Homebuyers have been quick to snap up a collection of new homes in the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt. With all properties now sold off-plan, Deanfields is the perfect example of how building aspirational homes in beautiful village locations can enhance a traditional rural community.

‘Deanfields’ is a collection of 40 properties by regional house builder Deanfield Homes, set on an 11-acre site, surrounded by picturesque countryside. The properties, which include a collection of three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, have already seen the first residents complete and move into their dream homes.

The sales success at this development is indicative of the strong commitment from Deanfield Homes to continually provide high quality homes in charming villages with established communities. With the change in work/life balance brought about by the covid pandemic, village life is ever more desirable, and with Deanfields at Stanton Harcourt providing a sought-after countryside lifestyle it’s no wonder the homes have been sold so quickly.

Deanfields combines modern, energy-efficient homes with the character you’d expect to find in such a historic village location. Their thoughtful design and traditional finish, using Cotswold limestone exteriors, give the properties great kerb appeal. All homes benefit from underfloor heating to the ground floor and electric vehicle charging points.

One purchaser waiting to move into their new home is sales advisor Valerie Gleeson. Having sold properties at Deanfields since its launch in March 2022, it was no surprise that when Valerie started to look for a new home, she chose one on the very development where she worked.

“With the final homes selling strongly, I realised I didn’t want to miss out on being part of the new community here and that this development was more than my workplace.” Explains Valerie, “I’m so looking forward to watching my new home progress and can’t imagine a better endorsement than to tell our purchasers that I’m moving in too!”

Annette Gaskell, sales and marketing manager, comments: “We’re delighted that all homes have been reserved off-plan at Deanfields and look forward to welcoming the new residents as they begin to move in. Stanton Harcourt is a charming village and we’re proud to offer another beautiful development which will sit at the heart of the local community.”

Stanton Harcourt has no shortage of beautiful views and local countryside walks. The village has a cricket club, community pub, village shop with post office, a village hall and St Michaels Church which dates back to the Norman era. The village is also home to Stanton Harcourt C of E Primary School, and further education is available in nearby Eynsham and Witney, both less than six miles away from the development.

Within easy reach of Oxford, Stanton Harcourt is ideal for commuters with easy access to the A40, A34, M40 and M4. The mainline railway station at Long Hanborough, just seven miles away, offers regular and direct services to London Paddington.

*Image is of a previous development.

The Christmas holidays are undoubtedly a period of festive spirit, spending time and sharing gifts with loved ones but there can be a lot of unnecessary waste which ultimately has a negative impact on the environment. If you’re dreaming of a greener Christmas, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to make your festive season a little more eco-friendly.

From the 300,000 tonnes of card used for our festive missives, to the 230,000 tonnes of food that will end up in the bin – as a nation we waste 30% more than usual during the festive period. Here are our top tips to help you reduce your impact, without scrimping on the Christmas spirit…

1. Opt For A Real Tree

When you think of Christmas, one of the first images that springs to mind is the twinkling Christmas tree lighting up your living room. However, an artificial tree, though reusable, isn’t very sustainable. To reduce your environmental impact you’d have to use the same tree for around 10 – 20 years. Buying a real tree from a local, sustainable grower is the best way to minimise your impact on the environment. Unlike fake trees, real ones are 100% recyclable and biodegradable, so once Christmas is over you can either re pot it and plant it in your garden or take it to your local recycling centre where it will be chipped to provide covering for parks and pathways.

2. Get Creative With Your Decorations

Whilst you might reuse decorations year after year, many people purchase new ones when looking to create a whole new look. Why not get the whole family involved and create your own, they will last you for years to come and bring back all the fun family memories each year. Creating your own decorations such as reusable wooden hangings and homemade garlands is a great way to minimise the use of non-eco Christmas decorations such as tinsel, glitter and plastic.

3. Wrap Your Gifts The Eco Way

The amount of Christmas wrapping paper thrown away in the UK alone is estimated to be enough to wrap around the world 22 times – whilst most will appear to be recyclable many are not – especially those with foil or glitter. For both a green and cost-effective way to make your presents stand out, buy a roll of plain brown paper and get creative with items around your home or garden. From upcycling ribbons to finding twigs and evergreen materials on a country walk, you’ll be amazed at what you can find.

