A showstopping house that has hosted the likes of Samuel Johnson as well as Winston Churchill’s cabinet could be yours... if you have a few million to spare.
The Great House in Burford is an English Baroque townhouse with a wealth of history.
Once the largest residence in the town, it is architecturally unique and is now on the market for £4.25 million.
The property has historic, literary and political connections.
Diarist and novelist Fanny Burney visited friends who lived at the house, as did Oxford Dictionary writer Dr Samuel Johnson, and the painter Sir Joshua Reynolds.
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During the Second World War, Churchill regularly stayed at Ditchley Park near Charlbury, while some members of the cabinet stayed at The Great House.
The identity of the architect is unknown, but estate agent Savills believe its characteristics suggest the involvement of Christopher Kempster or Nicholas Hawksmoor, both contemporaries of Sir Christopher Wren who designed London landmarks including St Paul's Cathedral.
It was built in 1680 by Dr John Castle, a prominent physician.
Before that, the Black Boy Inn sat in the grounds and the inn's cellars are still intact while the unusually high ceilings are believed to be original ovens and wine alcoves.
It was acquired by Thomas Fettiplace, member of a local Jacobite landowning family, between 1746 and 1765 and it is likely that he extended the property to the rear.
The house contains religious paintings by Dutch painter James de Witte of religious and allegorical subjects such as The Agony in the Garden, Jacob's Ladder and Faith, Hope and Charity.
He is known for his paintings at the Palace of Holyrood, during the reign of Charles II.
And the master bathroom with blue wall panels, some with painted arabesques, possibly dating from about 1750, is believed to have been a chapel for Catholic owners who could convert the room quickly to a normal domestic room if need be.
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Meanwhile, on the second floor the Long Gallery was used by the ladies of the house to exercise or to entertain in inclement weather.
David Henderson, head of Savills Stow-on-the-Wold, said: “Situated in the heart of Burford and featuring very unique architecture, The Great House is a superb English Baroque townhouse, reminiscent of an Italian palazzo, in one of the most sought-after towns in the Cotswolds.
"The house wears its Grade II-listed distinction with great ease, combining a gracious façade, many wonderful period features and modern comforts.
"This is a very special house and its sale is a fantastic opportunity to become the greatest house in Burford’s next custodian.”
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