House For Sale £1,350,000
A fabulous church conversion in a sought-after Oxfordshire village.
We’re delighted to present St James the Less House – a superb heritage home that’s anything but ordinary!
Its ecclesiastical origins add historical charm and restful ambience to this spacious two-storey five-bedroom property, enviably located overlooking the village green in the sought-after village of East Hanney, surrounded by the verdant Vale of White Horse countryside.
If you’re seeking an extraordinary family-sized home with extensive gardens in a thriving village, then St James the Less House is the perfect choice.
Converted from a church 46 years ago, the current owners bought it from the legendary bbc broadcaster ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris in the mid-1980s.
In keeping with its name, St James the Less – designed by the respected Victorian architect G.E. Street and built in 1856 - was the smaller ‘brother’ to the larger St James the Great ce Church in the adjoining village of West Hanney.
This lovely home covers just under 3,000 sq ft and showcases the beautifully preserved ecclesiastical period features such as the glorious arched windows, vaulted ceilings, wood panelling and beams, even the original pulpit!
The reception rooms are large, warm and welcoming, while the kitchen/breakfast room is sure to be the focus of family life. Upstairs, you’ll find a principal bedroom suite and four double bedrooms, all of a similar size, which neatly averts children fighting over who ‘gets the biggest’!
In this quiet and friendly neighbourhood, St James the Less House also benefits from expansive enclosed wrap-round gardens, plus there’s a double garage and parking for up to four cars on the gravel driveway to the side of the house.
Separated by just one field, East and West Hanney are known collectively as ‘The Hanneys’ - they are an excellent example of a thriving community and blessed with a primary school and pre-school, shop, two pubs and a village hall with a buzzing weekly programme of clubs and activities for all ages.
The Hanneys also boast regular buses to Abingdon, Wantage and Oxford, and for those who commute it’s just eight miles to Didcot Parkway station where you can hop on a train and arrive at London Paddington within 45 minutes.
We’re sure you want to hear more about this unique property, so here are the finer details…
Heritage Home That’s Moved With The Times
What’s so striking about St James the Less House is the way the history of the property has been preserved and showcased alongside the accoutrements of modern family life. While beautifully presented and gas centrally heated, the property offers flexibility and the potential for further improvements if desired.
The vehicular access to the right of the house is via wrought iron double gates and a gravel drive, with parking for several cars in front of the garage. The front path, flanked by lawns dotted with mature trees, leads to what was the original entrance lobby to the church and a mighty arched oak door opens into a hallway with a shower room to the rear, and stairs to the second floor. There’s an additional set of stairs at the other end of the building too, leading up from the kitchen.
The current owners use the door alongside the parking area as the main entrance, and this opens into what was the original vestry – a really lovely light-filled room with an open fireplace which, ablaze in the winter, makes a warming centrepiece. Furnished with squashy sofas and TV, this is perfect as a family room or a relaxing chill-out zone, particularly as it has a door linking it to the generously-sized kitchen/breakfast room.
Dual aspect, light and lovely, the bespoke fitted farmhouse kitchen has an integral double oven and electric hob, sink under the window to enjoy views of the garden while doing the chores, and plenty of space on the red quarry tiled floor for a dining table and chairs – ideal for informal family meals or for youngsters to do their homework. A large utility room with plenty of storage adjoins the kitchen.
The 20x18ft sitting room, complete with feature fireplace and linking into the spacious 22x11ft dining room is the highlight of the ground floor – offering an open-plan L-shaped space that meets everyone’s requirements. Wonderful for families to relax or dine, and also perfect for dinner parties and entertaining, it’s full of atmosphere and style. Double French doors in the dining room open onto the rear terrace, perfect in the summer months when everyone can drift between the house and garden with ease.
Completing the downstairs layout, another of the lovely arched original windows radiates lots of natural light into the really good-sized study which is large enough to accommodate a couple of desks if required.
And So To Bed . .
All arranged along one side of the house overlooking the secluded gardens and reached via the beautiful galleried landing with its feature leaded window and ornate roof and wall beams, the bedrooms are all of a good size.
The principal bedroom, 17x11ft, has built-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. The vaulted ceilings add character to each of the four additional bedrooms - all generously proportioned and with built-in storage - and two of them feature Velux windows. These bedrooms are served by the family bathroom.