4. Reduce Food Waste

Whilst Christmas is the time for rustling up those special family recipes and fighting over the last pig in blanket, it’s also easy to overbuy and waste food. There are lots of ways to minimise this and still feel like you have enough. Make a clear list of exactly what you need for the amount of people visiting and stick to it. If you find yourself with leftovers read up on a few recipes so you aren’t just tempted to scrape it in the bin. Love Food Hate Waste have some fantastic ideas.

5. Switch To LED Fairy Lights

There is nothing cosier than twinkling lights on the tree lighting up your home, however, if you’re concerned about adding to  your energy bills then switching to LED fairy lights could typically use 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

While the festive period is associated with excess, staying mindful of your waste doesn’t mean putting a stop to celebrations altogether. By making informed choices and simple swaps you can make the very most of the holiday without putting any extra strain on the planet or your pocket. Whether you’re spending Christmas at home or visiting loved ones, by following these simple tips and making small changes you’ll be on your way to a greener, more sustainable, feel-good Christmas.

Sales advisor Valerie Gleeson is no stranger to the quality homes built by award-winning regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes, having sold properties at the company’s Deanfields development in Oxfordshire since it launched earlier this year. So when the time came to purchase her own new build home, it was no surprise that Valerie chose a home on the very development she worked.

“Strictly speaking I wasn’t looking to move but after seeing first-hand how popular the homes at Deanfields were, it was an easy decision,” explains Valerie. “With the final homes selling strongly, I realised I didn’t want to miss out on being part of the new community here and that this development was more than my workplace; it was my ideal home too.”

Deanfields is located in the ancient parish of Stanton Harcourt, just under ten miles west of Oxford and six miles from Valerie’s current home in Witney. Comprising an exclusive collection of three, four and five-bedroom detached homes, Deanfields has attracted purchasers looking to make the most of town and country living.

Valerie continues: “The village’s location on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, yet commutable to Oxford, has been a huge attraction for many of the couples and families who are soon to become my new neighbours. It’s also a very traditional setting with thatched roof cottages, a village post office/ shop and 17^th Century pub so it’s very picturesque. Deanfields has been thoughtfully designed to blend in, so homes here have a traditional appearance including Cotswold limestone exteriors, meaning plenty of kerb appeal!”

Another key factor in Valerie’s decision to move was the fixtures and finishes Deanfield Homes include as standard. Valerie adds: “Moving home can be stressful so knowing that my new home will be built with integrated appliances, landscaped gardens, security lighting as well as all-important energy saving measures such as an A-rated boiler, underfloor heating and an electric vehicle charging point, offers real peace of mind. It’s this attention to detail that Deanfield customers can be assured of and is how I believe the company turns a house into a home.

“I’m so looking forward to watching my new home being built and can’t imagine a better endorsement than to tell our purchasers that I’m moving in too!”

Regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes is helping to spread some festive cheer this season at the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Andrews Church in the village of East Hagbourne in Oxfordshire.

Committed to supporting the local communities in which its developments are built, Deanfield Homes is delighted to be sponsoring one of the church trees within St Andrews Church and is donating a luxury hamper for the Festival Raffle. In addition, they have purchased a further four Christmas trees, the proceeds of which go towards this fundraising initiative, which will bring some Christmas sparkle outside their Deanfield Green development in East Hagbourne.

The annual festival will light up both East and West Hagbourne and will see gardens in the village lined with over 100 trees and 30 sponsored trees inside the church. This year, the money raised through the purchase of trees, donations and the annual raffle will be split between the church and Albie and Beyond, a local fund-raising group for Brain Tumour Research.

Albie Bayliss-Watts was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumour after having a seizure. less than a year after his diagnosis, on 28 November 2021, Albie died aged just two years old. Albie and Beyond champions the fight against brain tumours and raises money to support vital research.

Annette Gaskell, Sales, Marketing & Customer Liaison Manager for Deanfield Homes, comments, “We love the concept of the Christmas Tree Festival, ensuring both East and West Hagbourne are filled with twinkling lights and spreading Christmas spirit throughout the village. We are delighted to support both causes and were deeply touched by Albie’s heart-breaking story. There is a wonderful community spirit within the village and we are proud to support this wonderful initiative.”

