There is a particular stretch of Oxfordshire where the city begins to loosen its grip and the landscape quietly takes over. Within that transition, an early 1900s Arts & Crafts home sits in a secluded position, offering a semi-rural setting just minutes from Oxford city centre.

Rather than feeling imposed on its surroundings, it feels shaped by them; a house that has evolved in step with the land around it, where architecture and environment remain closely intertwined.

Approached along a discreet drive and set within gardens and woodland approaching an acre, the house has the gentle presence typical of its era – grounded in craftsmanship, with proportions and detailing that prioritise light, texture and connection to the outdoors. Despite its sense of seclusion, Oxford city centre lies just ten minutes away, a contrast that defines much of Boars Hill’s appeal.

The ground floor is arranged with an ease that reflects how the house is now lived in. At its centre is a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and family space, designed for contemporary living without compromising on the building’s character. Granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances sit comfortably within the space, complemented by a walk-in pantry and separate utility room that reinforce its everyday practicality rather than performance. Doors and sightlines draw the garden into view, reinforcing the sense that the landscape is always present.

Elsewhere, the sitting room offers a quieter counterpoint – more formal in tone, anchored by an open fireplace that acts as a focal point to the room without dominating it. A ground-floor bedroom with an adjacent shower room adds flexibility, particularly for visiting guests or multi-generational living, and hints at how adaptable the layout already is.

Upstairs, four further bedrooms are arranged off a central landing. The principal bedroom includes a dressing room with built-in wardrobes; a space that can be reconfigured if required. A family bathroom serves the floor, fitted with a traditional four-piece suite, including both bath and separate shower.

What most distinguishes the house, however, is not simply its internal arrangement but its relationship with its grounds.

The gardens unfold in layers – formal terraces for dining and entertaining, mature planting, and areas of woodland that give the sense of a private landscape rather than a conventional suburban plot. A raised terrace connects directly to the main living spaces, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Within the grounds, a more informal “forest school” style setting adds a distinctly family-led character to the environment.

Practical elements are thoughtfully handled, with a double garage and ample driveway parking discreetly positioned behind recently installed gates. The overall impression is one of privacy without isolation, where the house sits comfortably within its own setting rather than being imposed upon it.

Boars Hill itself remains one of Oxford’s most established residential enclaves – known as much for its sense of space and greenery as for its proximity to the city. Old Boars Hill, moments away, offers far-reaching views and walking routes that have drawn residents here for generations. The area also enjoys access to leading independent schools, reinforcing its long-standing appeal to families.

While the house already offers generous and flexible accommodation, its potential adds another layer of interest. Subject to the usual planning consents, there is clear scope for extension or reconfiguration – an opportunity to shape and refine the property further within one of Oxfordshire’s most sought-after settings.

Offered for sale with By Design at a guide price of £1,650,000, this Foxcombe Road home in Boars Hill represents a rare opportunity to acquire a period Arts & Crafts residence in one of the city’s most established residential settings – a place where its next chapter can be written with intention, in a landscape that has always quietly encouraged it.

There is a particular stretch of Oxfordshire where the city begins to loosen its grip and the landscape quietly takes over. Within that transition, an early 1900s Arts & Crafts home sits in a secluded position, offering a semi-rural setting just minutes from Oxford city centre.

Rather than feeling imposed on its surroundings, it feels shaped by them; a house that has evolved in step with the land around it, where architecture and environment remain closely intertwined.

Approached along a discreet drive and set within gardens and woodland approaching an acre, the house has the gentle presence typical of its era – grounded in craftsmanship, with proportions and detailing that prioritise light, texture and connection to the outdoors. Despite its sense of seclusion, Oxford city centre lies just ten minutes away, a contrast that defines much of Boars Hill’s appeal.

The ground floor is arranged with an ease that reflects how the house is now lived in. At its centre is a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and family space, designed for contemporary living without compromising on the building’s character. Granite worktops and integrated Miele appliances sit comfortably within the space, complemented by a walk-in pantry and separate utility room that reinforce its everyday practicality rather than performance. Doors and sightlines draw the garden into view, reinforcing the sense that the landscape is always present.

Elsewhere, the sitting room offers a quieter counterpoint – more formal in tone, anchored by an open fireplace that acts as a focal point to the room without dominating it. A ground-floor bedroom with an adjacent shower room adds flexibility, particularly for visiting guests or multi-generational living, and hints at how adaptable the layout already is.

Upstairs, four further bedrooms are arranged off a central landing. The principal bedroom includes a dressing room with built-in wardrobes; a space that can be reconfigured if required. A family bathroom serves the floor, fitted with a traditional four-piece suite, including both bath and separate shower.

What most distinguishes the house, however, is not simply its internal arrangement but its relationship with its grounds.

The gardens unfold in layers – formal terraces for dining and entertaining, mature planting, and areas of woodland that give the sense of a private landscape rather than a conventional suburban plot. A raised terrace connects directly to the main living spaces, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Within the grounds, a more informal “forest school” style setting adds a distinctly family-led character to the environment.

