This exquisite home lies in a secluded position in the sought-after Oxfordshire village of Bampton. Completed in 2023, the house is unlike any other nearby; the architectural concept is contextually driven by a wonderful pairing of the old and the new, the modern and the historic. The plan extends over 2,890 sq ft across a single storey, with voluminous open-plan living spaces crafted from a refined material palette of Cotswold stone and concrete. Subtly orientated towards the private gardens and to follow the sun, these spaces enjoy an excellent quality of natural light throughout the course of the day. While central to the village, the position is incredibly private, and the location is ideal for Oxford, which lies less than 20 miles to the east. The highlights of The Cotswolds AONB are also easily reached, and direct train services run to London from nearby Didcot in around 40 minutes.

Environmental Performance

Energy efficiency formed an integral part of the design of this house. Built of brick, stone, and timber frame, the home is incredibly well insulated, with heat supplied through an air source heat pump and underfloor electric heating. An irrigation system has been integrated throughout the gardens.

The Tour

Wunschhaus is based on the design of Desai Chia New York who won a SARA NY Design Award for it. The design was later implemented and executed by Allister Godfrey Architects.

Retaining the original 16th-century stone walls running through the site, the house lies low in its setting. Despite occupying a central village location, the position feels incredibly quiet and secluded, set back from the road by a long, gated driveway, complete with an intercom system. Stone slabs form a path on the southerly side, leading up to the front courtyard, externally lit, with a series of modern water features refracting the light. The primary entrance is set into a handsome façade of honeyed stone and striking cedar cladding.

Spanning two wings, the living spaces are arranged in a primarily open-plan layout, with living and sleeping areas connected by an arterial hallway that runs the length of the east wing. Skylights are strategically placed to borrow light from above, and pale oak flooring runs underfoot.

The voluminous triple-aspect kitchen, dining, and living space extends the southerly side of the house. Arranged in a sociable layout, the space lends well to both entertaining and family life. A minimalist charcoal grey kitchen lies at the opposite end of the room, where clean lines of cabinetry define the space and neatly house appliances. A central island delineates the dining area. Cleverly conceived to ensure constant visual communication between the interior and exterior spaces, the backdrop of the surrounding gardens creates a calm and inviting aesthetic, with full-height corner walls of glass inviting the outdoor spaces in, sliding open onto a paved terrace that envelops the south-west aspect.

The east wing comprises a study, a snug, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms and a generous utility space. Offering excellent flexibility of use, the snug currently serves as an intimate space for watching films and TV or listening to music, but could easily be converted into an additional bedroom or workspace. In the bright study, a wall of built-in shelving provides space for books and storage; a ribbon of glazing is strategically placed to frame a stunning specimen tree.

The main bedroom occupies the southeast corner. This is an exceptionally quiet and peaceful room, softly illuminated by the natural light that filters in through full-height windows and decorated in soft neutral colours; a wall of timber cladding adds material texture. A dressing room lies to one side and a pocket door opens into an en suite bathroom, complete with a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, separate WC and matte black fixtures and fittings, creating a striking contrast against soft grey tiling.

The two further bedrooms are beautifully light and perfectly proportioned, finished with exceptional attention to detail. Each has a generous provision of storage and wardrobe space. A second bathroom set centrally serves these two bedrooms.

A large utility room at the end of the hallway houses laundry facilities and lies above a generous cellar; a plant room, with the air source heat pump controls, sits adjacent. Air conditioning has been installed in the main bedroom and the snug and there is an integrated alarm system with CCTV. The pitch of the eaves has been intentionally designed to allow for further development as additional living space or further bedrooms.

Outdoor Space

An expansive stone terrace flows from the kitchen and living space. The cantilevered roofline provides shelter and shade throughout the seasons and creates an ideal space for summer suppers or evening sundowners. Enclosed by original stone walls predating the 16th century, the garden feels private and secluded, with a sweeping lawn bordered by deep beds of flowering perennial plants, native shrubs, and various specimen trees, including a mature chestnut tree. A large enclosure in the far easterly corner has been laid in wood chip and provides scope for an additional terrace or play area. The double garage is fully integrated, providing secure parking for two vehicles, complete with an EV charging point and electric up-and-over doors.

Area Guide 

Thought to be one of the oldest villages in England, Bampton lies four miles south of the market town of Witney in Oxfordshire, and is characterised by historic cottages, a church dating back to the 10th century, and a Grade-II listed town hall. The village is so well-preserved that it was used as a filming location for the TV series Downton Abbey.

The village is renowned for its lively and welcoming community, with active groups and societies, including a local cricket club. There are several pubs, including the popular Morris Clown, a local shop and butchers, and Lynwood & Co café, which serves up fresh coffee and brunch daily.

Just south of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the house is surrounded by rolling countryside that offers an array of popular walking and cycling routes. The Cotswolds is known for its charming villages and lively market towns. Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Chipping Norton, and Witney are all within easy reach and offer a broader selection of independent pubs, restaurants, and shopping facilities.

Oxford is a 40-minute drive to the east. The city’s cultural offering requires no introduction, renowned for its historic 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. Oxford is also home to the popular Covered Market and Botanical Gardens.

The area is well-renowned for access to exceptional schooling opportunities. There is a Church of England primary school in nearby Clanfield and an excellent choice of independent schools nearby including Burford School, Hatherop Castle School, Rendcomb College, Pinewood, and St Hugh’s.

Transport links are also very good, with London just over an hour away by train from Didcot or Reading. The A40, M40, M4 and M5 are all within easy reach.

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.