Ann and David Eagles are moving from their pretty stone cottage in Taynton, near Burford, because they need more space to work, live and entertain their 16 grandchildren.

The couple have reluctantly put 2 Manor Farm Cottages in Church Lane, on the market at a guide price of £525,000.

Mrs Eagles, an interior designer, said: “I bought the cottage seven years ago when I was living alone, and I genuinely thought I would be here for the rest of my life. It was virtually an empty shell and I spent two years modernising it and fitting it out to my own design.

“Then I met David and we were married last October. The second bedroom became his study and the attic, which was meant to be a third bedroom, is full of my things.

“It will be a real wrench to leave but a new chapter of our lives is about to start and I am looking forward to finding another house which needs renovating – and to being able to have David’s and my grandchildren to stay!”

Mr Eagles, who is writing a book about his experiences as a test pilot, has lived all over the world. He said: “Taynton is the most charming place, with a great community spirit.

“There is something happening at the village hall every month and neighbours will always lend a hand.

“Househunters have even been known to temporarily move into a nearby village while waiting for a property to come on to the market in Taynton.”

All of the buildings which made up Manor Farm have been converted into homes of various sizes.

The Eagles’ cottage, built around 1800, was originally the stables and hayloft. The tallet steps to the upper floor are still intact, although no longer in use.

Built from locally quarried stone, the cottage has exposed beams in most rooms, including the hall, which also serves as a dining room, There is also a spacious sitting room, a kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom and utility room. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Plans exist for a second staircase up to the beamed attic, where there is space for the new owner to create a third bedroom and en-suite bathroom.

Ronnie van der Ploeg, of agent Savills, said: “The cottage has been beautifully and sympathetically brought to life.

“The Cotteswood kitchen is a cook’s dream, with Neff steam and catalytic ovens. Mrs Eagles has also cleverly incorporated plenty of storage space.

“Its quiet position and low-maintenance garden means the cottage would ideally suit a retired couple or a city dweller looking for a ‘bolt hole’ or second home.”

For more details, call the Oxford office of Savills on 01865 339700 * Find more properties like this on our website www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/homes