Maison Newington, Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Newington House is without doubt, one of the most beautiful houses in Oxfordshire. Since it was constructed in the 17th century, it has been greatly admired for its elegant scale and symmetry and its history tells a story of romance and a passion for Italian architecture. It was built as a gift for a homesick Italian princess by her aristocratic English husband. Constructed of square limestone and ashlar, the facade is believed to be modelled on Rubens’ collection The Palaces of Genoa and is thought to be a copy of the Pallavicini Palazzo.

There have been careful alterations over the centuries, including the addition of a second floor in 1777, but the house remains faithful to its original design and it more than deserves its Grade II* listing. In the early 20th century, it became a hub for England’s cultural elite. Influential writers and artists would meet to exchange creative ideas including Walter Sickert, Henry James and Virginia Woolf. It’s easy to imagine those sophisticated gatherings in Newington’s great rooms with their extraordinarily high ceilings, huge windows and grand fireplaces.

Today, in the 21st century, the house is filled with the everyday sounds of busy family life and the original features like the open fires and wooden shutters are still in daily use. The property has been fitted with a modern biomass boiler which continues to benefit from government tariffs. The whole estate offers several options for ancillary or rental accommodation. But whatever the use or occupation, the heritage and impression of grandeur at Newington is undiminished.

The grand central entrance at Newington House boasts a Corinthian porch and huge double doors which open into a spacious hall. Upon entering, viewers will be immediately struck by the height and scale on offer. An open oak staircase with cantilevered treads sweeps to the left, whilst the first of many stunning marble fireplaces lies to the right.

Light floods through the full height sash windows setting off the exquisite deep triglyph frieze and mutule cornicing. One can imagine a concert piano looking very ‘at home’ in the space and it would be a fabulous spot for a large tree at Christmas time.

The entrance hall leads squarely into the drawing room where the wonder continues. This really is a small stately home from the elegant panelling, elaborate door casing and classical French wallpaper murals to the fine wooden parquet flooring and carved marble fireplaces.