Picture yourself turning off a quiet Oxfordshire lane onto a sweeping gravel driveway, the crunch of stone beneath your wheels announcing your arrival at your very own Victorian Gothic manor. As Shillbrook Manor's Cotswold stone façade comes into view, framed by sculpted topiary and formal gardens, you realize this isn't just a vacation home—it's your family's new chapter in the English countryside, where weekend escapes become treasured traditions and every season brings new reasons to return. Shillbrook Manor represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Victorian England while enjoying all the comforts international buyers expect from a European vacation property. This Grade II Listed country house in Black Bourton offers something increasingly difficult to find: authentic historic character combined with modern amenities, set within 2 acres of private grounds that include formal gardens, paddocks, and woodland. For families seeking a second home in England or investors looking for a distinctive holiday rental property, this manor delivers both lifestyle and practicality. The property's Victorian Gothic architecture immediately sets it apart. High ceilings soar above period fireplaces in the reception rooms, while gothic windows frame views across meadows and rolling Oxfordshire fields. These aren't cosmetic details—they're the authentic architectural elements that make this property a genuine piece of English heritage. The Cotswold stone construction ensures the building sits naturally within the landscape, its weathered facade blending seamlessly with the historic villages that dot this corner of rural England. Inside, six generously proportioned bedrooms across 330 square meters provide ample space for extended family gatherings or house parties with friends. Four bathrooms mean no morning queues, even when the house is full. The layout works beautifully for vacation living—multiple reception rooms allow different groups to spread out, whether children are playing board games while adults linger over dinner, or some guests prefer reading in the south-facing garden room while others gather around the fireplace. The separate guest cottage transforms this from a large family home into a genuine hospitality property. This self-contained annexe means visiting relatives enjoy their own space and privacy, or provides legitimate income potential through holiday rentals. With its own council tax band, the cottage operates independently, making it straightforward to manage as a short-term rental while you use the main house. International buyers consistently rank this flexibility as a top priority when selecting European vacation properties. The grounds deserve special attention because they fundamentally enhance the ownership experience. The formal garden, with its sculpted topiary and ornamental features, provides an elegant setting for alfresco dining on summer evenings. Beyond the manicured lawns, paddocks offer space children dream about—room to run, build forts, keep ponies, or simply explore. The small woodland adds an element of adventure, with peaceful stream frontage creating pockets of tranquility perfect for morning coffee or evening reflection. These aren't token outdoor spaces; at 2 acres, the grounds provide genuine privacy and multiple distinct environments within your own property boundaries. Living in Black Bourton means embracing the rhythm of English country life. This tiny Oxfordshire hamlet offers the deep quiet and dark skies city dwellers crave, yet remains wonderfully accessible. The nearby market town of Bampton—famous as a filming location for Downton Abbey—provides everyday amenities, traditional pubs serving locally sourced food, and a genuine community atmosphere where shop owners remember your name. Weekly farmers markets showcase regional produce: Cotswold lamb, artisan cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked bread. The Oxfordshire countryside rewards exploration throughout the year. Spring brings bluebells carpeting woodland floors and lambs dotting the fields. Summer means long evenings in pub gardens, village fetes, and outdoor theatre performances at nearby stately homes. Autumn transforms the landscape into shades of amber and gold, perfect for country walks followed by hearty meals beside roaring fires. Winter brings frost-touched mornings and the cozy contentment of a manor house heated by oil central heating, with ultrafast broadband keeping you connected despite the rural setting. The location balances seclusion with connectivity. Oxford lies within easy reach, offering world-class museums, historic colleges open for tours, riverside walks, and sophisticated dining. The city's excellent rail connections mean London sits just over an hour away—close enough for culture and business, far enough to feel like a genuine escape. For international owners, this accessibility matters. Major airports serve the region well, and the extensive driveway with parking for eight vehicles plus an EV charger addresses modern transportation needs. The Cotswolds region surrounding Black Bourton has earned its reputation as one of England's most desirable areas. Honey-colored stone villages like Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Norton offer antique shops, gastropubs, and that quintessential English countryside aesthetic that draws visitors from around the world. The area supports excellent walking and cycling routes, from gentle riverside paths to challenging hill climbs. Cultural attractions include historic houses, gardens open to the public, literary festivals, and food events celebrating regional specialties. From an investment perspective, this property offers multiple advantages. The good condition means you can begin enjoying it immediately—no extended renovation periods delaying your vacation plans. The separate cottage provides genuine rental income potential, whether through long-term tenancy or holiday lets during periods you're not in residence. The Grade II listing, while requiring some consideration for alterations, protects the property's character and typically supports strong value retention. Properties of this caliber in the Oxfordshire countryside maintain consistent demand from both buyers and renters seeking authentic English country experiences. Practical considerations for international ownership are manageable. The property operates on mains electricity and water, with oil central heating providing reliable warmth. A shared sewerage treatment plant handles waste, with a modest monthly maintenance charge. The freehold ownership structure is straightforward, though prospective buyers should review restrictive covenants with legal counsel—a standard step in English property transactions. Many international buyers establish UK-based property management arrangements, and the Oxfordshire area has established services supporting second-home owners. Key features of Shillbrook Manor include: Six spacious bedrooms accommodating large groups, Four modern bathrooms eliminating vacation home bottlenecks, 330 square meters of Victorian Gothic architecture, Grade II Listed status preserving historic character, Self-contained guest cottage with separate council tax band, 2 acres of private grounds with formal gardens, Paddocks and small woodland for outdoor activities, Peaceful stream frontage enhancing natural setting, South-facing garden room maximizing natural light, Period features including gothic windows and fireplaces, Car barn with EV charger and parking for eight vehicles, Ultrafast FTTP broadband supporting remote work, Oil central heating and mains utilities, Sweeping views over Oxfordshire meadows and fields, Convenient access to Bampton, Oxford, and the Cotswolds. This property suits buyers seeking more than a vacation home—it offers a lifestyle. Imagine celebrating Christmas in a Victorian manor, hosting summer garden parties under the English sun, or creating multi-generational traditions where grandchildren associate special memories with your Oxfordshire retreat. The combination of authentic period character, practical modern amenities, and income-generating potential creates a compelling proposition for discerning international buyers. Properties like Shillbrook Manor rarely appear on the market. The combination of size, condition, historic designation, and grounds at this price point represents genuine value within the Oxfordshire property market. For buyers who've been searching for that elusive blend of character, space, privacy, and accessibility, this manor warrants serious consideration. Contact Homestra today to arrange a private viewing of Shillbrook Manor. Experience firsthand how this Victorian Gothic country house could become your family's English countryside sanctuary, where weekend escapes and holiday gatherings create the lasting memories that make vacation home ownership so rewarding.
