One of the most high profile sites in The Open University’s portfolio, Foxcombe Hall, Boars Hill, Oxford has come to the market through Carter Jonas.
In September 2015 The Open University (“The OU”), which has almost 200,000 students, announced its strategy to create three larger student recruitment and support centres in, Manchester, Milton Keynes and Nottingham, resulting in the closure of seven regional centres across England, including Oxford.
Foxcombe Hall is The OU’s Oxford Campus, comprising the original hall dating from the 1890’s together with further 20th Century additions. It is a substantial campus site currently offering 38,750 sq ft, (3,600 sq m) of built space, standing in 6.17 hectare (15.25 acres) of landscaped grounds including formal Italianate style gardens, with terraces and balustrades, and a lake.
Situated just outside the city in the highly desirable residential area of Boars Hill, its elevated position provides wonderful views of Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’. The OU bought the site in 1976, through Carter Jonas; 40 years later and the firm is proud to have been instructed to sell it on behalf of The OU.
It has the potential for continued commercial and education related uses or for redevelopment with a variety of alternative uses, including residential, commercial, care and hotel/leisure, subject to planning and the necessary consents.
Jon Silversides, partner, commercial, Carter Jonas said: “Foxcombe Hall is a beautiful house in the exclusive Boars Hill area which will appeal to private buyers, international investors, education, hotel and care home operators, and developers, who are looking to own a piece of history, whilst having the opportunity to enhance the plot, subject to the necessary planning consents. Such properties rarely come to the market, offing a substantial and impressive office and teaching facility, in excellent order, with a mix of offices, meeting and teaching rooms and impressive formal spaces, including the original banqueting hall.”
Local facilities are found in the nearby village of Wootton with more comprehensive facilities in Abingdon and, about four miles to the north-east of Boars Hill, Oxford offers extensive recreational, retail and internationally renowned cultural facilities in addition to Oxford University and the many colleges and institutions and science, research and technology industries established in its wake.
Communications are excellent, with the A34 within two miles, connecting on to the M4 and M40 motorway. Trains from Didcot Parkway (London Paddington 45 minutes) Oxford Station (5 miles), direct to London Paddington (from 57 minutes) and Oxford Parkway (13 miles) to London Marylebone (from 46 minutes), London Oxford Airport (11 miles) and Heathrow (47 miles). Boars Hill is also excellently located for a wide range of independent and state schools in Oxford and Abingdon. Walking is available, using a number of footpaths and bridleways fanning out across the adjoining countryside.
The freehold interest in the property is offered for sale, on an unconditional or conditional basis. Interest in the whole or part will be considered. The vendors will also consider offers to take a lease of the premises, as an alternative to a freehold sale.
Interested parties should note that vacant possession of the majority is available from May 2017. The lodge is subject to a tenancy until December 2017
The freehold interest in the property is offered for sale. The guide price is undisclosed. Details of the date by which initial expressions of interest are to be invited will be provided to registered parties.
