Oxford News
Princess’ riverside Oxfordshire manor in £6m price drop
Newington House in Newington, near Wallingford, was put on for sale by Savills last September for £16 million.
In April it had its price slashed to £14.25 million and now it is listed for £9.95 million, over £6 million less than its original price.
READ MORE: Princess’ historic Oxfordshire manor in near £2m price drop
However, this is in part because The Manor House and Coach House, which are part of the overall estate, are now being listed as separate lots when they weren’t before.
The main Newington mansion was originally built in the 17th century when an English aristocrat married an Italian princess, who was a member of the noble Pallavicini family.
As she was homesick, he had the mansion built for her as a gift, in the Italianate style of the palace of Genoa where she grew up.
Since then it has gone through several renovations although many elements of the Grade II listed structure remain.
Some of its most notable recent history occurred in the early 20th century when American artist and hostess Ethel Sands purchased the property and used it as a gathering place for many famous literary figures.
Henry James, Arnold Bennett and Virginia Woolf are all known to have stayed at the mansion.
In recent times the 42-acre site has become a wedding venue, while also being available for other events.
Its listing states: “Today, in the 21st century, the house is filled with the everyday sounds of busy family life and the original features like the open fires and wooden shutters are still in daily use.
“The property has been fitted with a modern biomass boiler which continues to benefit from government tariffs.
“The whole estate offers several options for ancillary or rental accommodation.
“But whatever the use or occupation, the heritage and impression of grandeur at Newington is undiminished.”
A freehold property it has ten bedrooms and five bathrooms as well as landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court, croquet lawn and greenhouse.
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In addition it boasts a gym, reception room, gun room, wine storage and games room with a full-size snooker table thought to have belonged to war-time UK prime minister Winston Churchill.
The River Thames runs through the west of the estate with an island in the middle of it and there is a woodland filed with wildlife.
The listing describes the whole property as “an elegant country house in unspoilt Oxfordshire, centred on a restored 17th-century palazzo and set within 42 acres of gardens, meadows and water, including the river Thame running through”.
The binmen were doing their rounds in Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys on Wednesday morning, June 17, when flames came from the back.
At this stage, it’s not clear what was in the lorry to cause the fire, but the most common cause of bin lorry fires is from batteries and vapes thrown into regular household bins.
A spokesman from ODS said: “This morning, one of our recycling vehicles experienced a fire in Blackbird Leys after an item was incorrectly placed in the recycling bin.
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“Following advice from the fire brigade, the crew emptied the waste to prevent the fire from spreading.
“We’re pleased to confirm that no crew members were injured.
“Our highways team has now finished clearing the ejected waste, and our streets team is carrying out a litter pick and sweep to ensure the area is left clean and safe.
“At this stage, we are hopeful that collections in the Blackbird Leys ward will not be affected, as the team is working to adjust rounds so services can continue as normal.
“A big thank you to the crew and the Fire Brigade for their quick and professional response.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of disposing of waste correctly to keep everyone safe.”
Oxfordshire County Council has been approached for further details from the fire service.
Ward councillor Linda Smith said: “I’m very relieved to hear no one was hurt.
“I don’t have any information as of yet about what caused the fire – but please do not place electrical items, vapes or batteries in your bin.”
Edward Reed will stand before retired detective chief constable Paul Mills during the panel hearing at Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington next month.
From Wednesday, July 15, he will defend allegations from various dates in 2023 about the “unwanted” use of sexualised language and behaviour toward and in the presence of female colleagues.
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During that time, Mr Reed was an officer based in Oxfordshire, prior to his resignation.
It is alleged that Former Police Constable Reed breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Equality and Diversity and Discreditable Conduct.
The appropriate authority allege that if these allegations are proven, the conduct would amount to gross misconduct for which dismissal would be justified.
The 66-year-old broadcaster and journalist made the announcement during the final two episodes of the fifth series of Clarkson’s Farm, released on Wednesday.
He shared the news with co-stars Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland during a conversation at his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
Mr Clarkson said: “I’ve got cancer.”
When Mr Cooper asked where the cancer was located, Mr Clarkson replied: “Where it is, is of no concern to anybody.
“I’ve known since May.”
He explained that the cancer was detected early following a medical in May and described it as “aggressive”.
Mr Clarkson said: “I was praying we could get the harvest done and then I could go and get some treatment, but it’s going to be slap bang in the middle.”
Later in the episode, he revealed he had surgery to remove 10 per cent of his prostate.
He also reflected on what has been a difficult year for his health, including a serious heart issue that required the fitting of two stents.
He said: “So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer.”
The series ends with footage of Mr Clarkson in a hospital bed as he undergoes treatment.
He told viewers: “Some of the treatment has gone awry, let’s say.
“I’m going to be here for a little while.
“I’m nil by mouth, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
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“What I wanted to say was if this is all successful, I’ll see you for season six, and if it isn’t, I won’t.
“Take care, everyone.”
Despite his diagnosis, Mr Clarkson continued working throughout 2025.
Production on the sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm is now expected to pause to allow time for his recovery.
What do you think of the latest Clarkson’s Farm series? Let us know in the comments
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