Many of us enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine at home but few are able to wander out into the garden and pick the grapes required to make it.

But the person who buys Yew Tree Cottage near Bampton will be able to do exactly that, as the five-bedroom detached house comes complete with its own vineyard.

Set in 3.25 acres of land on the edge of the hamlet of Lew, the property has two paddocks, one of which contains about 350 vines producing white and red grapes.

Alan Eldret, who has lived there for 20 years with wife Wendy, said: “I’ve been making wine and beer as a hobby for more than 40 years and decided to plant the vines 10 years ago.”

The eight different varieties of vine yield about 300 botttles of wine at harvest time but Mr Eldret said it varies according to the weather and other factors.

“The most I have ever produced is 350 bottles but as it is not a commercial enterprise, I don’t worry if it is below yield.”

A committee member and judge for the National Association of Wine and Beer Makers, Mr Eldret gives talks on wine and beer In Oxfordshire and other parts of the UK.

“I am involved in professional tastings and know about the wine and beer producing process, so if anyone was interested would be quite happy to explain the principles of making wine and looking after the vines.

“It is not particularly hard but it does require time and effort. I call it cookery in a bottle. Since we don’t do anything like oak-age our wine, I would describe it as light with a fruity nose.”

Mr and Mrs Eldret moved to Oxfordshire from Essex after he became managing director of an engineering company in Witney.

Now retired, the couple plan to move back to Essex to be nearer their two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Mr Eldret explained: “We love this neighbourhood and the house itself, which is in such a wonderful location.

”When people come here they are always impressed that almost every room has a view over the surrounding countryside.

“Our only problem is that we seem to be forever travelling around the M25.”

Apart from two paddocks, Yew Tree Cottage also has extensive gardens laid to lawn and an orchard stocked with apple, pear and plum trees.

Outbuildings include a double garage with workshop and a two-storey detached annexe.

Mr Eldret added: “Of course I should stress that the new owner doesn’t have to be interested in making wine. The two paddocks here would be equally suitable for someone who, for instance, keeps horses.”

Yew Tree Cottage is for sale at a guide price of £845,000. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact agents Breckon & Breckon on 01993 776775 or visit www.breckon.co.uk