Crime & Safety
BBC show’s iconic £45m Oxfordshire riverside mansion for sale
The Edgcote Estate on the Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire border was listed earlier this week but now photos have been released showing the manor and grounds in full.
Available for £45m as a whole or as £25m and £20 m in separate lots, the 18th century country house is perhaps most famous for being a location in the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.
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Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, the series was widely watched at the time and remains a favourite today with the manor used as Netherfield House, which is rented by Mr Bingley at the beginning of the story.
Crispin Holborow, Savills Private Office, said, “The Edgcote Estate represents an exceptional example of a traditional English country estate.
“Both the house and its setting have evolved gently over centuries, preserving the integrity and character of this classically Georgian property.
“Today, the estate offers all the key elements associated with an asset of this calibre, combining a mix of residential and agricultural holdings along with diversified income streams from respected racing yards.
“In addition, the potential to reinstate a shoot further enhances its appeal, particularly when considered alongside the estate’s prime central location.”
The house is approximately 26,000 square feet over four principal floors and is arranged around a grand entrance hall, and includes eight bedrooms and five bathrooms.
Included in the estate is a residential portfolio of 31 properties as well as an in‑hand ring-fenced 1149-acre commercial arable farm, renowned equestrian facilities and a productive woodland with significant sporting potential.
Its history goes back to the Norman conquest when a previous version of the manor was given to Geoffrey of Mowbray.
It would later be held by Isabel de Bruce, mother of Scottish monarch Robert the Bruce, and was the site of the Battle of Edgcote in 1469, a key event in the Wars of the Roses.
In the 16th century it was held by Henry VIII’s fourth wife Anne of Cleves before passing to the Chauncy family who rebuilt it in the early eighteenth century.
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In 1926 Raymond Courage acquired the estate and with his son Edward, went on to establish Edgcote as an important horse racing establishment.
Principle among the more than 30 homes attached to the property is The Old Rectory, an 18th century house close to the church, and Mill House beside the River Cherwell.
The farmland is farmed in-hand from Lodge Farm and has modern buildings attached including grain drying, cleaning and storage facilities and dedicated farm offices.
Edgcote racecourse was refurbished in 2018, and the estate also features two professional racing yards.
The campaign, spearheaded by Rawda Jehanli during her mayoral tenure, managed to collect the impressive sum for Occtopus, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with colorectal ailments such as bowel cancer, Crohn’s, and Colitis.
In addition to advancing vital research, the money will significantly contribute to patient wellbeing undertakings and enhanced colorectal care at the hospital.
During her visit, Mayor Jehanli engaged with the colorectal department, learning more about the issues faced by patients and the critical role Occtopus plays in their recovery process.
Reflecting on the experience, the mayor emphasised her personal connection to the charity following her own bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Speaking about the visit, Mayor Jehanli expressed her gratitude for the medical professionals at the hospital, noting their dedication and commitment to patient wellbeing.
“I have directly experienced the importance of exceptional care during a colorectal cancer diagnosis and wanted to not only give something back but also raise awareness on the importance of knowing the bowel cancer symptoms because the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes,” she said.
Occtopus and Oxford University Hospitals representatives expressed thanks to the mayor and her local supporters for their dedication to boosting patient care across Oxfordshire.
The charity, since its inception, has pioneered groundbreaking treatments for colorectal cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s, while also funding national and international research projects to enhance patient care standards.
Plum Tree Cottage, a detached property with Victorian origins, is located in the centre of Oakley.
The house is described as offering an ‘appealing balance of period character and practical modern living’.
It sits back from the main road and is situated just a short distance from the local pub, The Chandos Arms.
Inside, the accommodation is arranged around a hallway.
There are two reception rooms, both described as ‘well-balanced and light-filled’.
The sitting room has a dual aspect and a log burner, which is said to create ‘warmth and atmosphere’.
The dining room is intended for family meals and social gatherings.
The kitchen provides storage and work surfaces and is accompanied by a separate utility room.
Upstairs are four bedrooms.
The main bedroom has dual aspect windows and an en-suite which has been ‘stylishly refitted’, according to the listing.
The other bedrooms are served by a modern family bathroom.
A west-facing rear garden is noted as a highlight, being described as ‘bathed in afternoon and evening sunlight’.
Outdoor space is intended for dining, gardening, or quiet relaxation, according to the listing.
An attached single garage comes with an electric door and off-street parking. Wiring has been installed for an electric vehicle charging point.
Oakley is surrounded by Buckinghamshire countryside with transport links to Bicester, Thame and Oxford.
The listing describes the location as ‘prime central,’ with village amenities and a community spirit.
Daniel Wadsworth has been named independent chair of the Greater Leys Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Oxford.
He will guide the delivery of a 10-year, government-funded scheme focused on strengthening and improving the local area.
Mr Wadsworth said: “This is a once in a generation chance to make a huge difference to the Leys.
“It’s a chance for people to come together and have their say on what they feel is needed and what they’d like to have in the future.
“I’m very honoured to be playing a part in this and look forward to working with everyone to make this happen.”
A resident of Greater Leys since 2015, Mr Wadsworth has lived in Oxford for 30 years and brings significant experience to the role.
He is director of Jessop and Cook Architects and has served as a parish councillor for Blackbird Leys and chair of several organisations, including the children’s charity Parasol Project.
He currently chairs The Leys CDI.
Mr Wadsworth will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in developing a long-term vision and investment plan for Greater Leys.
The 10-year plan must be approved by central government to unlock phased funding under the scheme.
He will also ensure the programme remains community-driven.
Recruitment for the chair position involved an extensive engagement process.
A selection panel conducted interviews and included Anneliese Dodds MP, Oxford City councillor Linda Smith, and the locality manager for the Leys.
A community advisory panel, including representatives from youth groups, community organisations, and the Tenant Involvement Panel, also contributed to the process.
Ms Dodds said: “The Pride in Place programme gives local residents control over a pot of £20 million to spend on their priorities, in their area, over the next ten years.
“As the Chair of this programme we needed a Greater Leys resident who was in touch with and committed to the local community.
“Our open and thorough recruitment process has found exactly such a person – Dan Wadsworth.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved and look forward to the next stages of the programme and what it can achieve.”
The next step will be to recruit members for the Neighbourhood Board.
It will be largely made up of local residents, community members, and representatives from voluntary organisations, and will also include at least one councillor and the local MP.
Councillor Smith said: “Dan Wadsworth is a local resident of Greater Leys with a track record of commitment and involvement in the local community as well as the necessary skills to lead this major programme of investment in Greater Leys.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how he delivers real improvements and benefits for local people.”
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