Enchanting country house in Oxfordshire adorned with intriguing witch marks
The Grade II listed property sits in the centre of sought-after village Garsington.

The Old Kennels, formerly of Christ Church College, is a six-bedroom country house in the attractive hilltop village of Garsington, Oxfordshire.
It is grade II listed with a wealth of period features, including intriguing witch marks, and is on the market with Knight Frank for £2,250,000.
The attractive home has limestone ashlar walls under a tiled roof with many period features, including a panelled front door believed to date from the 17th century, open fireplaces at the centre of its reception rooms, and many exposed beams.
It sits in a one-acre plot with paddock, and is connected to a large partially converted barn and brick-built former stables.
The Old Kennels opens to a large entrance hall, which leads to a spacious kitchen/dining room with vaulted ceilings and Crittall-style windows and doors on two aspects. Above the kitchen is a cosy mezzanine sitting room.
The rest of the accommodation is set across three floors and includes a generous dual aspect drawing room, a study overlooking the garden, six bedrooms and three bathrooms.
One of the homes interesting features is its beams inscribed with rare witches marks. The engravings were believed to have turned away evil, providing protection to the building and those who lived or worked within it.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
From the kitchen is a door out to a large, almost fully converted room within the barn with cobbled flooring. This room could be fully converted with minimal work and integrated into the house.
Outside, beautiful walled gardens include a large paved terrace for outdoor dining next to the house, and another raised dining area at the top of the garden under a pergola and mature vines.
The gardens lead to the paddock, which occupies one of the highest points in the village and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Old Kennels in Garsington, Oxford, is listed with Knight Frank for £2,250,000.
Garsington, Oxford: What you need to know
- Location: The Old Kennels is in the centre of Garsington, a well-connected village on the edge of Oxford. The village is six miles to the south east of the city centre. The M40 and A34 are within easy reach, Oxford mainline station gives access to London Paddington and Oxford Parkway provides services to Marylebone.
- Atmosphere: Garsington is home to a pub which serves food, a village hall and sports/social club, hosting football and cricket. The popular village is within easy access of the many amenities and attractions of Oxford.
- Schools: There is a good village school as well as a selection of independent schools in Oxford and Abingdon. Also within catchment area of the village is highly-rated Wheatley Park secondary school. Find more properties in the area
Credit: Callum Swan
11 beautiful homes for sale around the world today
Enjoy our selection of some of the greatest homes for sale right now around the world, as seen in Country
15 outstanding country houses for sale, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the finest country houses to come to the market via Country Life in
-
The transformative renovation of a Grade II-listed property with an 'unusual footprint'
Having inherited this fine London townhouse, the new owner asked Sims Hilditch to help refresh the interiors, resulting in a youthful, yet elegant kitchen.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
‘One of the most effective pieces of propaganda ever made’: the Bayeux Tapestry heads to Britain for the first time in almost a millennium
A historic agreement between this country and France sees the 225ft-long tableau — which may have been made in Britain but has been in France since 1077 — arrive at the British Museum in Autumn 2026.
By Carla Passino Published
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Last updated
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published