Built in the mid-17th century of local ironstone, Old Hill Farm is a large handsome Grade-II listed farmhouse, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens with views over neighbouring pasture, situated in a conservation area.

The property was thoroughly and sympathetically renovated in 1998/99, including all plumbing, wiring andnecessary structural work, as well as substantial cosmetic enhancement; complementing the charming features typical of the local architecture with all modern comforts. 

Despite its rural location the property benefits from mains gas, water and drainage, as well as connections to telephones (2 lines), ISDN and superfast broadband (80Mb/s).

During the period of refurbishment, the attached stables were re-built using the original Napton bricks.  New oak staircases and balustrades, window frames and flooring were installed to create an impressive vaulted reception room, accessed from the kitchen via a landing, which also leads to the rear yard via the back door, and also to a spacious study with windows to East and south, a cloakroom and a built in cupboard.

The vaulted area is used by the current owners as an extensive open-plan office, but was previously used to provide a dramatic backdrop for dining, with its vaulted timber-framed ceiling and a Minstrels Gallery to one end.  Below the Gallery is a beautiful slate-floored oak-framed conservatory leading out on to a private deck area; perfect for al fresco dining.

The Drawing Room boasts a large inglenook fireplace with bressemer beam and incorporating an original “salt box” in the chimney breast. The room has a natural stone floor with underfloor heating, a solid Elm ceiling and beams, and dual aspect stone-mullioned windows with recessed window seats.

The current Dining Room can also form a Snug, providing a smaller, cosier room for everyday use.

The traditional farm kitchen / breakfast room has a slate floor, dual aspect stone-mullioned windows and features a double-oven Aga situated in the original inglenook. The gas Aga also has two electric ovens and 4 gas hobs for the summer.  An original bread-oven is built into the wall, is now a quaint but useful storage area.

Under-floor heating has been installed throughout most of the downstairs, with additional period radiators in some rooms.

On the first floor is the Master Bedroom suite, which leads to a large Dressing Room with built in cupboards and on to an en-suite Bathroom with separate shower.

The Guest Bedroom with en-suite Bathroom is also located on first floor.

Three further Bedrooms and 3rd Bathroom are located on the second floor, up an oak staircase.

There is also a large cellar, ideal as a wine store, accessed from the hallway.

Gardens and grounds

The extensive gardens and grounds extend to approximately 1¼ acres (½ ha) and surround the house on all sides, lending both scenery and privacy to the house.

Much of the garden is laid to lawns, dotted with a plethora of ornamental trees and shrubs, including Poplars, Hornbeam, Fruit trees and Willows. To the front there is a walled garden enclosing a lawn surrounded by herbaceous and specimen grass borders. The wall of the house is covered by a magnificent Wisteria.

To the rear of the house are landscaped parterres, used as herb-gardens or herbaceous borders for both annuals & perennials. These form colour-themed rooms separated by walls of scented climbers.

Other spacious terraces and gravelled areas offer plenty of room for entertaining space.

A Hazel tree-lined avenue winds down from the house to a picket fence and gate, separating the formal gardens from a nature area and large pond beyond.

There is also a large area behind the garages with a greenhouse, potting shed, compost bins and general garden service area.

Outbuildings

Outside the back door are several brick-paved yards.  The old well and its hand-pump are a feature in the main yard, and a fig-tree owns the barbecue area.  Three brick outbuildings, all with power and lighting, are located in the back yard, currently used as a workshop, potting shed and garden store, together with a further (gardener's) WC.

At the front is a large asphalted apron with room to park many vehicles. Secured access is via a remote-controlled entrance gate leading off the road. A triple-bay red brick garage is situated to one end of the apron.  Two bays are set as car-ports with the third fitted with lockable timber garage doors, and having a fully boarded upper floor, accessed by loft ladder. This building has mains water and power, and is equipped with automatic lighting and a car charging station.

Subject to necessary planning consents, this detached building could make a useful annexe.

SITUATION

Priors Hardwick is a very pretty and sought after village with several listed buildings in its own conservation area. It is situated in SE Warwickshire, near to the borders of Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. The village has a 13th century church and a renowned restaurant, The Butchers Arms. Nearby towns of Southam, Banbury, Daventry, and Warwick/Leamington Spa offer a wide range of shopping, leisure and educational facilities.

Priors Marston (1½ miles away) has a popular primary school (an Academy Free School), offering free education to the children of Priors Hardwick and Priors Marston.

First class public and preparatory schools in the area include Rugby, Stowe, Warwick School, Tudor Hall, Bilton Grange and Winchester House.

Easy access to both London and The North using either the M1 or M40 motorways, and fast trains from Rugby or Leamington Spa into Birmingham and London Euston, and from Banbury into Birmingham and London Marylebone.

Birmingham Airport is just 30 miles away.

Heathrow is 80 mins by car

The property consists of -  Entrance hall Drawing room Dining room/Snug Kitchen/Breakfast room Utility room Pantry Study Vaulted Reception room Gallery Conservatory Master bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite bathroom Guest room with en-suite 3 further double bedrooms Family Bathroom Cellar Landscaped Garden and grounds Detached triple garage with storage above Brick outbuildings: Workshop  Potting shed Garden store Greenhouse

Note from the current owners - living here

We bought Old Hill Farm primarily for its layout and floor plan to use as an office (so that our commute to work was less than ½ minute!) – and have found a village & church community that has been a joy & privilege to belong to.

Agriculture & nature surround us - watching swallows swoop in to nest with us after their long flight from Africa & plying the skies & fields and watching new-born lambs play in the fields around are just part of the pageant of unfolding seasons.  Dark night-skies full of stars, with just the sounds of nature and weather, are just some of the regular high-points of living here.  

Stepping outside the front door is sometimes like stepping out on holiday.

After more than a decade here our business has moved on, so Old Hill Farm now needs new owners to enjoy its charms.

General

Services: Broadband, mains water, electricity, gas and drainage

Council tax: Tax Band G. £2,873.59  2018/2019.

Postcode: The postcode of the property is CV47 7SL.

Covenants: Covenants affecting the land in favour of Trinity College, Cambridge. The main covenant relates to the paddock to the north of the property; this land can only be used as garden or paddock and building on it is prohibited other than stables, garden shed or sun house.  The paddock to the rear of the property (but not part of it) is a Scheduled Monument so cannot be built on.

Local authority: Stratford District Council, Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford on Avon, CV37 6HX. Telephone: 01789 267575.

Directions to view From Banbury take the A423 north towards Southam and on the edge of Fenny Compton turn right, by The Wharf Inn Public House, signposted Wormleighton and Priors Hardwick.

Continue through Wormleighton and after about half a mile turn left signposted Priors Hardwick.  Head into the village and continue right where the road forks left towards the church.  The property is the third on the left hand side, just beyond the crest of the hill.

Viewing strictly by appointment through YOPA

Prior to making an appointment to view, we strongly recommend that you discuss with our agent, Harry Richards who has seen the property, any particular points which are likely to affect your interest in the property, in order that you do not make a wasted journey.