Every Englishman’s home is his castle but a property in south-west Oxfordshire offers the opportunity to purchase part of a real one.

Grade-II listed Ham Court was created out of the remains of Bampton Castle, which, although it no longer exists, dominated Bampton and the surrounding area in the 14th century.

Given to the Earl of Pembroke, William de Valence, by Henry III, Bampton Castle was originally a royal manor house until de Valence’s son, Aymer, had it fortified in 1315.

Bampton Castle was demolished before the 18th century, but the western gate house, which was carved from part of the original castle wall and gate passage, survived and was converted into Ham Court.

Although it was extended in the 19th century, Ham Court still has most of its Medieval features, including the large archways and vaulted ceilings of the original gate passage, plus an octagonal stair turret with battlemented parapet.

It includes fireplaces originating from the 14th and 17th centuries, plus leaded-light windows, moulded columns, arched doorways and flagstone floors.

The property, which is owned by Jesus College and is up for sale for the first time since 1865, has five bedrooms, five reception rooms, a bathroom, scullery and store rooms.

Approached via a tree-lined drive, the house comes with a pair of Victorian semi-detached cottages, several stone outbuildings and is set in 26.5 acres, including five paddocks and pasture land.

Mark Charter, of agents Carter Jonas, said: “This is an important surviving example of Gothic architecture which is full of incredible arches and vaulted ceilings that we are all used to seeing in cathedrals and churches, but not necessarily in our own bathroom.

“The stone staircases have not been touched for the past 700 years and in terms of the whole building, so little has changed, you can almost see the tips of arrows pointing through their wall slits which would have been such vital elements of the castle’s defence.

“There is a huge opportunity for a sympathetic refurbishment to the accommodation and also a further extension.

“In particular, the outbuildings and farmland they are are set in offer huge potential. They could be used as guest accommodation, home/office or equestrian use or for an even more ambitious project such as residential development, subject to planning permission.”

Ham Court is on the market for £2.75m. To arrange a viewing, or for more details, contact Carter Jonas on 01865 511444 or see the website carterjonas.co.uk