An unassuming single-storey house in Cuddesdon is full of surprises when it comes to the interior.

Built five years ago for Heath and Sasha Harvey, 1 Bishops Wood is perfect for family living and entertaining.

The creative use of space, plenty of natural light and a contemporary décor make this home appealing to anyone who wants a modern village property.

Situated opposite Ripon Theological College, the house is on land which was part of the former summer palace of the bishops of Oxford.

The layout has four bedrooms, a family room, playroom, dining room, lounge, study and gym, plus a Systemat kitchen with a glass-topped breakfast bar.

In the low-maintenance rear garden there is a swimming pool with an electrically-operated safety cover and a pool house which has planning permission for a shower and sauna.

Glass doors from the lounge and the master bedroom open on to a decked area, ideal for summer barbecues.

The house offers the opportunity to create additional bedrooms by using the study and the gym. Alternatively, the gym and laundry could be converted into accommodation for a nanny.

Even the pool house could become self-contained accommodation, subject to planning permission.

With its open-plan layout and wide doorways, the property would also be suitable for a person in a wheelchair.

Mr Harvey said: “It is the largest house in the village, although you would never guess it from the outside.

“Most people’s reaction when they step through the front door, is wow!”

He added: “We love this part of Oxfordshire. It is genuinely rural but within easy reach of all amenities, the M40 and Haddenham and Thame Parkway railway station.

“Cuddesdon is well known for its excellent schools, so there are lots of families with young children.

“The village is not used as a through route so we have no trouble with traffic. We can walk to the pub, the Bat and Ball, through the college grounds.”

Mr Harvey, who takes up a new role at Wembley Stadium this month, and Sasha, an ex-Sky and BBC television presenter who now runs Book-a-Cook, a specialist culinary agency, consider Oxfordshire as their home.

Along with their two children, Hylton. five, and three-year-old Hector, they plan to move to a nearby property with more land and stables.

Number 1 Bishops Wood is on the market through Savills (01865 339700) at a guide price of £1.45m.