‘Duck Cottage’ is a beautiful character property dating back to the 1700’s. Recently re-thatched and sensitively extended and adapted, this inspiring home combines authentic rural charm with the practicality required for modern family living. Located in a large secluded plot in the very heart of the beautiful Chinnor village, it benefits from highly rated primary and secondary schools, easy transport links to London and a plethora of local amenities within, and beyond the village itself. The porch and oak front door opens into the main wychert-walled cottage and the dual aspect reception and living room. Warm and cosy in the winter, with the traditional wood burning stove as a focal point, or cool and refreshing in the summer, this room hints strongly at the cottage’s past, with its impressive timber beams and pillars.

Seller Insight Even now after 12 years, it still makes us smile when we come home to the welcoming sight of our perfect ‘chocolate box’

cottage. We have always loved the solidity of ‘Duck Cottage’, as well as it’s interesting history. In its heyday, it was part of the local chairmaking industry and we have pictures of it as a terrace of thatched cottages. We believe ‘Duck Cottage’ to be approximately 370 years old and the building opposite was originally a pub which was a stopping point for many of the protagonists in the English Civil War,” say the vendors.

“The big thick walls and thatch keeps it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In the winter, our life revolves around the ‘old’ bit of the house where we are always lovely and cosy, especially when we are snuggled up next to the roaring fire and watching a film on the projector. The kitchen is the heart of our home and it’s spacious and practical. It’s the perfect area for intimate dinners with close friends, or for bigger events, when we can easily spill out into the conservatory or garden.”

“We enjoy spending time outside in the garden where there is plenty of space for sporting activities with our children. It’s also perfect for relaxing with a morning cup of coffee in the beautiful spring sunshine. We’ve hosted many sociable BBQs for family and friends and we enjoy a good harvest from the productive vegetable patch, as well as the blackberry and raspberry plants.”

“The location is fabulous as we are a very active family. It’s just a short walk to the hills where we enjoy running, bike riding and walking along the ridgeway and the steam train is always a fun activity too! It’s also very convenient for access to the local amenities, including shops and pubs.”

“We are situated right in the centre of the village where ‘Duck Cottage’ is considered as a bit of a landmark. Everyone knows our house and it stands proud and significant.”

“We would like to move because we would love a new project. We will miss the conservatory space, garden, cosy lounge, sense of history and having a landmark house. Our children will really miss being central to the village and having all they need within walking distance.”

* These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

Through the similarly fashioned dining room, and into a contemporary open plan kitchen/breakfast room complete with custom granite work tops, fully integrated appliances, large breakfast island, a walk-in pantry, feature slate flooring and large French doors opening to the patio area and main garden. With a light and fresh feel, the layout makes it ideal for entertaining at any time of the year, with the kitchen/breakfast area flowing seamlessly into the garden, blurring the lines between inside and out. The ground floor also has a separate utility and downstairs cloakroom. A modern wood-framed conservatory with underfloor heating, currently used as a snooker and games room, opens out into an additional garden area, catching the late evening sunshine, and ideal for summer BBQs and family time.

We have made a number of enhancements to ‘Duck Cottage’, including the addition of the conservatory. It’s a flexible space that we currently use as a games room with a pool table, table tennis, Xbox and TV.”

The property sits centrally within its plot and has a secluded feel with substantial wychert-effect garden walls on all sides. This property is ideal for keen gardeners, with extensive, well maintained lawn areas, raised vegetable beds and mature trees and plants. In addition to the main building, the property benefits from a garden studio with a vaulted ceiling, ideal as a home office or gymnasium. There is also a detached garage and plenty of off-road parking.

The house and garden are perfect for entertaining. The long driveway can accommodate plenty of cars and we had a large marquee in the main

garden for our son’s christening.”

‘Duck Cottage’ is positioned within the heart of the village of Chinnor. This vibrant village, within the escarpment of The Chilterns, offers a large number of retail outlets including a Co-Op, a good number of public house, restaurants, English, Chinese and Indian takeaways, cafes, bakers and smaller shops specialising in items such as antiques and bicycle sales and repairs. ‘Duck Cottage’ is within easy reach of all these facilities. There is a dental practice (Old Bakery Dental Practice) and doctors practice (Cross Keys Surgery). Chinnor has three churches: St Andrew’s Church, Chinnor Methodist Church, and Chinnor Congregational Church. St Andrew’s Church dates back to around 1150 and occupies a central position with the village.

There a number of clubs within the village to include a Tennis club, Cycling club, Football club and Rugby club. There are a large number activities, most are centred around the village hall/pavilion all of which provides and enhances a genuine sense of community.

For children, there are many groups such as Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers and Scouts. Of particular interest is the Chinnor and Princes Railway which is a charity run organisation and provides scenic rides from Chinnor to Princes Risborough using classic and vintage trains.

The larger and historic market town of Thame is just under 5 mile’s distant, where there is a cornucopia of small thriving retail outlets and restaurants and a Waitrose food-hall.

Being on the foot of The Chilterns, there are many beautiful and panoramic walks along The Ridgeway path, which pass through many beautiful villages such as Bledlow where there are many renowned pubs and restaurants.

OXFORDSHIRE

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CommuterThere is a nearby train station at Princes Risborough approximately 4.5 miles and 10 minutes drive. This service provides a fluent link via Chiltern Railways to London (Marylebone), Oxford (Service from Princes Risborough) and Birmingham. A coach service is provided from Chinnor to the train station at Princes Risborough.

The M40 motorway (Junction 6) is only 3 miles from Chinnor and this provides excellent road links to both Oxford (15 miles) and London (30 miles). The Oxford Tube stop is extremely popular with commuters and offers links to London and Heathrow Airport.

Schooling There are a number of pre-schools and nurseries found in Chinnor and The Saint Andrews Church of England Primary school is located close to ‘Duck Cottage’ and there is a nearby Primary School located at Aston Rowant.

Private schooling can be found at Princes Risborough and senior schools can be found at Thame, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe and Aylesbury.

LOCAL AUTHORITY South Oxfordshire Council

COUNCIL TAX RATINGBand: F

VIEWING ARRANGEMENTSStrictly via the vendors sole agents Fine & Country on 01865 953243

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Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed