Nestling on the banks of the River Thame, Talbot Cottage couldn’t be more idyllic. This stone and brick cottage is set within two and a quarter acres of grounds, including a decent stretch of around 120 yards of river frontage, complete with fishing rights.
Now a comfortable family home with four bedrooms, a separate annex and outdoor pool, Talbot Cottage shares a strong agricultural heritage with the surrounding area, having once been part of the village market garden complex. It last changed hands around nine years ago and has been completely renovated by its current owners, the Johns’. Alan Johns describes how they built the Annexe: “When we bought the house, there was an old barn in the grounds that used to be a Beetroot Shed. It was single storey and quite utilitarian, but we had the idea of creating some extra living accommodation by adding a pitched roof.” The result is a charming, self contained, one bedroom annexe, with vaulted ceilings and modern, open living space. “In homage to its origins, we were tempted to paint the walls beetroot red, but resisted,” he adds.
The Beetroot Shed - before and after:
The Johns’ have made major improvements to the main house as well, bringing it up to date and replacing all of the doors and the windows with energy-efficient double glazing throughout. They have added ground source heating which provides significant benefits, both to their heating bills and to the environment. “We have around 800 metres of pipe buried in the ground which is collecting and delivering heat to the pump. It provides heating and hot water for the house, the annexe and even heats the swimming pool. It costs a great deal less than the previous oil system and it’s better for the environment too.” Where the pipes are buried the Johns have created a wildflower meadow which will become a haven for local wildlife.
“We love the location and, as we’re moving to downsize, we don’t intend to move too far,” says Alan Johns. “It really is fantastic here.”
Talbot Cottage is on the market for £1,000.000. Interested? Find it online here or call Carter Jonas in Oxford on 01865 511444.
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