Glorious Gardens
The gardens of St James the Less House are the icing on the cake – peaceful and private with the front garden set behind Cotswold stone walls. This restful third-of-an-acre haven wraps round the house, offering a relaxing mix of manicured lawns, shrubs and mature trees with a lovely rear sun-trap terrace that’s ideal for summer barbecues and sun-drenched drinks parties. There’s an additional shady patio to the side too.
For the green-fingered among us these gardens are pretty much a blank canvas for further cultivation, and they are perfect for youngsters too – loads of space for ball games, swings and climbing frames.
Out And About
This is no sleepy village – East Hanney has loads going on all-year-round so you can dip in and out of the social whirl as you wish.
As well as the extensive range of activities at the village hall – everything from the wi, senior citizens’ group and history society to a drama club, book club and wine circle – there’s regular events too. The annual Michaelmas Fayre, held in September, is eagerly awaited, and the village local, The Black Horse, hosts a monthly market for local producers and crafters too. The pub also has regular steak nights with live music.
The village shop is attached to the village hall and is managed and run by volunteers. Pick up fresh bread, milk and vegetables here Monday to Saturday, and there’s a post office service too.
If you’d like to exercise while you socialise, choose from Hanney tennis, cricket and bowls clubs.
For those with children, it’s a short walk to St James ce Primary School, Ofsted-rated ‘good’, and the pre-school caters for the little ones. Some of the country’s best independent schools are nearby too – Abingdon School, Radley College, St Helen & St Katharine’s, Cokethorpe and Headington School number among them.
La Fontana Italian restaurant is a bit of legend in the Hanneys and the local take-away, Hanney Spice, is also highly rated. Travel a little further, and you’ll find innovative food at The Bear in Wantage and The White Hart in Fyfield.
The nearby market town of Wantage has Waitrose and Sainsbury’s supermarkets for your weekly food shop along with a great choice of independent shops, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and a leisure centre with pool and gym.
Commuting is easy – road, rail and bus services are excellent in this part of Oxfordshire. This is truly a fantastic place to live!
Where To Go When You Need:
Milk: Hanney Community Shop is next to the village hall and is open from Monday-Saturday from 9am to 5pm. There is also a Post Office within the shop which is open on weekday mornings. The shop sells groceries, cleaning products, toiletries, confectionary and snacks, with fresh fruit and veg, break and milk delivered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and fresh filled rolls every Monday and Thursday. Dews Meadow Farm Shop just outside the village is an independent, family-run butcher and farm shop producing high-welfare, free-range lamb, beef pork and eggs as well as home-smoked bacon gammon and home-made pasties, pies and sausage rolls.
Schools: St James C of E Primary School in the village is part of the Vale Academy Trust and is ofsted rated ‘Good’. There is also a pre-school in the grounds of the primary school. There is an excellent choice of independent schools nearby including Abingdon Boys, St Helen and St Katharine, The Manor, Our Lady’s and Radley College. Abingdon and St Helen & St Katharine run a joint bus service from the village.
Play area: The large playing field in East Hanney is located behind the War Memorial Hall and hosts regular cricket and football matches. There’s are also hard, floodlit courts and a well-equipped children’s playground.
Dinner/drinks: Hanney Spice is a well-regarded Indian restaurant in the heart of West Hanney, which also offers a takeaway service. Or for authentic Italian food, try La Fontana in East Hanney. The Black Horse is a traditional village pub, popular with locals and visitors alike and serves a wide range of local beers and hearty pub grub.
Weekly shop: Nearby Wantage has a large Sainsbury’s supermarket and a Waitrose supermarket. There is also a weekly market selling local produce on Wednesday and Saturday.
Golf: The prestigious Frilford Heath Golf Club is a short drive away. This famous 54 hole course has a thriving members’ community and hosts regular competitions and events. Or try Drayton Park for an easy, flat course set in 90 acres of parkland with easy access from the A34.
Gym/fitness: The Park Club in Milton has a large swimming pool offering lessons for children and adults, together with a fully equipped gym, regular classes, physiotherapists and an on site café. Or try the dedicated fitness centre tfd in nearby Grove – a spacious independent gym offering over 50 classes per week.
