School House sits within a quietly established rural setting, once part of the wider Oakley Park estate, where layers of history give way to a more contemporary interpretation of country living. In recent years, the house has been carefully refurbished and in part rebuilt around an oak frame, resulting in a home that balances architectural clarity with energy efficiency and a strong connection to its surroundings.
At the centre of the house is a striking kitchen, breakfast and dining space extending to over 40 feet – a room designed as much for gathering as for function. Twin islands, high-quality cabinetry and integrated appliances sit alongside a wood-burning stove, while doors open directly onto the formal gardens, allowing the space to expand naturally into the landscape.
Elsewhere on the ground floor, the tone shifts between openness and structure. The sitting room and study are defined by high vaulted ceilings and a sense of vertical space, anchored by a steel and glass staircase that introduces a more contemporary architectural edge. Materials are consistent and considered throughout, with stone flooring underfoot and Velfac glazing drawing in light and views from all angles.
Upstairs, five bedrooms are arranged to provide both comfort and privacy, including a principal suite with a dressing room fitted by Ewan House of Cirencester and an en suite shower room. The overall feel is one of understated refinement, where craftsmanship and finish take precedence over excess.
What sets the house apart, however, is not just its design but its performance. Underfloor heating powered by a ground source heat pump, whole-house ventilation, integrated Control4 automation, and commercial-grade connectivity – including 1GB fibre broadband – position it firmly within a modern, future-ready way of living, without compromising its rural character.
The grounds extend to approximately 22 acres, offering a varied and layered landscape. Formal gardens surround the house, giving way to paddocks, pasture and areas of mature and semi-mature woodland. A wildflower meadow, cut flower garden and vegetable garden with polytunnel introduce a more productive, seasonal rhythm to the land, while mature trees provide structure and privacy.
Outbuildings and amenities support both lifestyle and function, including stabling for three horses, a workshop, and an oak-framed pavilion complete with pizza oven. A paved terrace and hot tub create spaces for relaxation, while integrated security systems, including CCTV and alarm, are seamlessly incorporated into the wider home technology.
School House is located in Frilford Heath, within the grounds of Oakley Park, a former large country estate. It is a highly sought-after setting, well known for its proximity to Frilford Heath Golf Club and its convenient access to nearby market towns and the city of Oxford.
Local amenities include a pub within walking distance, while Abingdon offers a wider range of shopping, including Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets. The nearby village of Marcham provides additional everyday essentials, including a post office, public house, garage and primary school. The house also benefits from direct access to open countryside, ideal for walking and riding.
Communications are strong, with access to the A34 linking to the M40, and Didcot Parkway station approximately 15 minutes away, offering fast services to London Paddington in around 45 minutes.
The area is particularly well served by a wide selection of respected schools, including The Manor, Chandlings, Rupert House, Ashfold, Cothill, Abingdon School, Radley College, St Helen and St Katharine’s, Cranford House and Moulsford, as well as Oxford schools such as The Dragon, Headington, Magdalen College School, Summer Fields and St Edward’s.
School House is a considered evolution of a traditional rural property – one that respects its setting while embracing a more contemporary way of living, where design, technology and landscape are carefully brought into alignment.
