A 400-year-old cottage with an unusual structure believed to be a former goat shed in the grounds, is on the market.

The detached property is Grade-II listed and has views across the countryside around Garsington.

Built from local stone with a timber frame and tiled roof, 109 Southend has many character features including exposed beams inside and outside the house.

Downstairs the kitchen/breakfast room has French doors that lead to the garden and a more formal sitting room with windows on two sides and an open fireplace. A second reception room is being used as a study and a shower room.

There are three bedrooms, including a master bedroom with exposed timbers and an original open fireplace and a family bathroom on the first floor.

At the end of the back garden is a stone and timber building with a covered patio, which is also listed.

Matt Groves, who bought the cottage with wife Suzie two years ago, said: “We heard that originally it used to be a goat shed and was converted some years ago. It now works really well as a store and a sheltered place to sit and eat on a sunny day.”

Mr Groves, who is planning to move closer to his workplace in Solihull, added: “It’s a long commute so moving makes sense. The cottage is so great though, we will miss it.

“We are moments from the ring road, which takes you directly into Oxford or out towards the motorway. We really do have the best of both worlds here — a tranquil, rural life with good access to the commercial and cultural life of the city.”

Number 109 Southend is on the market for £445,000. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Carter Jonas on 01865 511444 or visit carterjonas.co.uk.