A converted 1950s property in a village near Banbury is an ideal family home for lovers of contemporary décor.

Owners Simon and Julie Lewis have transformed Parnassus In Great Bourton to create perfect spaces for entertaining in the house and garden.

Mr Lewis, who works for an international concert promotions company, said: “I had already refurbished and modernised a few properties in London so when we started house hunting, we specifically looked for one that needed the same treatment.

“Parnassus gave us the potential to find ways of entertaining ourselves, our children, family and friends.”

They bought the house through Savills in 2005 and spent the next 18 months planning, sourcing materials and gaining inspiration while on on their travels.

Nicky Quentel, of Savills Banbury, said: “I was amazed at the improvements. It seems twice its original size, because of the way they have opened up some of the areas.”

The couple enlarged the entrance hall and installed wide double doors.

Three separate rooms were combined to make a kitchen area, with polished, black granite floor tiles and two work islands, and a double-height dining area, created by opening up the ceiling into what was a small bedroom.

Also on the ground floor is a large lounge.

The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and windows overlooking the garden and valley beyond.

There is also a family bathroom, two further bedrooms, one of which is en suite, and a home entertainment room.

The roof space has two bedrooms.

In the rear garden, an established wisteria and Hornton stone wall provided the perfect setting for a bespoke cedar gazebo with uplighters, ideal for relaxing and informal entertaining.

Leading off the conservatory/play room is a paved area with mature trees, which provides a shady place for their young daughters to play.

A former vegetable garden has been transformed into an open-air dining area.

Mrs Lewis, a former dancer, said: “Parnassus enjoys fabulous views over the village and surrounding countryside.”

In addition to a double garage, there is parking space alongside a versatile detached building which was built as a home office.

Parnassus is on the market through Savills Banbury (01295 228000) at a guide price of £900,000.

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