3 May 2015, National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been appointed to sell a twenty year lease on Woodstock Manor House; a Grade II listed Georgian manor house which sits in a prime position immediately adjacent to and overlooking the Blenheim Palace’s 2000 acres of parkland in Oxfordshire.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, who famously remarked that the view from Woodstock House, the largest private residence on the estate, offered ‘the finest view in England.’

Believed to date from the early eighteenth century, but with origins as a dwelling as far back as the mid-1600s, the three-storeyed Woodstock Manor House retains much of its original character.

It is the western side of the property that boasts the ‘finest view’ over the Blenheim Palace Estate, principally of the Palace, parkland and lake, which is spanned by architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s world renowned arched bridge.

The house comprises a grand hall, four reception rooms, 8 bedroom suites, kitchen, cellars and outbuildings, including a coach house and stable block that have planning consent to be converted into a residential cottage and further ancillary accommodation.

  

Woodstock Manor House is surrounded by mature walled gardens including a partially walled vegetable garden, which has the potential, subject to consent, to accommodate a tennis court. The property incorporates a private turning forecourt and ample space for parking. In all the gardens comprise 3.5 acres and there is also consent to extend the rear of the house to create an indoor swimming pool.

Whilst in need of refurbishment, the house boasts original features throughout, including 12 pane sash windows, a fine galleried staircase hall, original interior panelling and panelled doors, flagstone flooring and a Regency Doric style entrance porch. The manor house is situated on the edge of the chic and thriving market town of Woodstock, which offers a good range of shops and restaurants, all within a few minutes walking distance of the property.

Mark Charter, partner and head of Carter Jonas, Oxford, said: “The financial challenges of estate management make it increasingly difficult for some of the country’s most prestigious estates to maintain the upkeep of the very best properties in their residential portfolios. Woodstock Manor House however offers a most rare opportunity for someone with a true appreciation of the historical significance of the estate to take on this ‘passion project’ and return the manor house to its former glory.”

“The lease is being offered so as to give the incoming tenant the opportunity to undertake the refurbishment of the property with an agreed rent free or discounted rent period to reflect the investment made by the incoming tenant. The detailed terms of the lease are subject to negotiation.”

“According to the architect’s plans, the estate estimates that the tenant will need to spend around £3m on a successful refurbishment. We are confident that Woodstock House will set a new benchmark for country house rents in Oxfordshire”, says Charter, “once refurbished it would readily let at £25,000pcm and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if competition amongst those intent on bringing this house back to life, will push the price beyond all expectations.”

Woodstock Manor House is available through Carter Jonas, www.carterjonas.co.uk,
01865 511 444.