Home that’s designed to make the most of countryside views

TUCKED away at the end of a peaceful country lane in the hamlet of Coldharbour, Owl Cottage stands within Oxfordshire’s rolling Chilterns landscape.

Built in 2012 by the current owners, the detached house has been designed to take full advantage of its magnificent setting atop the escarpment. From its elevated position, it commands uninterrupted views across the Thames Valley towards the Berkshire Downs.

Coldharbour itself is a cluster of period cottages nestled between Whitchurch Hill and Crays Pond, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that remains unspoilt.

Owl Cottage extends to more than 3,000 sq ft, arranged to create impressive entertaining spaces and intimate family rooms.

Entering through electric gates, the gravel drive sweeps up to the front of the house, bordered by pretty planting and opening to a spacious parking area and an integral double garage.

Inside, a reception area flows into the dining hall, where floor-to-ceiling windows immediately draw the eye out to the sweeping countryside beyond.

A cleverly curved cloakroom is tucked into the arc of the building, while glazed doors lead through to a dual-aspect sitting room, with a wood burner for those cosy winter evenings.

At the heart of the home is a striking kitchen breakfast room, crafted by Holme Tree of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Here, traditional wooden cabinetry is paired with a sleek Silestone island, all laid over handsome travertine tiles.

The generous dining area opens through bi-fold doors on to a wide terrace beneath a timber loggia that spans the rear of the property — perfect for summer lunches and evening drinks as the sun dips behind the hills.

A utility room sits just off the kitchen, leading to a rear lobby with access to the garage and a separate staircase rising to a fourth bedroom or home office, complete with its own en suite shower room.

Upstairs, a galleried landing fills the centre of the house with light. The main bedroom is vaulted and fitted with wall-to-wall wardrobes, opening on to a private balcony where the spectacular vistas can be fully savoured. Its luxurious en suite features a freestanding bath and wet room area.

Two further double bedrooms, each with built-in wardrobes and lovely views, share a spacious family bathroom with both bath and separate shower.

Outside, lawns flow around the house, framed by low box hedging and colourful borders that merge into open fields.

A charming pergola draped in climbing roses stands to one side, while a secluded summer house offers a quiet spot to read or enjoy afternoon tea. Behind the garage, a dedicated wood store sits beside the property’s efficient rainwater harvesting system, underscoring the thoughtful attention to detail throughout. Altogether the grounds extend to approximately 0.3 of an acre, enveloped by mature hedging that ensures complete privacy.

With underfloor heating on both floors, an air source heat pump, intelligent lighting and a full alarm system, Owl Cottage is as practical as it is beautiful.

Though wonderfully secluded, the area is far from isolated. Excellent road connections place Henley, Reading and Oxford within easy reach, while mainline stations at Goring and Pangbourne provide fast rail services to London Paddington in under an hour. Families are well served, with a wealth of respected state and independent schools nearby, including The Oratory Prep and Senior, Pangbourne College and Cranford House.

l Owl Cottage has a guide price of £2,000,000. For more information and to arrange a viewing, call Warmingham & Co on (01491) 874144.