We’re delighted to introduce you to Parsonage Barns, a handsome barn conversion located in a prime position within the highly sought-after downland village of Childrey.
Located on the edge of the village, timber-clad Parsonage Barns nestles at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac consisting of just six exclusive properties converted 18 years ago.
Perfect for professionals, downsizers or as a turnkey home for weekends and longer breaks well away from the city bustle (approx 1.5 hours’ drive from the outskirts of London), this well presented home offers nearly 2,000 sq ft of flexible free-flow space that’s ready and waiting for its new owner and a blank canvas to tweak as desired.
The current owner, who has lived at Parsonage Barns in his ‘favourite village’ since it was converted to residential in 2006, has made a number of recent improvements including a top-of-the-range refit of the en-suite to the principal bedroom, installation of electric gates to the freshly re-laid driveway and a professional revamp of the garden.
Most notable of these improvements is the creation of a two-storey annexe next to and above the detached double garage. It makes a fantastic ‘granny’ annexe, office, guest suite or would be perfect as an AirBnB-style holiday let – there’s considerable demand in this beautiful part of the country.
A bright and breezy home in the country
Parsonage Barns is at the far end of Frouds Close, privately tucked away behind electric gates which swing open onto the driveway at the touch of a button. There’s parking space for several cars in front of the double garage/annexe and the barn stands opposite, reached via a paved path through the garden.
The front door opens into the entrance hall which is warmly welcoming with mellow hardwood flooring and an oak staircase. There’s a cloakroom with WC and a pair of generous oak-fronted cupboards that are perfect for storing coats and shoes.
To the right, step through the double glass doors for a first taste of the breezy, free-flow layout in the expansive 25x20ft living room. A stylish fireplace fitted with a woodburner is the focus of the room and the perfect place for nice squashy L-shaped sofas to relax with a drink and the papers or enjoy a movie on a wall-mounted TV – this lovely spacious room can take a cinema-style one without being overwhelmed.
You can enjoy the views of the garden while enjoying supper or hosting a dinner party by placing a the dining table – again, there’s space for a large one - in front of the triple bifolds and these can be flung open to create that special indoors-outdoors merger that’s such a desirable feature of summertime entertaining.
If desired, this room could also accommodate a desk for home working or study, or you may prefer to utilise the annexe or one of the four bedrooms – flexibility is key at Parsonage Barns.
To the left of the entrance hall is the kitchen/diner, and at 18x15ft it continues the spacious theme with the fitted oak kitchen cabinets configured in front of the window in a cook-friendly ‘U’ shape. There’s an integral double oven with ceramic hob and an integral dishwasher while the freestanding American fridge/freezer and wine fridges are also staying. Food prep is a breeze on the sleek black marbled granite worktops and there’s ceramic floor tiles and overhead spotlights.
If kitchen suppers are your preference then there’s plenty of room for a table and chairs.
A utility room, with sink, plumbing for washing machine and dryer and a range of fitted cupboards adjoins the kitchen and completes the ground-floor line-up.
A bedtime story
The staircase curves gently up to a delightful landing, naturally lit via a skylight, with a cosy alcove for placing a comfy armchair – it’s the perfect spot for relaxing with a book and a glass of wine.
Partial vaulting adds character to all four of the bedrooms, while maintaining good ceiling heights, and they all overlook the garden. Three of the bedrooms are practically mirror images of each other, all 13ft in depth and with widths of between 9ft and 11ft and all with built-in double wardrobes.
A haven of peace, relaxation and restful sleep, the 16x16ft principal bedroom is light and airy with a glamorous grey marble-tiled en-suite bathroom fitted with an enormous walk-in rainfall shower and twin designer washbasins. There’s also a dressing room and it’s big enough to accommodate enough rails and shelves for the most ardent fashionista!
Contemporary annexe
Recently added and presented to the highest contemporary standard, the garden annexe is the icing on the cake. Adjoining the garage, the ground floor has a sleek white fitted kitchen with integral ovens, gas hob, modern concrete-effect worktops and a breakfast bar. If required, there’s space for a table and chairs too.
At the top of the curved oak staircase is the vaulted living room/bedroom, a spacious 24x16ft that’s filled with light via a trio of windows. There’s an adjoining bathroom with contemporary white fittings and walk-in rainfall shower.
Garden delights
Professionally landscaped, the gardens of Parsonage Barns are privately enclosed by high walls, compact and easy maintenance.
The new tiered decking in the far corner makes a contemporary statement with its horizontally slatted screening and is thoughtfully positioned where it catches the best of the sunshine right up until it sets.
There’s a further slightly raised paved patio in front of the living room’s bifold doors that’s perfect for al fresco meals and entertaining, and decked seating along one wall plus a small pond and a well-stocked shrub border on the opposite side. A stretch of easy-case Astroturf lawn completes the garden layout.
Round and about
Childrey is a friendly, vibrant community with lots going on throughout the year, such as the annual Childreyfest – the village’s own Glastonbury!
Open seven-days-a-week, a warm welcome is guaranteed at Childrey Stores which has a café selling everything from coffee and cake to home-made lunches and sells all the everyday essentials plus artisan food, wine and gifts.
In the last year or so, Childrey has been blessed with another foodie outlet at Cantorist Farm. As well as rearing 100 per cent grass-fed beef cattle, they have a farm shop and café serving all sorts of home-made delicacies from sourdough bread, quiches and pies to their inimitable ‘cruffins’, a delectable pastry confection that’s a cross between a croissant and a muffin.
Many families choose the village for the highly-regarded primary school, The Ridgeway CE, which is Ofsted-rated good, and Little Ducks pre-school, while secondary-age children can board a bus to King Alfred’s School in Wantage, just three miles away. There are also bus services to excellent independent schools nearby including Our Lady’s, Abingdon School and the School of St Helen & St Katharine.
This is picturesque walking country with an endless choice of pretty routes – it’s close to the famous White Horse Hill too. If you fancy one with refreshment at the end of it, take a pleasant stroll through the fields to the newly named The Sparsholt for a pint, glass of wine or a choice of highly rated food. Another nearby pub with an innovative award-winning menu is The Greyhound at Letcombe Regis, while hearty pub lunches for hungry walkers are served at The White Horse at Woolstone.
The historic market town of Wantage has all the supermarkets, including Waitrose, shops, pubs, restaurants and leisure options your heart desires. There’s easy road access to the A420, M4 and M40 for commutes to Oxford, Swindon, Newbury and beyond plus frequent trains to London from nearby Didcot Parkway station.
