What: An original 17th-century timber-frame house was demolished, then rebuilt in the 18th century in gothic baronial style. During World War I, the house was requisitioned but suffered damage in a fire and eventually fell to ruin. In 1997 it was sold and the new owners obtained permission for a sympathetic reconstruction. Further updated in 2014, Oxney Castle boasts plenty of mod cons (electric security gates, integrated smart house system with CCTV and fire alarms, plus six bedrooms each with an en suite bathroom). The price includes a two-bedroom staff cottage and a four-bedroom detached guest house. Former stables have been transformed into a retreat complete with a kitchen, laundry room, cinema room, poolside shower room and a studio-style bedroom with a kitchen and en suite.
Inside: Prepare to be impressed by the octagonal hall and reception rooms, including a music room, a large kitchen with basement wine cellar, conservatory, and cloakroom. Upstairs are five bedroom suites plus a family bathroom. On the second floor are two large loft rooms. A tower staircase leads to the third floor’s sixth en suite bedroom.
Outside: As well as those additional houses, are 35 acres, with a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, and treehouse with chimney, rope bridges and zip wire. There’s also an outdoor dining room and entertaining space, complete with fireplace and barbecue kitchen. A walled private space features a lush lawn and rose garden, with exotic and rare species. Many of these will have been planted in the 19th century, when the house was owned by the uncle of the renowned botanist and pioneer of Kew Gardens, Sir Joseph Banks, and possibly he helped to plant them out, with many rare species trees remaining today.
Why we love it: The combination of elegance inside the castle, multiple accommodation options and so much to do on the estate makes it a winner for us.
Contact: 0203 909 7854; hardinggreen.com; 01227 532478; milesandbarr.co.uk
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