Oxfordshire’s Loveliest villages
Oxfordshire’s villages are destinations in themselves. The quintessential charm of the English village is a source of inspiration for many and an aspirational home for some. Plenty of celebrities have roosted in various parts of Oxfordshire’s beautiful countryside and with commuter options, it makes sense for those that feel the call of greener pastures. Luckily, a good village also comes with a good pub and usually some excellent food to serve the local community and visitors. With easy access to London and Cheltenham, the country opens up from Oxfordshire without becoming remote. Over the past years house prices in Oxford and Oxfordshire have been increasing as many opt to leave London. Oxford city can offer a smaller more manageable metropolis, while Oxfordshire can fulfill the idyllic dream of the rural haven. Here are six of Oxford’s enchanting villages to visit and perhaps find your own forever home in.
1-Dorchester-on-Thames
With its own Dorchester Abbey, thatched cottages and town houses this historical riverside location is a stunning village with a touch of grandeur. With its own English Music Festival, it has a cultural pulse, as well as a healthy high street. 17th-century mansions and wisteria cottages seal the deal in picture postcard nostalgia. The average house price is £497,000 with terraced houses selling around the £330,000 mark. Didcot Parkway train station is just 15 minutes away which will get you to London in 40 minutes. Oxford, Abingdon, and Didcot are also all under 30 minutes away by car.
2-Kingham
Kingham is a collection of 17th-century limestone cottages set within the Evenlode valley. Hailed as England’s favourite village, it is famed on two counts. The White Rabbit, a local pub in the region has been noted within the top 50 best UK pubs on several occasions. Local produce and the local farm shop ensure that Kingham is a royal location for those who love food. Celebrities include bassist from Blur, Alex James who holds an annual food festival, The Feastival at his local farm. A mainline train service to London makes it a good option for those who want to commute to the city in 90 minutes. Kingham is 4 miles southwest of Chipping Norton, and the average house price is currently in the region of £545,000.
3-Burford
Included in Forbes’s review of picturesque villages in Europe, Burford has unique features that consolidate its charm. It is steeped in history, being the site of executions in the Civil War. The oldest pharmacy in England can be found here, as well as a medieval bridge that crosses the river Windrush. Burford Church is a Grade I listed building and is perfectly set amongst its characteristic townhouses. The majority of recent house sales in the area were detached properties that go beyond the million mark. Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes are residents of the region. Charlbury and Shipton are nearby stations that can connect commuters to both Oxford and London.
4-Minster Lovell
Famous for its spooky history, Minster Lovell apparently hosts some paranormal activity in the ruins of a 15th Century manor house. Now curated by English Heritage you can explore by daylight the ghostly rumours. Beyond the historical ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, this Cotswold village has chocolate box thatched cottages and the river Windrush winding through it. Pubs of note are the Minster Mill and the Old Swan, which offer food, hospitality, and great venues for weddings. Average house prices are 515,000 with detached properties the most popular sales. Hanborough is the nearest station that can take commuters into London Paddington.
5-Shilton
For Downtown Abey lovers, Shilton may provoke a sense of déjà vu. A location for filming and photography alike, Arlington Row in Shilton is one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. These traditional weavers’ cottages are curated by the National Trust and provide a lot of atmosphere and attraction in Shilton.The Rose and Crown is the heart of fine fayre in Shilton and the village church dates back to the 12th Century. Traditional houses and cottages are all built from local Cotswold stone, the signature appeal that makes it so picturesque. Average house prices are again over one million, but semi-detached properties are in the £600,000 region. Hanborough is the nearest station to the London Paddington line. Close by Hanborough is the village of Bladon, where the average property price is around £500,000. With a mixture of semi-detached and terraced houses there are a range of opportunities for those seeking a rural retreat within reach of Bleinheim Palace.
6-Shipton-under-Wychwood
One of the three Wychwood villages that are sited amongst the ancient Wychwood forest, Shipton- under Wychwood is on the edge of the Cotswolds. Four miles north of Burford it is surrounded by historic villages and towns that add to the country atmosphere of the Evenlode valley. The Lamb Inn, The Swan, and The Wychwood Inn all offer hospitality and food with style. Trains leave Shipton- under- Wychwood to London and arrive within 80 minutes. Shipton station is on the Cotswold line. Oxford is less than an hour’s drive away. Shipton-under-Wychwood is ideal for those looking for larger, detached houses. Property prices average just under £750,000.
Oxfordshire’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Villages and cottages need something to nestle in and much of their charm lies in their relationship with the landscape. Oxfordshire includes the Cotswolds in the North West and the chalk hills of the North Wessex Downs as well as the hills of the Chilterns. These three different Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide great locations for these historical gems. Plus, if you live in Oxfordshire there is so much to explore in the different areas as well as other villages to explore and a wealth of National Trust properties. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are protected from further building so you can be sure that these landscapes are not subject to change and development.
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