What3Words: Printouts.carting.soccer
We’re delighted to present St James the Less House – a superb heritage home that’s anything but ordinary!
Its ecclesiastical origins add historical charm and restful ambience to this spacious two-storey five-bedroom property, enviably located overlooking the village green in the sought-after village of East Hanney, surrounded by the verdant Vale of White Horse countryside.
If you’re seeking an extraordinary family-sized home with extensive gardens in a thriving village, then St James the Less House is the perfect choice.
Converted from a church 46 years ago, the current owners bought it from the legendary bbc broadcaster ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris in the mid-1980s.
In keeping with its name, St James the Less – designed by the respected Victorian architect G.E. Street and built in 1856 - was the smaller ‘brother’ to the larger St James the Great ce Church in the adjoining village of West Hanney.
This lovely home covers just under 3,000 sq ft and showcases the beautifully preserved ecclesiastical period features such as the glorious arched windows, vaulted ceilings, wood panelling and beams, even the original pulpit!
The reception rooms are large, warm and welcoming, while the kitchen/breakfast room is sure to be the focus of family life. Upstairs, you’ll find a principal bedroom suite and four double bedrooms, all of a similar size, which neatly averts children fighting over who ‘gets the biggest’!
In this quiet and friendly neighbourhood, St James the Less House also benefits from expansive enclosed wrap-round gardens, plus there’s a double garage and parking for up to four cars on the gravel driveway to the side of the house.
Separated by just one field, East and West Hanney are known collectively as ‘The Hanneys’ - they are an excellent example of a thriving community and blessed with a primary school and pre-school, shop, two pubs and a village hall with a buzzing weekly programme of clubs and activities for all ages.
The Hanneys also boast regular buses to Abingdon, Wantage and Oxford, and for those who commute it’s just eight miles to Didcot Parkway station where you can hop on a train and arrive at London Paddington within 45 minutes.
We’re sure you want to hear more about this unique property, so here are the finer details…
Heritage Home That’s Moved With The Times
What’s so striking about St James the Less House is the way the history of the property has been preserved and showcased alongside the accoutrements of modern family life. While beautifully presented and gas centrally heated, the property offers flexibility and the potential for further improvements if desired.
The vehicular access to the right of the house is via wrought iron double gates and a gravel drive, with parking for several cars in front of the garage. The front path, flanked by lawns dotted with mature trees, leads to what was the original entrance lobby to the church and a mighty arched oak door opens into a hallway with a shower room to the rear, and stairs to the second floor. There’s an additional set of stairs at the other end of the building too, leading up from the kitchen.
The current owners use the door alongside the parking area as the main entrance, and this opens into what was the original vestry – a really lovely light-filled room with an open fireplace which, ablaze in the winter, makes a warming centrepiece. Furnished with squashy sofas and TV, this is perfect as a family room or a relaxing chill-out zone, particularly as it has a door linking it to the generously-sized kitchen/breakfast room.
Dual aspect, light and lovely, the bespoke fitted farmhouse kitchen has an integral double oven and electric hob, sink under the window to enjoy views of the garden while doing the chores, and plenty of space on the red quarry tiled floor for a dining table and chairs – ideal for informal family meals or for youngsters to do their homework. A large utility room with plenty of storage adjoins the kitchen.
The 20x18ft sitting room, complete with feature fireplace and linking into the spacious 22x11ft dining room is the highlight of the ground floor – offering an open-plan L-shaped space that meets everyone’s requirements. Wonderful for families to relax or dine, and also perfect for dinner parties and entertaining, it’s full of atmosphere and style. Double French doors in the dining room open onto the rear terrace, perfect in the summer months when everyone can drift between the house and garden with ease.
Completing the downstairs layout, another of the lovely arched original windows radiates lots of natural light into the really good-sized study which is large enough to accommodate a couple of desks if required.
And So To Bed . .
All arranged along one side of the house overlooking the secluded gardens and reached via the beautiful galleried landing with its feature leaded window and ornate roof and wall beams, the bedrooms are all of a good size.
The principal bedroom, 17x11ft, has built-in wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. The vaulted ceilings add character to each of the four additional bedrooms - all generously proportioned and with built-in storage - and two of them feature Velux windows. These bedrooms are served by the family bathroom.
