Property description
NO ONWARD CHAIN. In beautiful condition
A magnificent Manor house 5 mins drive to Henley On Thames. With a detached Coach House. First class order and elegant decor. Approx. 1.5 acres.
NO ONWARD CHAIN. In beautiful condition.
Manor House approx 5133 sq ft / 476.9 msq.
Coach House Cottage approx 1366 sq ft / 126.9msq
Total: Approx 6499 sq ft / 603.80 msq
Approx 1.541 acres / 0.623 ha
Henley 2 miles, Reading 7 miles, Oxford 23 miles, central London 27 miles,
Station 2 miles Henley on Thames to London Paddington approx. 45 minutes,
Heathrow airport 24 miles.
M4 Junction 8/9 - 8 miles,
M40 Junction 6 - 10 miles.
DESCRIPTION: A magnificent Grade II listed manor house of noted historic importance situated in a peaceful rural location on a sleepy lane, bounded by fields, enjoying far-reaching views over natural farmland. This property has been scrupulously maintained, is in first class order, with high ceilings, elegant decor.
The Manor House was constructed in the 1680s and the setting is magical. Entered from a large forecourt with parking for numbers of cars, plenty of room for garaging if required, the main entrance into the formal parterre front gardens with a separate ancient gateway entrance from the lane. The present owners have owned the property since 1986 when we sold the property to them.
NOTE: The owner of The Manor House lives adjacent to Bix Manor barn and presently operates a commercial venue for weddings. Due to the owner`s intended retirement, commercial activities as a wedding venue will cease with a contractual date for cessation to be agreed with a successful purchaser.
History: After the Civil War 1641-1651 and the death of Oliver Cromwell, Charles II was crowned in 1661 and London became swamped with a heaving mass of people and buildings. There was turmoil with spectacular wealth living alongside grinding poverty. The original house was built, it is believed, by a colony of courageous London citizens who set out from the capital in 1664 to find a new life in the country. During the 18th century, Bix Manor was significantly added to and by the early 19th century became a large and prestigious farm providing grain for the thriving breweries of Henley. Farming ceased in the 1960s and it was purchased by Gary Hall in 1986.
The dining room is probably the oldest part of the property, 30ft in length with its huge inglenook fireplace filling the whole of the end wall. The sun-filled drawing room dates from the 18th century and has views over different aspects of the garden and the huge farmhouse kitchen, complete with Aga, has up to date cooking and preparation facilities.
The Manor House overlooks farmland and is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bluebell walks, the Chiltern Hills, magnificent beech woods and public footpaths through beautiful private estates are all a few minutes` walk from the house. The hamlet of Bix is only 2 miles from Henley on Thames, the historic towns of Oxford and Windsor are less than half an hour away and beautiful Cotswold villages and landscape are less than an hour`s drive.
Special Features: The very beautiful formal gardens which surround the property with extensive herbaceous borders and shrubberies on three sides, sweeping lawns leading to a ha-ha , a beautifully kept, part walled, parterre garden to the front, and a loggia with open fireplace to the rear.
* The kitchen/living room, the hub of the house, is light and open plan, fitted to the highest standards with the original pantry to one side. * Door to large laundry room and the hallway giving access to a dry cellar which has an unusual feature, double depth wine racks, and a butler`s sink. * High ceilings throughout the property, typical for a manor house of this quality in this period. * The drawing room is elegant, panelled and triple aspect with fine gesso plasterwork to the ceiling, a large open log fire and a French door leading onto the gardens. * The dining room is large and can easily accommodate a 12-16 seat dining table if required, with a large working inglenook fireplace, extensive beam work and oak flooring. * The study is three-quarter panelled with a large original open stone fireplace, bookshelves, and windows overlooking the rear gardens.
* To the first floor the bedrooms are all large; the master bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite shower room and three further family bathrooms. * All bathrooms have separate hot water supply. * The master bedroom has a door onto another bedroom, which could easily become an excellent dressing room. * The kitchen/living room is superb, beautifully fitted with Italian limestone floor, high vaulted ceiling within the living area, French doors onto the patio and rear gardens for summer dining. This area could easily contain a 12-seater table for family dining and breakfast and is, quite obviously, a stunning hub to the house.
* A detached period Coach House presently used as staff accommodation and professional offices, attractively constructed in brick and flint under a tiled roof, separate entrances to the front ground and first floor, glazed door giving access to the gardens at the rear. Originally used as coachman`s accommodation and coach house to The Manor.
Local Facilities: Easy access to fantastic specialist shops, pubs, restaurants, riverside hotels, cinema and theatre within Henley on Thames approximately 2 miles. Henley Golf Club, Badgemore, Huntercombe Golf Club and Temple Golf Club are all easily to hand.
Schools: Extensive schooling - Rupert House School, Henley, Moulsford Preparatory School, Shiplake College, Cranford House, Moulsford, The Oratory School, Woodcote, Pangbourne College, Bradfield College.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMMODATION: Porch, reception hall, dining room, drawing room, study, kitchen/living room with larder, laundry room, side hall, cellar/wine store. First floor: 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms to include master bedroom with en suite bathroom and guest bedroom with en suite shower room.
Outside: The Coach House Cottage: A detached period 2-storey Coach House Cottage converted from an original period outbuilding, in excellent order, 3 rooms to the ground floor used as offices, large area to first floor with bed/sitting room, kitchenette and shower room. Various outbuildings.
Gardens & grounds: Extensive terracing, fantastic formal gardens, sweeping lawns , extending in all to 1.541 acres / 0.623 ha.
NOTE: Further land may be purchased by separate negotiation.
DIRECTIONS: Take the A1430 out of Henley. This is the road that connects Henley to Wallingford and continues to Oxford. Proceed down the Fair Mile and along the dual carriageway. The road narrows to a single carriageway. Proceed along the road until you see a sign on the left for Bix. Turn left at the sign Bix Manor, proceed along this lane for a short distance and you will find The Manor House on the left hand side, a pair of high, electrically operated timber gates give access to a large courtyard for parking.
SERVICES:Mains water and electricity. Septic tank drainage. Oil-fired central heating.
POST CODE:RG9 4RS
LOCAL AUTHORITY:South Oxfordshire District Council. Tel: 01491 823000.
Viewing by arrangement with vendor`s agent, Dudley Singleton & Daughter,
No. 1 Station Road,
Pangbourne,
Berkshire,
RG8 7AN.
Tel: 0118 984 2662.
Fax: 0118 984 5490.
London Office: Cashel House, 15 Thayer Street, London, W1
NoticePlease note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only.
Property Features :
- Manor House
- Vaulted kitchen/living room
- Panelled Drawing room
- Stunning Dining room
- 7 large bedrooms
- Five exceptional bathrooms
- Detached period cottage
- Formal gardens