The annual Christmas Tree festival will launch on 9th December with ‘Carols in the Close’, accompanied by the Cholsey Silver Band, followed by the lighting of the trees. As well a bumper programme of entertainment throughout the week, the festival will close with the Festival Raffle Draw and a public vote for the favourite tree.

Deanfield Homes takes a sensitive approach to development, building well designed and high-quality homes in rural village locations across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire. Its current developments include Deanfields in Stanton Harcourt, Deanfield Park in Ickford and Deanfield Green in East Hagbourne.

The Oxfordshire village of Marsh Gibbon has a new village shop thanks to regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes. Delivered as part of the new Deanfield View development, the new Marsh Gibbon Village Shop, complete with a post office, is the perfect example of how the development of new homes can boost local community amenities.

Marsh Gibbon, near Bicester, lost its previous local shop in June 2021 when the postmaster resigned. When the Deanfield Homes development was launched, planning commenced on a new village shop which promised to deliver essential services to the community, including universal access to mail and parcels, but also access to benefits, bill payments and banking services.

The new convenience store, which stocks everyday essentials, has been warmly welcomed by the locals, particularly those with limited access to alternative solutions or means of transport. By allowing the community to shop locally, the new shop stimulates the economy in the local area and allows residents to shop quality produce when convenient to them.

Ian Lewis, commercial director of Deanfield Homes, who handed the shop over to the new owners comments:

“We are delighted to have been able to provide a village shop to the community of Marsh Gibbon. To be able to deliver a vital local service that will benefit all reflects an ongoing commitment to make a positive contribution to the areas in which we build. The new village shop will make life much easier for local people. We are extremely proud to be leaving a lasting legacy in Marsh Gibbon.”

The Marsh Gibbon Village Shop is open Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 6pm and Sunday, 7am to 12pm.

Deanfield Homes takes a sensitive approach to development, building well designed and high-quality homes in rural village locations across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire. Its current developments include Deanfields, Deanfield Park and Deanfield Green.

One of Deanfield’s most popular home designs is the four-bedroom detached Fitzroy, an impressive character home with a garage included. Boasting plenty of kerb appeal including a striking elongated apex roof, the Fitzroy has just received an award in the Best Family Homes category at the 2022 Evening Standard New Homes Awards.

Join us for a room-by-room tour to find out what made the Fitzroy stand out to the judges…

Walking through the Fitzroy’s stylish brick porchway leads you into a bright, L-shaped hallway. There is plenty of space for boutique hallway furniture, whether that’s a console table, shoe & coat unit or statement lighting. On the left and right of the entrance are two versatile rooms; a chic office that could also be a library or craft room, and a large family room which would make a cosy home cinema, children’s playroom, teenage hideaway or separate formal dining room.

Towards the rear of the ground floor, you’ll find two superb entertaining spaces, both with French doors opening onto a patio and rear garden. The kitchen/dining room, complete with Bosch integrated appliances, has ample space for a six-seater dining table, making it the perfect spot to enjoy home-cooked family meals or a cheeky takeaway!

Alongside this is a substantial living room which has a built-in fireplace suitable for a log-burner for immediate added character. A separate utility room takes care of the laundry, with a door leading to outside, ideal for containing muddy feet or paws! The ground floor is completed with a stylish cloakroom and a store cupboard.

Upstairs, the Fitzroy’s spacious landing leads to four double bedrooms and an elegant family bathroom including a white Laufen suite and chrome Hansgrohe fittings. The principal and second bedrooms both benefit from a stylish en-suite and Hammonds fitted wardrobes, ensuring a relaxing retreat for parents and guests alike. Bedrooms 3 and 4 provide space for teenagers or a growing family.

With a landscaped front garden, electric vehicle charging point, security lights, energy efficient underfloor heating to the ground floor and many other superior finishes, it’s easy to see why the Fitzroy has been recognised as the perfect family home.

