18th century cottage in historic village of Islip, Oxfordshire

DESCRIPTION The Old Fox is a former coaching inn believed to date back to c.1723 situated in the heart of the village with a truly delightful `walled garden` offering huge amounts of privacy and seclusion.

Over the years the property has been renovated and updated to create a wonderful family home combining period features with modern day living.

The accommodation comprises a kitchen/family room enjoying a double aspect complete with `Morso` wood burning stove, dining room, sitting room with `Morso` wood burning stove, utility room and cloakroom on the ground floor. There is a cellar with under floor heating making ideal for storage of wine or a great children`s playroom. The first floor enjoys a master bedroom suite with a stylish en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms, and single bedroom and a spacious family bathroom. The property retains much of its character such as exposed beams, handmade wooden shutters in the kitchen/family room, and a mixture of solid oak flooring, stripped wooden floorboards and travertine tiling. There are a number of areas with exposed stone work in various rooms. The former stables have been converted in to very useful annexe/office space. This offers a vast kitchen/living area with doors leading on to the garden, bathroom, study/bedroom with a spiral staircase leading to a further bedroom. The annex has its own gas and electricity supply. Outside there is a stunning low maintenance garden with various seating areas and a variety of flower beds and borders. In addition to all of this, there are electric gates leading to parking for up to four vehicles.

VILLAGE HISTORY Islip is the birthplace of Edward the confessor c. 1004. According to the doomsday book (1806) there was a watermill in the village, and one was in operation until 1947. The village was on the old medieval road between London and Worcester which crossed the River Ray in the village originally as a ford, but later a bridge was constructed. In April 1645 there was a battle on the bridge between Oliver Cromwell`s men and the Earl of Northampton`s men with Cromwell being the victor. The village was home to many coaching Inns which have been converted in to private homes over the years, yet they still retain their names.

About the location

LOCATION The village of Islip is within easy reach of Oxford and features a number of character properties, as well as the parish church, which is of 13th-century origin. There is an excellent community shop, primary school and surgery, two public houses, plus a rail station with frequent train services to Oxford and London Marylebone. As well as being convenient for Summertown (5 miles), Headington (5.5 miles) and Oxford city centre (6.75 miles) the village is also convenient for Woodstock (about 7.5 miles), Bicester Village, and access to the M40. Junction 9 is 4.5 miles north, whilst Junction 8a is 10 miles south east.

DIRECTIONS Leave Oxford, accessing the A44 dual carriageway towards Evesham and Woodstock. At the subsequent roundabout/interchange, take the third exit on to the A34 in a northerly direction towards the M40 and Banbury, continuing for about 3.5 miles before taking the first exit left onto the B4027 signposted for Islip and Bletchingdon. At the subsequent `T` junction turn right, continuing into the centre of Islip. The Old Fox can be found on the left hand side.

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