Cotacre, Islip

Inside, the cottage balances period warmth with thoughtful modern improvements. At the heart of the home is a large kitchen, dining and family room, designed as a generous everyday living space where family and friends can gather. The kitchen is well appointed, with solid wood, hand-built units painted in Farrow & Ball shades of Oval Room Blue and Inchyra Blue, newly laid porcelain flooring with underfloor heating, quartz worktops and a large central island hand-built with an oak worktop. For those who enjoy cooking, the kitchen is exceptionally well equipped. A large walk-in larder provides practical storage, while bookshelves, a large dining area and a built-in drinks cupboard with shelving add both character and functionality. Folding sliding doors open directly onto the patio, offering plenty of opportunities for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

The reception spaces are equally inviting. The larger family room is spacious and light-filled, with its own fireplace and wood burner, alongside bespoke built-in bookshelves and storage cupboards made by a local carpenter. French doors lead out to the patio, allowing the room to connect beautifully with the gardens beyond.

The smaller sitting room is cosy, intimate and full of cottage character, with exposed beams and a large fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. It is the kind of room that comes into its own on winter evenings.

The accommodation provides five bedrooms, offering excellent flexibility for family living, guests or working from home. There are also two well-equipped bathrooms on the first floor. The cottage has the character and proportions needed for everyday comfort, while the surrounding gardens and wider setting give it the feeling of a country retreat.

Outside, the grounds are a major part of the property’s appeal. The large garden includes two orchard areas planted with an impressive variety of fruit trees, including figs, plum, damson, cherry, quince, apple and pear. Beyond the patio and lawn, there are orchards and wooded green space, creating a wonderful garden for family fun or outdoor entertaining.

Despite its proximity to the River Ray, the property sits in an elevated position, allowing the views to be enjoyed with complete peace of mind. The outlook is open, green and calming, creating a wonderful sense of space around the home.

Positioned on the edge of Islip, one of Oxfordshire’s most desirable and historic villages, the Cotacre enjoys peace, privacy and countryside views, yet lies just six miles from Oxford. The setting is exceptional.

Islip itself is rich in heritage, with ancient roots and a notable place in Civil War history, giving the village a depth of character that few locations can match. From here, Oxford, London, Heathrow, Birmingham and the Cotswolds are all within easy reach.

The village has excellent amenities, including a primary school, a health centre and a children’s playground. For sporting enthusiasts, village clubs include cricket and football teams.

Locally, there are excellent preparatory and senior independent schools, including Magdalen College School, Oxford High School, St Edward’s, Summer Fields and The Dragon School.

There is a train station within the village, with direct access to London Marylebone or Paddington in under an hour.