RURAL HOTSPOT
THIS SMALL GEORGIAN GEM IS FAR FROM STUCK IN THE PAST
A few reasons why Woodstock ticks all the boxes
Woodstock in Oxfordshire first flourished in the Georgian period when nearby Blenheim Palace was constructed close to the river
Glyme. Today, the town bathes in the reflected splendour of its aristocratic neighbour, but has evolved a strong identity of its own with surprisingly chic shops and boutiques for somewhere with such a marked historical heritage. ‘We’re not exactly Shoreditch,’ says one resident, ‘but it’s not just fusty antiques either, we’re cooler than you might imagine.’ The town stays vibrant throughout the year and, on a sweet note, a quirky musical carillon clock regales the town four times daily with a different tune each day of the week.
IN THE ESTATE AGENT’S WINDOW
A detached four-bed period property in a central location costs £650,000. But modern architecture puts in a good showing – as with the angular lines favoured by small-scale developer Lewis Property. Blenheim Estate’s own new development, Park View, has buildings made with local natural stone and is surrounded by hedgehog highways. The new construction has been adding variety to an otherwise more senior demographic. But you’ll need to be an early bird, as Breckon & Breckon’s Martyn Brittain points out: ‘The last new development, Marlborough Place, all sold quickly off plan.’
BUTCHERS, BAKERS & COFFEE MAKERS
The high street has entered a ‘purple patch’ over the past couple of years, with the opening of art galleries Dantzig, Darl-e and the Bear, and Zuleika, whose snazzy studios selling contemporary works have brought more than a splash of colour. Meanwhile, artisan bakery Natural Bread is the place for your daily loaf, and Hampers delicatessen offers sit-down brunches, as well as wholesome takeaways.
COUNTRY LIFE & CULTURE
Literary luminaries are often seen around town for Woodstock Bookshop’s November Poetry Festival (sadly on-hold until next year). Blenheim Palace’s phenomenal festive illuminations
It’s a mystical place to explore in the winter
will still be lighting up the night though and you can thaw out afterwards at boutique pubs The Crown and The Woodstock Arms. SCHOOLS Given its size, Woodstock is well-catered for with ‘outstanding’ Woodstock Church of England primary, and ‘good’ Marlborough Church of England secondary.
GET AROUND
In fifteen minutes you can reach Oxford by car, via the A44. By public transport, it’s a 40-minute schlep by bus. From Oxford, trains take 50 minutes to Paddington. To drive, London is an hour and 20 minutes and Oxford International Airport is just a few miles away.
IN THE AREA
Wander out to the water meadows and pretty surrounding villages of Bladon and Wootton.