The unique collection of three and four bedroom homes honour the design of the former Oxford University Press Paper Mill that closed in 2004.
Breathing fresh life into this once neglected parcel of land, the historic mill buildings and surrounding village architecture has provided design inspiration for the new homes. Taking two major elements from the land – the site’s history and heritage, along with the natural aspects of the rural landscape – Wolvercote Mill features expertly designed properties, all showcasing bespoke colours and layouts.
Sandeep Shambi, director at Glen Howells Architects, comments: “When designing Wolvercote Mill, I was extremely sensitive to the fact a large portion of Wolvercote is protected and characterised, so we wanted to ensure the development was in keeping with the rest of the village. Following a robust analysis of the existing properties within the village and its rural character, we took prominent 17th and 18th century design features from key existing buildings and took a contemporary approach to create a collection of homes in a modern setting.
“The houses at the entrance of the development are clad in dust-coloured stone to complement the listed cottages situated within the village, whilst in comparison we used a mix of red and buff coloured bricks for different street scenes as they are the prominent colours used throughout Wolvercote.”
It’s not just beautifully designed homes that visitors to the area will be welcomed by, but stunning nature too. A variety of natural features are dotted around the development, including a rich mature woodland, a series of historic watercourses and a reservoir which once served the mill.
Sandeep continues: “When visitors first arrive at Wolvercote Mill, we want them to be amazed by the natural setting. The development has been designed with outdoor living, wellbeing and community in mind, with a lot of effort to ensure the new homes integrate well with the existing village.
“In addition, we wanted to create a village street scene so a lot of the houses are uniquely designed to echo the charming patchwork appeal of ‘olde worlde’ village living. The properties on the site of the former mill building feature large window openings and metal framework, boasting an industrial finish in respect to the mill’s heritage. Whilst the properties on the reservoir front offer elevated three storey living so homeowners can enjoy the waterside views.”
Alongside the extensive care and attention that has been given to ensure Wolvercote Mill is in keeping with the surrounding village, the team at Cala Homes has also worked tirelessly to ensure the development is well-linked for the likes of cyclists and walkers.
Once complete, Cala Homes will have restored and re-opened the beautiful scenic footpaths that link the reservoir to the village green, some of which have not been accessible for 15 years. There will also be new cycle routes connecting Wolvercote Mill to Oxford city centre in less than 20 minutes, offering homeowners the chance to cycle to work in safety along the River Thames.
The development will also be home to ‘Mill Square’, a new community centre which is set to become a social hub for the wider neighbourhood and will be used by homeowners and villagers for years to come.
The Cala team has also taken positive steps to create an eco-minded development which will serve to protect the environment in the long run. As well as offering a rural and historic setting to call home, purchasers will be able to live sustainably, with all properties featuring a designated cycle storage and electric car charging points in garages. For those properties without garages, there are communal car charging points as well as an Enterprise Car Club space. Selected plots even have solar panels for renewable energy use.
For further information about the homes available, which are currently priced from £750,000, please get in touch via our online enquiry form.
