What makes Oxfordshire a standout location to call home?
Oxfordshire – a county of picturesque rolling countryside, quaint Cotswold cottages, historic cobblestone streets and winding riverside locations.
It’s no surprise over 700,000 people choose to call Oxfordshire home with the Beckhams, Dame Mary Berry and George Clooney among them.
Scenic surroundings of course contribute to the appeal of this great county of ours. But it’s the people and operation within our links to Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire which make it so special.
In our latest blog, we outline five of Oxfordshire’s key hotspots which make living locally so special, unique and unrivalled.
Soho Farmhouse
Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse is a luxury hotel, wellness, outdoor activity and food and drink centre just a 15-minute drive from Chipping Norton.
Established in 2015, Soho Farmhouse is based on the site of a previously derelict farm. Empty cattle sheds, a broken farmhouse and fields of mud have been transformed into an exclusive retreat for members and guests.
Its 114 bedrooms accommodate midweek breaks, spa retreats and celebrations. Grounds are free of cars and activities to try include clay-pigeon shooting, tennis, horse riding and boating.
This is an Oxfordshire getaway at its very best and a popular location to unwind among locals.
Locations near Soho Farmhouse: Great Tew, Middle Barton, Enstone.
Henley Marina
If it’s relaxed afternoons on the open water of the River Thames you’re searching for, then the south-east of Oxfordshire is a good starting point. Namely, Henley-on-Thames.
The town’s boat club – Henley Boat Club – operates day hire, holidays, cruises and even wedding receptions from its moorings a stone’s throw from Henley’s centre.
By becoming a member, boaters have all the luxuries of being able to take to the water whenever they wish, without the responsibility of maintaining their own vessel. House prices in Henley are among the highest in Oxfordshire because of its luxury location and easy access to London.
Locations near Henley Marina: Henley-on-Thames, Shiplake, Mill End.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Based less than 10 miles south-east of Oxford city centre is Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – a Michelin star hotel-restaurant managed by legendary chef Raymond Blanc OBE.
To date, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons remains the UK’s only country house hotel to have held two Michelin stars for over 30 years. From its honey-hued Cotswold stone manor, guests can wonder the hotel’s exquisite gardens, take on a game of croquet and even sample its annual Festival of Music and talks from designers, florists and wine experts.
At the heart of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is its restaurant which uses local produce, much of which is grown from its two-acre kitchen garden. In addition, the house boasts 32 individually designed rooms with other activities including cookery classes and celebrity dinners.
A real jewel in Oxfordshire’s crown!
Locations near Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: Great Milton, Waterstock, Wheatley
Eynsham Hall
A country house, a maternity hospital and a police training centre. There isn’t much Eynsham Hall hasn’t accommodated since it was built 115 years ago.
Today, the Grade II listed manor house is a boutique-style hotel undergoing major refurbishment to bring its extraordinary potential to life! Plans are well underway to upgrade Eynsham Hall to a 4* hotel complete with an all-new luxury 90-bedroom wing on the site of a former accommodation block.
A new reception area, conference facilities and kitchens are being installed too. An ideal location to entertain friends, clients and colleagues in this rural gem only half-an-hour from Oxford city centre.
When it relaunches later this year, it will be known as Estelle Manor.
Locations near Eynsham Hall: North Leigh, Long Hanborough.
Oxford University
We can’t not showcase Oxfordshire without mentioning our own world-famous university.
Positioned in the heart of Oxford city centre, Oxford University’s iconic buildings include the Sheldonian Theatre, Bodleian Library, Magdalen College and Christ Church College.
Its grounds cover over 1,300 acres and people journey from across the globe to view the historic cobblestone streets, colleges and meadows. While you’re here, why not try your hand at punting on the River Thames, visit the Ashmolean Museum or take a walk through Oxford Botanic Gardens.
Locations near Oxford University: Summertown, Wolvercote, Wytham.
Get in touch!
Are you considering a move to Oxfordshire in 2023? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
You can drop our friendly team a line today via 01865 553956 or email info@oxfordpropertyconsulting.co.uk to make the first step in fulfilling your dream move to Oxfordshire.