Glorious Gardens
The gardens of St James the Less House are the icing on the cake – peaceful and private with the front garden set behind Cotswold stone walls. This restful third-of-an-acre haven wraps round the house, offering a relaxing mix of manicured lawns, shrubs and mature trees with a lovely rear sun-trap terrace that’s ideal for summer barbecues and sun-drenched drinks parties. There’s an additional shady patio to the side too.
For the green-fingered among us these gardens are pretty much a blank canvas for further cultivation, and they are perfect for youngsters too – loads of space for ball games, swings and climbing frames.
Out And About
This is no sleepy village – East Hanney has loads going on all-year-round so you can dip in and out of the social whirl as you wish.
As well as the extensive range of activities at the village hall – everything from the wi, senior citizens’ group and history society to a drama club, book club and wine circle – there’s regular events too. The annual Michaelmas Fayre, held in September, is eagerly awaited, and the village local, The Black Horse, hosts a monthly market for local producers and crafters too. The pub also has regular steak nights with live music.
The village shop is attached to the village hall and is managed and run by volunteers. Pick up fresh bread, milk and vegetables here Monday to Saturday, and there’s a post office service too.
If you’d like to exercise while you socialise, choose from Hanney tennis, cricket and bowls clubs.
For those with children, it’s a short walk to St James ce Primary School, Ofsted-rated ‘good’, and the pre-school caters for the little ones. Some of the country’s best independent schools are nearby too – Abingdon School, Radley College, St Helen & St Katharine’s, Cokethorpe and Headington School number among them.
La Fontana Italian restaurant is a bit of legend in the Hanneys and the local take-away, Hanney Spice, is also highly rated. Travel a little further, and you’ll find innovative food at The Bear in Wantage and The White Hart in Fyfield.
The nearby market town of Wantage has Waitrose and Sainsbury’s supermarkets for your weekly food shop along with a great choice of independent shops, coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and a leisure centre with pool and gym.
Commuting is easy – road, rail and bus services are excellent in this part of Oxfordshire. This is truly a fantastic place to live!
Where To Go When You Need:
Milk: Hanney Community Shop is next to the village hall and is open from Monday-Saturday from 9am to 5pm. There is also a Post Office within the shop which is open on weekday mornings. The shop sells groceries, cleaning products, toiletries, confectionary and snacks, with fresh fruit and veg, break and milk delivered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and fresh filled rolls every Monday and Thursday. Dews Meadow Farm Shop just outside the village is an independent, family-run butcher and farm shop producing high-welfare, free-range lamb, beef pork and eggs as well as home-smoked bacon gammon and home-made pasties, pies and sausage rolls.
Schools: St James C of E Primary School in the village is part of the Vale Academy Trust and is ofsted rated ‘Good’. There is also a pre-school in the grounds of the primary school. There is an excellent choice of independent schools nearby including Abingdon Boys, St Helen and St Katharine, The Manor, Our Lady’s and Radley College. Abingdon and St Helen & St Katharine run a joint bus service from the village.
Play area: The large playing field in East Hanney is located behind the War Memorial Hall and hosts regular cricket and football matches. There’s are also hard, floodlit courts and a well-equipped children’s playground.
Dinner/drinks: Hanney Spice is a well-regarded Indian restaurant in the heart of West Hanney, which also offers a takeaway service. Or for authentic Italian food, try La Fontana in East Hanney. The Black Horse is a traditional village pub, popular with locals and visitors alike and serves a wide range of local beers and hearty pub grub.
Weekly shop: Nearby Wantage has a large Sainsbury’s supermarket and a Waitrose supermarket. There is also a weekly market selling local produce on Wednesday and Saturday.
Golf: The prestigious Frilford Heath Golf Club is a short drive away. This famous 54 hole course has a thriving members’ community and hosts regular competitions and events. Or try Drayton Park for an easy, flat course set in 90 acres of parkland with easy access from the A34.
Gym/fitness: The Park Club in Milton has a large swimming pool offering lessons for children and adults, together with a fully equipped gym, regular classes, physiotherapists and an on site café. Or try the dedicated fitness centre tfd in nearby Grove – a spacious independent gym offering over 50 classes per week.
What3Words: Printouts.carting.soccer