Our top interior tips for creating your own Fitzroy-style scheme in your own home:

1. Get creative with the room you have – Feeling inspired by the Fitzroy’s downstairs suave office? A spare room can have endless possibilities, all it takes is a little imagination and some space-savvy design choices. Whatever your plans, make use of free corners and alcoves, or select furniture that can be used for a variety of purposes so you can stay focused, work efficiently and comfortably from your own home.
2. Self-expression – It’s important to make your home feel like your own – a place you can escape to and truly feel relaxed in. This is where you can add pops of your personality through your chosen theme, especially when it comes to the bedrooms, to give everyone their own identity-infused space. The Fitzroy bedrooms are a perfect example with the themes of music and mermaid intertwined in the children’s bedrooms.
3. Textures and tones – The Fitzroy boasts a calming neutral scheme from its warmer accent colours shown through the light fixtures and accessory pieces paired against light-coloured furniture pieces making for a tranquil, homely feel. The secret to creating a warm home is layering the tones and textures through accessories, furniture, and finishes. Whether you’re looking for bold colours or a more neutral feel, look to add contrast through the use of wood, stone and different fabrics.
4. It’s all in the details – The Fitzroy is filled with interesting art pieces and statues adding a unique touch to the home. Don’t be afraid to add some statement furniture and accessory pieces to really bring together those finishing touches. With a signature mirror, striking piece of artwork or a beautiful rug, these are the pieces that will make your house a home.
5. Outdoor impact – The Fitzroy’s cosy corner under the pergola is the perfect space to relax and escape. Create your own and add that personal touch with an open-air cinema or outdoor dining area, perfect for entertaining on warm summers night.

To experience the Fitzroy for yourself, why not visit our Deanfield Park development in the Buckinghamshire village of Ickford where the Fitzroy is available to view as a professionally-designed showhome.

Regional housebuilder Deanfield Homes has entered into a strategic partnership with social enterprise RAW to deliver sustainable site recycling services and to transform wood waste from its sites into furniture and products for local communities.

The project will see waste wood from all Deanfield developments collected by RAW’s site recycling service and taken to its Oxford-based workshop to be turned into high-quality items such as benches, planters and bird boxes which will be donated to local schools, community groups and Deanfield’s own homeowners.

RAW helps businesses to create life-changing social and environment impact through its waste wood recycling service and by making high quality, sustainable furniture. It also provides employment, skills and training, with 75% of its workforce having fought, and won, against issues such as addiction, criminality, poor mental health and homelessness. Income from product and service sales also supports RAW’s specialist youth team, which helps to change the lives of 12-18 year-olds across Oxfordshire.

Peter Blades, Deanfield Homes’ founder and managing director, comments: “We’re delighted to be formalising our partnership with RAW. Not only are we committing to using its recycling services on all current and future Deanfield sites, but we will also support a circular economy by turning our waste wood into sustainable products. As a growing business we are focused on both our environmental impact and the positive contribution we can make to the local communities that we create and in which we build. This project with RAW ticks both of those boxes.”

Rick Mower, managing director of RAW, says: “We empower our clients and customers to confidently make procurement and purchasing choices that drive quantitative social and environmental value, without compromising on price or quality. Consumers and markets are more ready than ever for organisations who can truly demonstrate that they drive real social value through their brands and services. The leadership and vision from the team at Deanfield Homes has been brilliant in bringing this partnership together. We’re massively looking forward to working with them and making our partnership a UK exemplar of what can be achieved when organisations unite to create change.”

Deanfield Homes builds high-quality properties in aspirational villages. Current developments include Deanfield Park in the village of Ickford in Buckinghamshire, Deanfield Green in East Hagbourne and Deanfields in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. It also has forthcoming sites in Bledlow and Little Kimble in Buckinghamshire and Hermitage in Berkshire.

Deanfield Homes has released for sale the first in a collection of high-quality properties at its Deanfield Green development in the sought-after village of East Hagbourne. The development of two to five bedroom traditionally designed and energy efficient homes is already generating significant interest following a preview weekend for those who had registered their details.

