A farmhouse built in the early 1600s is on the market for the first time in almost a quarter of a century.

Black Hall House is one of the oldest houses in central North Oxford and includes many period features such as working fireplaces, wooden floors and original windows and doors.

On the ground floor is a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom and cycle store.

Upstairs is a master bedroom, two guest bedroom suites and three more bedrooms plus a family bathroom.

Other features of the property in Northmoor Road include off-road parking, a garage and a workshop. A 6ft-high wall runs around the property and the landscaped gardens include a lawn and seating area.

Architect James Pain and wife Kathryn, a university lecturer, bought the house in 1987.

Mr Pain said: “The previous owner had the house done up, but then moved to London before he ever really had the chance to live there, so it was in mint condition when we took it over.

“We moved in with three young children and later had our fourth while living there. Our children have all left home now, so the time is right for us to move on.

“The house has the feel of a country cottage, but is in the most amazingly convenient location, as the Dragon School is just a few minutes walk around the corner.”

When the couple researched the house’s history, they discovered it was built on land which belonged to New College at the time.

Mr Pain added: “Black Hall House is a bit of a mystery in that we are intrigued as to why someone should have built what was originally a small building of expensive stone about a mile from Carfax. One theory is that it may have been created as some sort of guard house linked to the market garden of the colleges.

“But whatever the real reason behind its construction, it is certainly one of the oldest structures within the North Oxford conservation area and pre-dates all the surrounding roads and houses by several hundred years.”

Black Hall House is on the market for in excess of £2.75m. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact agents Knight Frank on 01865 790077 or visit knightfrank.co.uk