Beyond the wrought iron gates, the fairytale silhouette of Kirklands rises above the manicured greenery and clipped, conical yew topiary.
Enchanting arrival
A handsome late-Victorian Gothic Revival home, dating back to 1888, later extensions have retained a faithfulness to Kirklands’ romantic architectural heritage: arched sash windows, ornate bargeboards, steeply pitched gables and warm red brickwork accented by pale stone all combining to create a memorable first impression.
Plenty of parking is available on both the gravel driveway and paved driveway to the front of the triple garage, all sheltered from the road behind a screen of mature green trees.
With access available from the front and a handsome porch to the side, step in through the main door, where a handy cloakroom ahead is furnished with wash basin mounted upon a bespoke wooden vanity unit, with shaker-style cabinetry beneath, alongside a WC.
Warmest of welcomes
Traditional parquet flooring, laid in an orderly basketweave pattern, flows from the entrance, continuing through to the kitchen on the right.
Warmed by underfloor heating, wooden flooring features in the sitting room on the left, honeyed in the light streaming in through a large sash window to the front, and French doors opening to the patio looking out over the garden at the rear. A bright and bountiful room, filled with toasty glow from the log-burning stove in wintertime, this is a naturally sociable space, connecting through to the games room at the rear.
Family time
The ultimate family room, dressed in contemporary shades of grey with contrasting white skirtings, architraves and cornicing, this bountiful room offers effortless indoor-outdoor flow to the spectacular garden through bifolding doors at the rear. Beyond, a sleek rill draws the eye up through the landscape, reflecting the sky as it leads past the lawns, in the direction of the tiered steps and the evergreen canopy beyond.
To the right, French doors open onto a private terrace, the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening aperitifs, with uninterrupted views across the rolling paddocks to the golden fields and distant hills beyond.
Tucked away, with bay window views out over the sweep of trees and greenery to the front, the study opens up from the games room; the perfect place for those working from home to hunker down away from the main flow of living spaces.
Feast your eyes
Returning to the entrance hall, make your way through to the kitchen on the right, its cream shaker-style cabinetry including glass fronted dresser and oak worktops, evoking a traditional yet timeless feel. Spacious and with plenty of storage, a breakfast table sits beneath the suspended pendant light, whilst above the sink a wide window captures views out over the garden and mature fruit trees.
Rustle up a feast for family and friends on the Britannia oven and hob, with integrated bin storage and currently also housing an American style larder fridge. Keeping clutter to a minimum, the handy utility room offers further storage, alongside plumbing for a washing machine and dryer, in addition to direct access outdoors to another peaceful patio.
Relax and unwind
From the kitchen, access the side entrance hall, its period chequerboard tiling underfoot hinting at the home’s Victorian birthright, alongside the original front door with its embellished transom and intricately carved staircase with storage beneath.
Turning right from the front door, the snug is a soothing space in which to unwind, peaceful, private and softly lit by natural light drifting in through sash windows to the front and side. Formerly the original dining room, wooden flooring mingles with plaster coving and traditional chair rail for a heritage feel, while the tiled, period fireplace adds depth of character.
Wine and dine
Opposite, shimmering, tasteful wallpaper dresses the feature wall in the dining room, a light-filled space perfect for entertaining. Warmth emanates from the log-burning stove encased within its Victorian surround, whilst the four-paned sash window frames verdant views over the trees to the front, whose changing colours mark the turn of the seasons.
From the entrance hall, ascend the handsome wooden staircase to the first-floor landing, turning left into bedroom five. Home to an ornamental cast iron fireplace, views beckon out over the greenery to the front. With space for a double bed, this bedroom could also serve comfortably as a nursery or second home office.
Across the landing, featuring built-in storage, bedroom three draws in light through a gothic arched window to the front, and again features an ornamental, original fireplace. Carpeted underfoot, in the same manner as bedroom five, this too is a comfortable double.
From the landing, a short series of stairs leads up through a doorway to the main bedroom wing, preceded by a sumptuously sized bathroom on the right.
Soak and sleep
Olive green panelling sets a soothing tone to the lower walls, perfect for a leisurely soak in the claw foot, roll top bath, perfectly positioned to take in the view out over the leafy boughs through the window. Conveniently close by, the traditional chrome heated rail keeps your towel warm and at the ready, with a WC, bidet, wash basin and separate shower cubicle also available.
Beside the large linen closet on the right awaits a fourth spacious bedroom, light and bright beneath its lofty ceiling. Built-in wardrobe storage is at hand, whilst views reach out over the garden.
Rest and repose beseech in the principal suite, a serene and spacious bedroom overlooking the lawn and apple trees to the rear. Dressed in neutral, earthy shades, the dressing room is brimming with bespoke wardrobes, drawers and dressing table, whilst the en suite adopts an opulent theme with its marble topped vanity unit with wash basin, and bath containing shower head attachment.
Continue along the light-filled landing, where sunlight pours through the gothic arched windows to the front. At the far end, beside yet another useful storage room, bedroom two serves as a soporific guest sanctuary. Peacefully tucked away, it features a built-in wardrobe, high ceiling and sleek laminate wood flooring, gleaming beneath light flowing in through the gothic arched window, alongside its own private shower room en suite.
Embrace the outdoors
Outside, the gardens wrap around Kirklands, extending to around three-quarters of an acre. Mature apple trees yield an abundant crop seasonally, while manicured lawns sweep around the home, bordered by box hedging.
A formal rill pond with gently tumbling waterfall adds a soothing acoustic backdrop, home to ornamental carp, aligned with the steps, upper lawn and views beyond.
Pause and survey the peaceful scene from the paved terrace, wrapping around the house, with doors from the kitchen, games room and snug, each creating natural zones for entertaining, quiet coffee mornings, or summer barbecues under the open sky.
A covered verandah extends from the triple garage, while above, a large, vaulted room offers scope for a gym, studio or self-contained annexe.
Out and about
Step out from the serenity of home and into some of Oxfordshire’s most scenic surroundings. Meandering walks beckon nearby, with public footpaths leading across the Vale and into the Berkshire Downs, or further onto the historic Ridgeway Trail.
Independent shops, artisan bakeries and twice-weekly markets bring character to Wantage’s Georgian streets, while Charlton Park Garden Centre and Millets Farm offer fresh produce, seasonal plants and fun family outings.
For dining, choose from cosy cafés, stylish gastropubs or The Beacon, the town’s arts hub with film nights, live music and comedy.
Families are well placed for excellent schooling: King Alfred’s Academy and Fitzwaryn Special School are both Ofsted 'Outstanding', while school buses link to top independents including St Helen & St Katharine, Radley and Abingdon.
With speedy links to Didcot Parkway (London Paddington in under an hour) and regular buses to Oxford, Wantage blends countryside peace with commuter ease.
A home of remarkable scale and presence, where spacious rooms, flexibility, and flow combine before the far-reaching views, Kirklands is a home of timeless character, whose grandeur is matched only by its homely welcome.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the fixtures and fittings mentioned throughout, items included in sale are to be discussed at the time of offering
N.B. Kindly note that select images used within our promotional content have undergone virtual staging processes, showcasing possible arrangements and aesthetics within the property; however, the actual space might differ from these depictions.
