AN ancient tithe barn which stands in nearly 18 acres of land and has planning consent for adding a new home goes under the hammer later this month.

The Barn at Rectory Farm, Church Enstone features traditional Cotswold stone walls and a Stonesfield slate roof.

Inside there are many magnificent timbers and a carved stone plaque dating the barn to 1382.

Owners Dennis and Mabel Warner live in a converted milking parlour which is one of the outbuildings Mr Warner’s grandfather bought the farm in 1921 from the Heythrop Estate.

Mr Warner has lived on the farm all his life, retiring from farming four years ago He said: “The barn has been used for a number of village functions including a party to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation, craft fairs and a Millennium party.

Mrs Warner added: “The barn would be ideal for a film star or celebrity who could use it as a theatre or for entertaining!”

The couple, pictured above, are planning to downsize and buy a property in Chipping Norton.

Kate Walters, of selling agents Hamptons International, said: “Planning permission has been obtained to replace the existing outbuilding with living accommodation, garage and storage covering about 4,000 sq ft.

“This would consist of a four-bedroomed house linked to the barn and a one-bedroomed annex..

“With a high-specification build this could cost from £400,000 upwards.” The auction takes place in the barn on Thursday, March 19 at 6pm.

The property will be sold in two lots. The barn and land has a guide price of between £800,000 and £900,000. The second lot is a small paddock which has a guide price of £20,000.

For more details. call Hamptons International on 01865 512332.