Country hideaway

Ivy Cottage in Tucks Lane, Longworth, has been brought up to date by Mark and Estelle Morris who have struck the perfect balance between ancient and modern.

Seven years ago the couple moved from their East Oxford home to the country to create a quintessential English retreat with a surprising amount of space.

Mr Morris, a consultant engineer at Hydraulics Research, near Wallingford, said: “The property consisted of the cottage and an outbuilding. We decided to link these with a double-height glass extension which contains a dining room and a galleried study.”

The outbuilding was converted into an en-suite bedroom and store, with an office above.

The major structural work was carried out by builders but the couple have created the interiors.

Mrs Morris has sourced materials from around the UK and Europe including a stunning Italian staircase.

The cottage-style kitchen has room for a table and has plenty of storage while the dual aspect sitting room boasts a fireplace with a wood-burning stove.

Teresa O’Hara, of Summertown-based agent Pink & Black, said: “Ivy Cottage is the perfect antidote to the busy life we lead today.

“It is deceptively spacious and offers the choice of three bedroom suites.”

The couple want to move nearer to the European School at Culham, near Abingdon, where their children Sebastien, five, and Phoebe, four, are pupils.

The house has a guide price of £650,000. To arrange a viewing, call Pink & Black on 01865 515919.