Georgian Lion

Arriving through stone lion gates at this 1790 Georgian house on the edge of the quiet village of Wheatley, you get a sense of what's ahead – period architecture that has been lived in and cared for rather than simply preserved. Ornate cornicing in the dining room and a Victorian fireplace in the sitting room give the interiors real character, while a snug home library at the entrance offers a quieter retreat. The garden is well-placed for alfresco evenings, and Oxford – with the Bodleian Library among its draws – is just a twenty-minute drive away.

Home truths:
* The driveway leading to the front door is shared with others, so it won't feel entirely private on arrival.
* This home is arranged over three levels — a ground-floor reception, then steps up to the dining room and kitchen, with bedrooms spread across two floors above. You'll be using the stairs regularly during your stay.
* There is only one bathroom shared among the three bedrooms — the main bedroom has its own en-suite shower room, but the other two bedrooms share the family bathroom.
* Wheatley is a village with limited walkable amenities, so you'll want a car to reach Oxford's shops, restaurants, and attractions — a short drive away. There are three parking spaces on the driveway.