Woodgreen, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28

An impressive Victorian residence with historical connections in this most sought after setting overlooking Woodgreen.

Description

HHISTORICAL NOTE
For 300 years Witney was famed for the wool blankets that were manufactured in the town and exported around the world. The Cotswold pastures provided sheep grazing and the fast flowing River Windrush was well suited for the wool cleaning process and powering the mills.

For all of this time the Early family was intricate with the industry – sometimes in partnership and sometimes as business rivals. The first Early recorded in connection with the business was Richard Early who was born in about 1630. His descendents, who frequently used the same Christian names, came to control the industry employing large numbers of skilled workers.

Woodlands House was built in 1860 by Richard Early whose initials are carved in a beam in the drawing room. On his death the house passed to his younger brother, Henry, who manufactured blankets in the factory next door which is now in residential use. However, his business failed and so he moved to a smaller property on the opposite side of Woodgreen. Woodlands House was then acquired by a relative, Charles Early, who was Chairman of Earlys from 1910 until he died in 1943. His daughter, Janet Early, remained in the house until Field View was built next door for her in about 1960.


DESCRIPTION
Woodlands House is a most striking and impressive period property. Built of stone below a slate roof, it retains many original features bearing the hallmarks of classic Victorian architecture and a statement of industrial success. Internally the Victorian style is also still very much apparent with high ceilings, deep skirting boards, large formal reception rooms and former service areas. Improved and updated by the current owners over the past 25 years, the accommodation is perfect for entertaining and family life.

The centrally located reception hall is of superb proportions, with a chequered marble floor, fireplace, wood panelling and light flooding down from a large window on the staircase. The drawing room, with feature ceiling mouldings, intricate cornicing and open stone fireplace has a deep bay window with door to the veranda. Also accessed from the reception hall is the dual aspect dining room which leads to the breakfast room and kitchen beyond. Other reception rooms include a library with bay window overlooking rear gardens, a study and a less formal family room with decorative cast iron fire place. The kitchen with bespoke units, granite work surfaces and Mercury range oven leads to the adjacent breakfast room and overlooks lawns to the front of the property. There is a utility/laundry room and useful walk in store. A glazed covered walkway leads to the annexe, a cloakroom and games room.

On the first floor the landing reflects the grand proportions of the hall below. The principal bedroom with feature fireplace has a large en suite bathroom with roll top bath on ball and claw feet. The main guest bedroom, also with en suite bathroom, has stairs to a dressing room on the second floor. There are four further bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor. A rear, former servant’s staircase, rises from the ground floor, behind the kitchen to the first and second floors. On the second floor there are a further four bedrooms and bathroom, providing ideal space for teenagers or working from home.

The annexe wing with a sitting room, gym/games room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and box room lends itself perfectly to live in staff or dependant relatives.


Outside
Woodlands House is approached from the green up a private drive and ample off road parking to the front of the property. Established, specimen trees including sycamore, cherry and walnut provide privacy. To the south side of the house formal gardens are mainly laid to lawn and a terrace is ideal for al fresco dining. A further sunken garden to the east could be a vegetable garden or children’s play area.

Location

Woodlands House is situated in a lovely position overlooking Woodgreen and close to Witney town centre. Witney is an attractive market town offering first class shopping (including Waitrose, M&S and Sainsbury’s), educational and recreational facilities. There are local bus services to Oxford and surrounding villages. Oxford is reached via the A40, which connects to the M40 (J8) for London and Birmingham. Oxford and London can also be reached from Long Hanborough Station (4 miles) and the recently opened Oxford Parkway mainline station (about 11 miles) provides a regular service to London Marylebone (about 56 minutes). Alternatively, there is the rail service from Charlbury (8 miles) to London Paddington (from 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Square Footage: 8,248 sq ft



Directions

From Oxford take the A40 towards Cheltenham, take the first exit to Witney and proceed towards the town centre. Upon reaching the first mini roundabout turn right signposted to Bladon. Proceed up the hill and the entrance to Woodlands House (No.49) is on the right opposite the green.

Additional Info

Services - All mains services are connected to the property. Gas-fired central heating.

Brochure prepared in July 2025 and photographs taken in 2016 & 2025