A North Oxford house with a strong connection to former Prime Minister Harold Wilson is on the market.

The 19th-century semi-detached house in Chalfont Road is owned by the late Labour politician’s son, Professor Robin Wilson, and his wife, Joy Crispin-Wilson.

Mrs Crispin-Wilson, a modern languages teacher, said: “We bought the house at auction almost 40 years ago and brought up our twin daughters here.”

Harold Wilson, who served as PM from 1964 to 1970 and then again from 1974 to 1976, studied modern history and later PPE at Jesus College, Oxford. He lectured at New College from 1937 and married his wife, Mary, in the chapel at Mansfield College.

A well-known pipe smoker, he visited his son’s family at the house in Chalfont Road on several occasions during his political career.

Mrs Crispin-Wilson recalled: “We banned him from smoking indoors, but we have a little burn on our sitting room carpet from one occasion when he was waving his pipe around excitedly and hot ash fell out on to the floor.

“He had two sons and came from a family of all boys, so was not used to girls. He used to say our daughters were ‘nice little chaps’. Whenever he came to see us, there would always be some security person lurking around outside.

“I remember him coming here after he resigned in March 1976 and it was a very difficult time for him.”

After leaving the House of Commons, Harold Wilson was created Baron Wilson of Rievaulx and when he died in 1995, aged 79, his memorial service was held at Westminster Abbey.

Professor Robin Wilson lectured in mathematics at the Open University for 37 years, at Keble College for 29 years and still teaches at Pembroke.

He has written almost 30 books on mathematical theory and sudoku.

Mrs Crispin-Wilson added: “The only reason we are going is because we want somewhere a bit easier to look after, now that my husband is retiring.”

The house, ranged over four floors, includes a sitting room, family room, dining room, kitchen and utility room. There are three bedrooms and one bathroom The 120-foot garden includes a terrace, lawn and summer house.

Simeon Spencer, of agents John D Wood, said: “This is one of the last houses in the road in its original size and offers considerable scope for extension, subject to the necessary consent.”

Number 15 Chalfont Road is on the market for £965,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact John D Wood on 01865 311522 or visit the website johndwood.co.uk