Location

The villages of Sibford Gower and Sibford Ferris are situated on opposite sides of the River Sib valley on the North Oxfordshire/South Warwickshire border, in attractive rolling countryside near the market towns of Banbury and Chipping Norton. There is a primary school, village hall, church, pub/restaurant and doctors surgery in Sibford Gower, and there is a post office/general store in Sibford Ferris. More extensive amenities can be found at Banbury, Chipping Norton, Moreton in Marsh, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham. The village has a vibrant community spirit with a well used village hall and a diverse range of activities and events on offer.

There is a village primary school with senior state schooling at The Warriner in Bloxham. Local independent schools include Sibford School (Sibford Ferris), St John's Priory (Banbury), Winchester House (Brackley), Bloxham School, Tudor Hall Girls (Bloxham), and King's High (Warwick). The property is also in the catchment area for the Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar Schools (at time of print).

Communication links to intercity train services from Banbury to London/Marylebone (about 56 minutes) and Birmingham (about 51 minutes) The M40 (J11) is at Banbury for the south or (J12) Gaydon for the north.

Sporting and cultural activities in the area include golf at Tadmarton Heath, Rye Hill and Chipping Norton; horse racing at Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick and Cheltenham; motor-racing at Silverstone; RSC theatre at Stratford-upon-Avon; cinema and indoor sports centres in Banbury.

All distances and times are approximate.

Description

Gowers Close is an attractive Grade II Listed stone property, nestled in the heart of the sought after and popular village of Sibford Gower, which has been sympathetically renovated by the current owners. Dating back to the early 17th Century, the home offers contemporary living spaces alongside exceptional period charm. Original leaded light windows, exposed timber beams, inglenook fireplace and flagstone floors create a home rich in history and character.

The entrance hall, with its flagstone floor, leads you through to the main sitting room, dining room and kitchen breakfast room. The inner hall, with panelled walls, opens to create a useful coat and boot storage area with access to the cellar boiler-room. The generous sitting room with its impressive inglenook fireplace, open fire and original bread oven provides a homely space for entertaining and relaxation. The bay window incorporates double doors opening out onto the terrace and offers beautiful views of the extensive garden. Leading from the hall is the dining room which is semi open plan with the kitchen. With ample room for a large table and sofa, this is the perfect space for family gatherings and everyday living. A rear door leads out to the terrace and garden, ideal for alfresco dining. The kitchen/breakfast room is clearly the heart of the home. Fitted with handmade DeVol units, the room exudes contemporary country charm, whilst providing plenty of discreet storage, including two bespoke full height larder cupboards. A white oil-fired Aga with electric companion provides the cooking facility. Underfloor heating ensures the room stays cosy all year round. Beyond the kitchen/breakfast room is a laundry room providing plentiful storage for appliances and a Belfast sink set in DeVol units. There is side access to the garden plus an access door into the integral garage.

Four bedrooms and two family bathrooms are located across the upper floors, accessed via two staircases. All the bedrooms have been thoughtfully laid out to provide both comfort and plentiful storage and all of the rooms benefit from period features, along with pretty views over the garden. The principal bedroom is a wonderfully spacious dual aspect room with vaulted ceiling and exposed beams. The floor to ceiling bay window gives panoramic views over the garden and across the valley, whilst providing an abundance of natural light. A family bathroom with freestanding bath and large walk-in shower serves the main bedroom. A second Jack and Jill bathroom serves the guest rooms. A further generous bedroom with en suite bathroom is located on the ground floor at the far end of the property, offering independent accommodation for teenagers or guests.

The garden at Gowers Close is an absolute delight. South-facing and fully enclosed by stone walling creating a private haven bursting with well-stocked borders, pretty pergola lined paths and interspersed with several mature trees.

Thoughtfully landscaped, the garden provides year-round colour and a choice of seating areas. A large terrace and parterre directly accessed from the kitchen and sitting room creates an ideal spot for alfresco dining.

Toward the bottom of the garden there is a double length greenhouse and two potting sheds along with a designated vegetable garden.

There is also an additional room that is accessed from the garden, which is currently used as a storeroom, but would make a wonderful office. To the front of the property is an integral garage with large arched wooden doors.