A 'little piece of rural England' in the shape of a compact estate that comes with an 8,000 sq ft main house, two cottages, numerous outbuildings and 94 acres
Beech Farm is a beautifully converted family home/estate in the rural Oxfordshire countryside area of the Chiltern Hills that combines country living with a healthy dollop of luxury.


In Oxfordshire, Beech Farm is a compact country estate set amid beautifully maintained woodland, arable land and pasture at one of the highest points of the Chilterns, a mile from the village of Woodcote, 10 miles from Reading and 12 miles from Henley-on-Thames.
The compact estate has come to market via Knight Frank following the recent death of the estate's former owner, Major Sir David Black, in May of this year. Knight Frank have the estate for sale at a guide price of 'excess £9m' for the whole, or ‘excess £6.5m’ for lot 1, which comprises the main house, the gardens, grounds, two cottages and 94 acres of land.
Formerly part of the Elvendon Priory estate, it was retained as Sir David’s ‘little piece of rural England’ in 2003, when Elvendon Priory was sold. Sir David served in the Royal Horse Guards, retiring as a major in 1960, before joining the Berkshire Territorials and later the Voluntary Reserve.
A keen fieldsportsman and hunting man, he was joint master of the Garth and South Berks Foxhounds from 1965 to 1973, later becoming chairman and president. Hounds were always welcome on his estate, where a successful shoot is still run in conjunction with the neighbouring Elvendon Priory estate.
Cleverly converted from a traditional barn in the mid 1990s, Beech Wood’s 8,127sq ft main house, which is unlisted, combines the relaxed ambience of a family farmhouse with some imposing high-ceilinged rooms designed for formal entertaining. The entrance hall leads into the drawing room and sitting room, both of which have dual access to the gardens and grounds, with views over immaculate lawns and herbaceous borders to the fields below, and towards Wantage in the distance.
In all, the house offers four reception rooms, two studies, a billiard room, a kitchen and breakfast room in need of upgrading and various domestic offices on the ground floor, with a large principal bedroom suite, two further suites, two further bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.
Additional properties include two three-bedroom cottages to the rear of the farmhouse. The farm buildings to the east include a large barn that could potentially be used as a party barn or as part of an extension to the main house.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Beech Farm is being offered at a guide price of ‘excess £9m’ for the whole, or at ‘excess 6.5m’ for lot 1, which comprises the main house, the gardens, grounds, two cottages and 94 acres of land.
Woodcote: What you need to know
Location: Woodcote is a village in south Oxfordshire, located within the Chiltern Hills and approximately 8 miles from Reading. The nearest train station is located in Goring & Streatley.
Atmosphere: The village won the BBC Oxfordshire Village of the Year 2008 and is home to a garden centre, a village hall, several small shops and a number of independent cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Things to do: The annual Woodcote rally is a steam, vintage and veteran transport festival, with numerous craft stalls and entertainment for children. For the other 364 days of the year, explore the surrounding Chiltern Hills via its numerous walks, or take a day trip into Oxford (less than 20 miles away) or Reading, for shopping and further leisure facilities.
Schools: Woodcote Primary School is located within the village, as is Langtree School and Oratory School for secondary.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
Canine muses: The English bull terrier who helped transform her owner from 'a photographer into an artist'
In the first edition of our new, limited series, we meet the dogs who've inspired some of our greatest artists.
By Agnes Stamp Published
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Save me: A castle on the Isle of Wight designed by James Wyatt is up for sale
Norris Castle Estate also comes with 225 acres of gardens and grounds, and needs a little TLC
By James Fisher Published
-
Farms, fishing and a former owner who once bought Stonehenge. You could have it all at Bapton Manor
1,796 acres of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. What's not to love
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A meticulously restored Scottish estate for sale, dripping with history, character and wildlife
The Craigengillan Estate in Ayrshire sits in 2,850 acres above the valley of the River Doon.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good taste
At Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
By James Fisher Published
-
White sand beaches, smuggler's coves, teeming wildlife and a ruined castle in a Scottish island that's on the market for the first time in almost a century
Just off the west coast of Scotland lies Shuna Island, a true playground of open spaces, natural beauty, wildlife, beaches and — yes — a castle. And it's looking for a new owner.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
'One of the 10 most perfect houses in Britain' has come to the market at £9.5 million
Penny Churchill looks at the magical Maperton House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country Life
Something for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published