Designed by the architect Adrian James in 1997 for his own occupation, this four-bedroom home occupies a unique Thameside location in central Oxford. Recipient of The Telegraph’s Townhouse of the Year Award for its innovative design, the internal living space of around 1,840 sq ft extends over three storeys, with views across the river from every level. A studio annexe is tucked away in the beautifully landscaped walled garden. The central location is excellent for access to the city centre, under a 10-minute walk, and Oxford train station, which is reachable on foot in less than five minutes.

The Architect

RIBA award-winning studio Adrian James Architects strive to create buildings that are bold and uplifting on the outside and spacious and bright on the inside. Environmentally conscious, sustainability guides every one of its design decisions, from location to material choices. Four principles define the studio; a love of form-making, a strong sense of order, an appreciation of light and a desire to create buildings that stand the test of time.

The Tour

Mill Road is a quiet, residential cul-de-sac, easily accessed via Botley Road, the city’s arterial gateway. On approach, the site is defined by the striking architectural profile of the studio annexe, an elegant copper cupola set atop a red-brick foundation that partially forms the boundary walls.

A paved walkway through the garden leads to the main entrance to the house, fronted by a striking brick façade and curved roofline. The modular construction is formed of light gauge pre-fabricated steel panels, an unprecedented technique for a private house of its time, lined with high levels of insulation to ensure energy efficiency.

Solid timber flooring runs underfoot in the bright entrance hall, which follows through into the open-plan living space to one side. Orientated to optimise the incredible waterside views, an expanse of glass spans the length of one wall, inviting a beautiful, dappled light to dance across the ceiling throughout the course of the day.

Bespoke bookcases form a natural division between the living area and the modern kitchen. Neatly housed at one end, the space is defined by clean lines and generous work surfaces for cooking. The dining area is aligned with the garden aspect, where a pair of glass doors frame leafy views and open this entire area onto the garden.

A vertical ribbon of clerestory windows extends through the full length of the central stairwell, leading up to the four beautifully proportioned bedrooms and two bathrooms across the first and second storeys. Two bedrooms have an excellent provision of built-in storage; the main bedroom has a balcony overlooking the river.

The annexe roofline creates a covered parking area for two vehicles, quite unique for a city-centre location. The concealed entrance opens into the central gardens and provides access to the studio annexe to one side.

Offering great flexibility of use, the annexe provides an additional 420 sq ft, which would well befit a home workspace, fitness studio or additional accommodation. A wet room and WC are positioned at ground level, and a brick staircase leads to the upper floor. The dramatic curve of the ceiling creates a wonderful sense of space and volume, with a good quality of natural light flooding in throughout the course of the day.

Outdoor Space

The beautifully landscaped walled gardens are quiet and private, awash with herbaceous flowering borders providing pops of colour throughout the changing seasons. Topiary box hedges add structural interest, while specimen trees cast welcome shade across the terraced eating areas in the summer months. A copper water feature encourages an array of local wildlife.

The Area

Oxford’s cultural offering requires no introduction and is a city renowned for its historical architecture, particularly the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and St Catherine’s College, designed by Arne Jacobson, The Ashmolean Museum, Pitt Rivers and Modern Art Oxford.

For green open space, Oxford’s Botanical Gardens and Port Meadow are easily reached on foot. Formed of 440 acres of ancient grazing land for cattle and horses, Port Meadow runs along the banks of the River Thames and is a beautiful place for riverside walks. It is also home to the popular 17th-century tavern The Perch, which is lit with fairy lights during darker nights and offers delicious food and an open fire. Further up the meadow, The Trout Inn is a historically popular stop for lunch by the river on a sunny day or to take cover during the winter months. Other notable eateries include Pierre Victoire, The Cherwell Boathouse and the excellent covered market.

The schools are a major draw to the area including, including The Dragon, Magdalen College School, Oxford High School, St Edwards, St Philip and St James Primary School, Wychwood School for Girls and Cherwell School.

The city has excellent connections to London and Birmingham via the M40, as well as Newbury via the M4 and A34. Oxford train station is less than five minutes’ walk away, with direct connections from here to London Paddington in approximately 55 minutes.

The Airline coaches also provide a regular service to Heathrow or Gatwick.

Council Tax Band: G

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.