Practical elements are thoughtfully handled, with a double garage and ample driveway parking discreetly positioned behind recently installed gates. The overall impression is one of privacy without isolation, where the house sits comfortably within its own setting rather than being imposed upon it.

Boars Hill itself remains one of Oxford’s most established residential enclaves – known as much for its sense of space and greenery as for its proximity to the city. Old Boars Hill, moments away, offers far-reaching views and walking routes that have drawn residents here for generations. The area also enjoys access to leading independent schools, reinforcing its long-standing appeal to families.

While the house already offers generous and flexible accommodation, its potential adds another layer of interest. Subject to the usual planning consents, there is clear scope for extension or reconfiguration – an opportunity to shape and refine the property further within one of Oxfordshire’s most sought-after settings.

Offered for sale with By Design at a guide price of £1,650,000, this Foxcombe Road home in Boars Hill represents a rare opportunity to acquire a period Arts & Crafts residence in one of the city’s most established residential settings – a place where its next chapter can be written with intention, in a landscape that has always quietly encouraged it.

Welcome to your round-up of unmissable West End and touring theatre.

I’m Sorry, Prime Minister

Apollo Theatre, London. Booking until 09 May 2026. Save up to 50%

From the BAFTA Award-winning co-creator of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, Jonathan Lynn returns with the long-awaited final chapter of British political satire, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister.

Jim Hacker is back – older, but not necessarily wiser – and still spectacularly out of step with the modern world. Hoping for a quiet retirement at Hacker College, Oxford, he instead finds himself engulfed in a contemporary institutional crisis: cancellation by committee.

As ever, Sir Humphrey Appleby is on hand, armed with bureaucracy, Latin phrases and an instinct for elegant obstruction. What follows is a sharp, affectionate and fast-moving clash between old political instincts and modern institutional chaos, delivered with trademark wit and layered wordplay.

Best for: Fans of Yes Minister, political satire, and classic British comedy writing.

Tips: It’s a dialogue-heavy production, so lean in and catch the rapid-fire exchanges.

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Brainiac Live

Garrick Theatre, London. West End return. Save up to 43%

Science’s most chaotic live experience returns to the West End following its Olivier Award win for Best Family Show.

Brainiac Live is a fast-paced, high-energy explosion of experiments, curiosity and controlled chaos. From liquid nitrogen clouds and vortex smoke rings to exploding hydrogen balloons and spinning CO₂ chairs, the show pushes science to its most entertaining extremes.

Designed for families, this is theatre as spectacle – loud, bright, and deliberately unpredictable – where the Brainiacs do all the things you’re definitely not meant to try at home.

Best for: Families and children aged 5+, science enthusiasts, and first-time theatre audiences.

Tips: Expect noise, bangs and visual effects throughout. Earlier performances are better for younger children.

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I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical

Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London. 22 Jul to 27 Sep. No Booking Fees.

The life and legacy of global icon Chaka Khan comes to the stage in this powerful new musical starring Alexandra Burke.

Spanning five decades, the production charts Chaka Khan’s journey from early struggle to international superstardom, told through the music that defined generations – including Ain’t Nobody, I Feel for You, Sweet Thing and Through the Fire.

Beyond the hits, the show explores the woman behind the legend: her creative collaborations with artists including Prince and Stevie Wonder, her personal battles, and her enduring influence on music and culture.

Best for: Fans of jukebox musicals, soul and R&B, and biographical theatre.

Tips: Check casting notices for select performances where the lead role is performed by an alternate cast member.

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Legally Blonde The Musical

New Theatre Oxford, Tue 26 to Sat 30 May 2026

The international smash-hit musical comedy Legally Blonde returns in a bold new production starring Amber Davies as Elle Woods.

Based on the beloved film, the story follows Elle’s transformation from fashion-forward sorority queen to determined Harvard Law student. What begins as a quest for love becomes a journey of self-belief, resilience and reinvention.

From the creative team behind Kinky Boots, this revival leans into big energy, sharp choreography and crowd-pleasing musical numbers, delivering a feel-good night out packed with humour and heart.

Best for: Musical theatre fans, rom-com lovers, and uplifting feel-good entertainment.

Tips: Book early for peak performances. Ensemble numbers are a highlight throughout.

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The Rocky Horror Show

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Tue 26 to Sat 30 May 2026

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ’n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show returns as part of a new world tour, bringing its cult chaos to Aylesbury.

When straight-laced couple Brad and Janet’s car breaks down, they find themselves at the castle of Dr Frank-n-Furter – a night of chaos, transformation, and liberation follows. What unfolds is a riotous mix of rock music, outrageous characters and audience participation.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production features iconic numbers including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and Time Warp – a guaranteed showstopper that has thrilled audiences for decades.

Best for: Cult theatre fans, party audiences, and lovers of classic rock musicals.

Tips: Expect audience interaction. Dress up and join in if you want the full experience.

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