Situated in the charming village of Clanfield, on the edge of the Cotswolds, The Old Methodist Church presents a unique opportunity for the discerning house-hunter looking for a distinctly different kind of home that offers both character and comfortable countryside living, within easy reach of London.
This wonderful home has been converted from two original Victorian church buildings, dating back to 1856 and 1910, joined together to create a stylish and spacious three-bedroom home that’s simply bursting with quirky character and appeal.
Inside you’ll discover stylish interiors that effortlessly blend heritage features with beautifully designed, modern open-plan living. Highlights include a striking double-height living area with mezzanine, a well-appointed kitchen, light-filled library/home office, and three tranquil double bedrooms. Outside there’s a pretty courtyard garden, off-street parking and a useful store room.
Its location is superb too – the popular and picture-perfect village of Clanfield enjoys a friendly and thriving community with an award-winning coffee shop/bakery, post office, well-regarded primary school and two fantastic pubs.
If you’re seeking a stylish and unique rural retreat then The Old Methodist Church could be just what you’re looking for. We can’t wait to show you around this lovely home, so here are the finer details…
Uniquely yours…
Standing proud behind original wrought iron railings, The Old Methodist Church makes an immediate impression with its handsome Victorian façade, bursting with colour thanks to the pretty roses and clematis that gently climb its walls. After parking on the off-street driveway to the side, enter either through the original front door to the vestibule, or through the modern glass entrance hall situated at the end of a pretty pathway lined with flowering pots and shrubs.
The stunning entrance hall is filled with natural light thanks to the large glass lantern overhead and double oak framed doors which open to to the courtyard garden. This bright and airy space provides not only a seamless connection between the two buildings, it’s also used by the current owners as a tranquil library and home office. It’s a flexible room that you might want to retain as an office, or use as a second sitting room, conservatory or dining area – the choice is yours.
The entrance hall leads through into the impressive double height living area and it’s simply stunning. Extending to 23ft x 23ft and with an additional 17ft x 17ft mezzanine sitting room floating above, this incredible space is the real highlight of this lovely home.
On the western wall, the original gothic-style arched stained glass window provides a dramatic focal point and oodles of natural light; the current owners love how the sunlight filters through the coloured glass at different times of the day, creating a unique warmth and atmosphere. The open-plan layout and soaring vaulted ceilings overhead create a wonderful feeling of space whilst comfortable zoned areas create natural spaces for eating, entertaining and relaxing.
An elegant oak and glass staircase leads up to the stunning mezzanine level which appears to float over the living space below. Here you’ll discover a comfortable sitting room/snug that’s the ideal spot for watching a movie or curling up with a good book. There’s lots of practical storage space up here too along the eaves on both sides.
A set of double doors lead from the main living area into the well-appointed kitchen. You can open these doors up when you’re entertaining or close the spaces off to create more privacy when needed.
Thoughtfully designed to be practical as well as stylish, the kitchen has space for a large table for the family to gather around as well as copious storage in stylish cream gloss cabinets, complemented by crisp black granite work surfaces. The demands of modern life are well catered for with high-spec Bosch integrated dishwasher and refrigerator as well as an AGA Rangemaster cooker. There’s a door onto the courtyard garden for alfresco eating or morning coffee and the papers.
And so to bed…
The three beautifully appointed bedrooms at The Old Methodist Church are situated in the oldest part of the building, dating from 1856, and are arranged over two floors with three bathrooms as well as a separate utility room on the ground floor.
A tranquil hideaway, the principal bedroom is situated on the ground floor making it ideal for those with more limited mobility or as a ‘future-proof’ bedroom option for older relatives or guests.
This comfortable space has a beautiful feature window allowing in lots of natural light and is double-glazed and screened for privacy by elegant plantation shutters. You’ll find plenty of clothes storage in the fitted wardrobes plus a well-presented ensuite shower room and WC. With soft cream carpeting underfoot and an overhead ceiling fan to keep things cool in the summer, this is a relaxing haven you won’t want to leave!
On the ground floor you’ll also discover a stylish bathroom with bathtub and overhead shower as well as a useful laundry/utility room next door. A glass door at the end of the ground floor hallway allows access to a second outdoor Italianate-style courtyard garden which is bursting with colourful flowers, plants and shrubs as well as a lawned area. It’s the ideal spot for an early morning cuppa under the arbour before the demands of the day begin.
Head upstairs to discover two further well-proportioned and characterful double bedrooms, perfect for guests and children alike. Both bedrooms have oodles of natural light and a wonderful feeling of space thanks to the vaulted ceilings and Velux windows above. Bedroom Two has a stunning stone-arched feature window which is double-glazed and has fitted blinds for privacy, whilst Bedroom Three has a generous amount of storage space in the fitted wardrobes along one wall. The first floor bedrooms share a bathroom with WC, bathtub and overhead shower.
Alfresco delights
There are several enchanting outdoor spaces to enjoy at The Old Methodist Church. Delightfully bijou, the courtyard garden to the rear of the house has been thoughtfully designed to maximise the available light and space to create a wonderful area for relaxing or entertaining. Wonderfully private, the courtyard garden is accessed from both the kitchen and the glass vestibule entrance, so you can leave both doors open in the warmer months and create a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors.
This smaller space nonetheless gives maximum impact: tall metal planters sweep in a gentle curve along one wall and are bursting with colourful plants and shrubs including purple lavender and bright peonies. There’s a circular seating area perfect for a bistro-style table set to enjoy an alfresco lunch or after-work drink. Italianate style patio slabs beautifully complement the exposed Cotswold stone walls and a superb feature has been made of the original well which has been given a tempered glass cover and spotlights.
To the side of the house there’s an additional outdoor space with lawned area, well-stocked flower borders and a gravel courtyard with charming seating area.
Out and About
Nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, Clanfield is a charming village that offers the perfect blend of rural tranquility and vibrant community spirit. It’s a delightful locale, ideal for those seeking a serene yet connected lifestyle.
Clanfield boasts a rich history and an inviting atmosphere, with a close-knit community that warmly welcomes newcomers. One of the village's standout features is its array of local amenities. The village green, often the heart of community events, hosts seasonal fairs, farmers' markets and other gatherings.
For socializing and dining, residents can enjoy the hospitality of The Clanfield Tavern, a quintessential English pub known for its hearty meals, local ales, and friendly ambiance. Additionally, The Double Red Duke offers a more contemporary dining experience with a menu that highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For a cozy coffee spot, the village is home to a delightful café, bakery and Post Office where residents can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or afternoon tea.
Families considering a move to Clanfield will be pleased with the educational options. The local primary school, Clanfield CE Primary School, is highly regarded for its nurturing environment and commitment to academic excellence. For secondary education, there are several reputable schools in the nearby towns, including Burford School and The Henry Box School in Witney. Independent options are plentiful and include Cokethorpe School, Pinewood, Abingdon, St Helen & St Katharine and St Hugh’s.
Nature enthusiasts will find Clanfield a paradise for outdoor activities. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for leisurely dog walks, cycling, and hiking. The Thames Path and several other scenic trails offer breathtaking views and a peaceful escape into nature.
Additionally, Clanfield's location provides easy access to the historic city of Oxford, just a short drive away. Here, residents can explore a wealth of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining experiences.
In summary, Clanfield is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. Its blend of community spirit, excellent amenities, and beautiful surroundings make it an idyllic choice for anyone looking to buy a home in the heart of Oxfordshire.
