About this office
The Banbury office has been in its present location for over 25 years. Formerly the independent and well-respected agency Hayward White (established in 1989), the business was acquired by Hamptons International in 2007 with several of the staff still part of the business today. The team has a combined experience of over 150 years specialising in the sale of fine village and country homes in the surrounding villages of North Oxfordshire, South Northamptonshire and South Warwickshire from small cottages, modern family homes and large country homes. The team provide an award winning service and have over 2005* reviews on google to reflect their passion to deliver exceptional service.
Why move to Banbury?
With its proximity to the M40 and just shy of the Cotswolds, Banbury attracts many visitors and commuters. The historic town offers diverse properties to suit all stages of life and lifestyles with properties ranging from Victorian and Edwardian to new-builds. With close transport links to Oxford, London, The West Midlands and The Cotswolds the area extends roughly 13-20 miles from the centre of Banbury. Within this are a handful of market towns and numerous outlying villages that sit within the counties of either Oxfordshire, Warwickshire or Northamptonshire. Banbury and its surrounding villages offer the ideal balance of town and country living.
A little bit of history
Banbury is a market town in the Cherwell district of Oxfordshire with a population of around 50,000. The nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse' has made Banbury one of the best-known towns in England. It has been suggested that the 'Fine Lady' of the nursery rhyme may have been Lady Godiva, wife of Leofric of Coventry, famous for her ride allegedly naked, through that city some 900 years ago. It is also famous for its 'Banbury cakes' which have been produced for over 300 years. Famous the world over the cakes have been shipped to customers in places like Australia and America.
Architecture and Property
Although Banbury market town has been redeveloped in recent years, it still retains many fine examples of 17th and 18th century properties – some retaining original period features and some tastefully converted to apartments to reflect modern day living. Banbury also benefits from being surrounded by picturesque villages nestled in rural countryside, including 16th and 17th century agricultural properties, Cotswold stone cottages, barn conversions and working farms.
The local area
Banburyshire itself has so much to offer but if you look on its doorstep you’ll find some of the best locations to visit in the world. Oxford’s ‘Dreaming Spires’, Stratford-upon Avon’s Shakespeare connection, shopping destination ‘Bicester Village’, the rolling hills and honey-hued stone of The Cotswolds, England’s ‘Second City’ Birmingham and also the capital city London… all of them under an hour away by car, bus or train.
Shopping and Amenities
Banbury offers a choice of supermarkets to include Waitrose. There are various streets and alleys with an array of independent shops, a weekly market and monthly farmers market. The Oxford canal passes alongside the Castle Quay shopping centre which is home to a choice of shops from fashion, health & beauty, homeware and Banbury Museum, with a collection of local artefacts and more. To complement the existing shopping facilities, the construction of Castle Quay 2 Waterfront Shopping Centre, due for completion Spring/Summer 2021, will feature a new canal-side retail and leisure destination which will include a cinema, supermarket, hotel and many restaurants. In addition, Banbury Gateway Shopping Park is also located at J11 offering flagship stores such as next, M&S, Primark and River Island. Leisure facilities in Banbury include the Mill Theatre, Spiceball Leisure Centre, Bannatynes Health Club, Banbury United FC, Banbury Cricket Club and Banbury RUFC.
Going Out
There’s never a shortage of things to do in Banburyshire. Within the largely unspoilt countryside, there is a wealth of independent businesses, including Soho Farmhouse. Imaginative cafe’s, gastropubs, distilleries, farm shops, spa retreats, boutique B&Bs, music festivals and art events. Open Gardens. Countryside and Nature Events. History and Heritage. Street Markets. Fayres. Fetes. Live Music. Dance. Nightlife. Theatre. Films. And a firm favourite, Eating Out.
Green Space
The town offers parks, recreation grounds, open spaces and allotments including the historic People’s Park, Spiceball Country Park and St Mary’s churchyard. Nearby National Trust properties include Upton House and Farnborough Hall.
Schools
Banbury and the surround boasts a great choice of state run primary and secondary schools including Blessed George Napier, Chenderit, Warriner and North Oxfordshire Academy. There is a Grammar School at Stratford and preparatory Schools at St Johns Priory, The Croft (Stratford) and Carrdus. Independent and Co-Educational School, Public/private schools at Princethorpe, Bloxham, Tudor Hall, Warwick and Sibford.
Transport
Banbury is a popular place to live for commuters being only 60 miles from London in the south and 40 miles from Birmingham in the north. Its proximity to the UK's two largest cities is particularly relevant as the town benefits from its own railway station with strong rail links to and from both Birmingham and London. Banbury is also within easy reach of the major airports: Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham and Luton. The town centre is just one mile from the M40 at junction 11 and there are regular bus services serving the town, retail parks and villages.