Location

Bicester 4.1 miles
Bicester Village 4 miles
Oxford 14.2 miles
Estelle Manor 13.3 miles
Soho Farmhouse 13 miles
Central London 65 miles
Bicester North Train Station 4 miles (direct services to London Marylebone from 55 minutes)
Oxford Private Airport 9 miles
Heathrow International Airport 56 miles
(All distances and times above are approximate)

Description

Lot 1: MIDDLETON PARK
Nestled within the Oxfordshire countryside, Middleton Park stands as a stunning example of early 20th- century country house architecture, designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, in collaboration with his son, Robert Lutyens. Commissioned by the 9th Earl of Jersey, the house was completed in 1938.

Situated at the heart of mature, listed gardens and parkland, the house is accessed through cast iron gates off Oxford Road in Middleton Stoney. The drive sweeps through the listed parkland, to arrive at the turning circle at the north face of the Lutyens house.

The house is constructed of coursed squared limestone with ashlar dressings and presents a timeless neo-Georgian façade with a traditional plain-tile roof.

Inside, Middleton Park retains much of its original grandeur, with the principal interiors preserved in their historic form.

In the 1970s, the property (including the east wing, adjoining lodge and a garage block) was thoughtfully converted into a series of 18 flats, with the beauty of its historic interiors and architectural features preserved. There are 11 flats in the main building with a further 5 flats in the east wing (extending into the east lodge) and two garden flats in the grounds within the converted garage (one of which is subject to a long lease).

There are four lodges, including the east Lodge. Two of the Lodges are occupied on long leases which may be available by separate negotiation. One of the flats in the east wing and one of the garden flats in the garage block are occupied on long leases with vacant possession maybe available by separate negotiation.

Given the current use of the property, the accessible and desirable location, alternative uses of the house and grounds could be explored (subject to planning permissions).

Middleton Park remains a celebrated example of Lutyens' mastery.

The House was first listed Grade 2 in 1951. After conversion into residential flats, the main house was re-listed as Grade 1 in the early 1980s.

Middleton Park is set within beautifully landscaped gardens and pleasure grounds. To the south of the house lies a sunken lawn, with a double flight of steps descending to a terrace that runs alongside the south front. The lawn is bordered by low retaining walls supporting flower-filled terraces, above which are grassed terrace walks offering scenic views across the park and towards the ha-ha, marking the southern boundary of the garden.

Notable features include two Grade II-listed stone walls topped with Coade stone lions, originally positioned at the entrance to the earlier house.

An 18th-century icehouse, listed Grade II, sits around 300m northwest of the house, accompanied by the remains of a statue base.

Within the grounds is an outdoor tennis court and swimming pool which have been used by occupants of the flats, lodges and has shared usage (further details available from the agents). There is a changing room with WCs.

Cedar Lodge: The Grade II* listed Lodge has been beautifully and sympathetically refurbished throughout. The accommodation over four floors includes a lead flashing conservatory with stone floor and underfloor heating, Barr kitchen, drawing room featuring a Lutyens fireplace in Clifton limestone, four bedrooms (one en-suite) and two bathrooms, a wine cellar, gym and office. The lodge sits in an enclosed garden with a paved terrace, lawns and gravel and features beautiful trees including a sorbus and a Lidizea.

Wilmere and Windrush Lodge: The two lodges are occupied on 149 year leases granted in 1977.

Garages: There are two blocks of garages situated to the north of the house and Cedar Lodge. It comprises four double garages and two single garages constructed in the late 1970s and used for the three Lodges and Garden flats.
A row of new garages built in 2019 comprises eight double garages, three of which are used for machinery storage and workshop space for the estate.

Water Tower: The Water Tower adjoins the garages dating to 1873. The top half of the tower was removed by Lutyens in 1938.

Cricket Pitch and Pavilion: North of the east drive, a cricket field with a pavilion is set within the park. The pavilion comprises a main hall, two stores, a changing room and two W.C.s.

ADDITIONAL LAND AND COTTAGES AVAILABLE BY SEPERATE NEGOTIATION.