to downsize and we shall be sad to leave Tudor House, says the owner, and even sadder if we have to leave East Hagbourne. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Tudor House.indd 2 14/08/2017 12:42

Step inside Tudor House Tudor House is a timber framed Grade II* property dating back to the early 17th Century and is one of the most historic houses in the South Oxfordshire village of East Hagbourne, 1 mile to the South of Didcot with London Paddington commuter service. The property has been renovated by the current owners who bought it in some disrepair in the late 80s. A substantial part of the renovations have occurred in the attached 1,600 sq. ft. barn which provides the ultimate space for hobbies, parties or simply masses of storage coupled with a double garage and large workshop. Inside the property every room seems to tell a story with period detail abounding. For example the main reception room features a lovely Inglenook fireplace and herringbone brickwork flooring. In all there are two large reception rooms and a dining room, plus a useful cellar, inside workshop, utility and cloakroom. There are four double bedrooms, family bathroom and a further cloakroom on the first floor. To the North West of the house is a beautifully planted cottage garden and off road parking leading to the garage and barn. To the South East the property owns a further plot of land currently comprising five allotments with annual tenancies at peppercorn rents. The property is freehold and connected to all mains services.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Copyright 2017 Fine & Country Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 700540. Registered Office. Andrews Estate Agents Ltd, The Clockhouse, Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HL. Printed 08.08.2017

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