Case Study: Restoring a Grade I-Listed Oxfordshire Manor
The Brief
Originally owned by New College, Oxford, this 12th-century manor house had been extended and adapted through the centuries, most recently in the 1930s when it was amalgamated with an adjacent farm. Purchased in 2007 by entrepreneurial owners with a passion for film, music, and technology, the property required a complete reinvigoration to become a modern family home.
The brief was twofold: to respect the history of this unique Grade I-listed residence, including its 13th-century undercroft and magnificent dining hall, while integrating cutting-edge technologies such as:
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A state-of-the-art home cinema and gymnasium.
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Web-based lighting and heating automation.
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Bespoke audio-visual systems.
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A swimming pool, basketball court, library, and dedicated offices within the former stable block.
The design needed to blend innovation with sensitivity, ensuring that 21st-century luxuries were seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric of the home.
Our Approach
From the outset, Janine Stone & Co. worked closely with the local authority’s conservation officer and English Heritage, ensuring every element of the refurbishment conformed to the rigorous heritage framework.
Our multi-disciplinary team—spanning architecture, interiors, construction, and project management—guided the project from concept to completion. Specialist consultants in planning, ecology, geotechnical and structural engineering, and M&E were managed and coordinated under the Janine Stone umbrella, ensuring a seamless process.
The Result
The result is an elegant symphony of design and build: a honey-coloured stone manor restored with integrity, enriched with modern interventions that elevate family living. The master suite and home cinema were given contemporary-classic treatments, each reflecting the building’s history while reinterpreting it in a modern context.
This is a home where centuries-old architecture coexists with invisible modern infrastructure: from discreet environmental controls to fully integrated smart technology. The project stands as a testament to how heritage and innovation can harmoniously coexist.
Bringing Heritage Homes into the 21st Century
At Janine Stone & Co., we specialise in restoring and reimagining listed heritage properties, balancing their historical importance with modern living requirements. With in-house expertise in architecture, interiors, design and build, and project management, we provide a confidential, end-to-end service for discerning clients in the UK and internationally.