Deanfield Green is a collection of 74 homes and features seven different house types all designed in keeping with the local architecture and the development’s rural location. All properties offer low maintenance and energy efficient living, with Electric Vehicle charging points installed. Connectivity is also paramount, with full fibre broadband available to each home. Set amongst public open space, Deanfield Green will also benefit from a children’s play area and links to pedestrian and cycle routes.

The first phase of properties to be released offers a choice of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes displaying various layouts, so there is a style to suit everyone here. Prices range from £390,000 to £925,000

East Hagbourne is perfectly situated, nestled alongside the Chiltern Hills Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, just a mile south of Didcot and 15 miles from Oxford. This historic village is filled with period properties and listed buildings and has a strong sense of community. Deanfield Green is close to the local shop, village hall, community pavilion, and St Andrew’s Church, which dates-back to the 11^th century. East Hagbourne also boasts a selection of sought-after schools nearby including Hagbourne C of E Primary School, St Birinus School and Didcot Girls School.

Ideal for commuters, Didcot Parkway train station is just 2 miles away by car or cycle, with regular services to London Paddington in under 40 minutes.

Peter Blades, managing director of Deanfield Homes, comments: “We are delighted to be launching this traditional collection in such a perfect location. As well as providing high-quality new homes, we are bringing wider benefits to the local community, including the extension of the existing village hall car park. Deanfield Green has so much to offer everyone from first time buyers to growing families and downsizers, with the local area providing such a peaceful setting with picturesque views and great local amenities. We look forward to welcoming the first residents in the summer next year.”

Deanfield Homes is an experienced housebuilder specialising in small to medium developments in rural village locations. It has completed a number of successful sites across the region and is currently building new homes at its Deanfield Park development in Ickford, Buckinghamshire, and Deanfields in Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire.

The marketing suite at Deanfield Green is open every Friday and Saturday from 10am – 5pm or

For more information visit www.deanfieldhomes.co.uk/deanfield-green

As the nights draw in and Autumnal colours start to unfold, we take a look at some of the interior design trends set to make a big statement as the seasons change.

Wild Wonder

Revealed this month, Wild Wonder is the 2023 Dulux paint colour of the year. An earthy “soft gold”, Wild Wonder was chosen because of its natural tones and connections to nature. As we all seek to strengthen our relationship with the great outdoors, bringing the colours of nature into the home is an easy way to achieve this. Wild Wonder can be used as a calming base palette for any room or can be paired with bold accents and greenery to add warmth and a sense of Autumnal style.

Embrace Nature

The emphasis on sustainable living has only grown in popularity over the past two years and is here to stay. Natural materials and textures like rattan, wood, cork and stone can combine to create a rustic, homely décor especially alongside botanical print accessories or sheer fabric window dressings. In the kitchen, forest green looks set to remain one of the most sought-after colours for cabinetry but if you’re not looking for a full makeover, try bringing in seasonal greenery. Ferns, eucalyptus, pine cones, acorns, moss and winter berries will freshen your interiors.

Farmhouse Living

A spin-off from the hugely popular cottagecore trend, which romanticises English country living, farmhouse interiors are all about simplicity, functionality and cosiness. Combine deeper fabrics like boucle, wool or velvet with upcycled, pre-loved or inherited furniture to create richness and warmth. Layer your accessories to add texture but avoid clutter; think rugs, log piles, cushions and lamps.

Wall Panelling

Instantly eye-catching and effortlessly versatile, wall panelling will always make an impact. From feature walls to half height designs or even hidden storage, wall panelling is an easy way to add a luxury appearance on a budget. Use behind the headboard to make a focal point for the bedroom; in open plan rooms to give identity to a space or add a ‘zone’; or in the study to create a classic and timeless office. Wall panelling makes an excellent frame for lighting, mirrors and artwork and can be further personalised by painting or wallpapering individual panels.

Self-Expression

The shorter days of Autumn and Winter mean we look for joy and brightness, and where better to do this than in your own home? Bold colours, mismatched furniture, handmade  artisanal pieces and patterned tiles can all be layered to express your personality. Prints, motifs and collections that are meaningful and individual can add energy and character to your home and invoke feelings of wellbeing.

For more interior design tips and regular inspiration from our professionally-designed showhomes follow us on Instagram @deanfield_homes_ltd