City-dwellers planning an escape to the country are increasingly opting to rent, instead of buy, a second home.

George Stevens, of agents Oliver James, said: “Many people don’t want to tie their money up long-term by buying a second home, so would rather rent a place to use as a weekend retreat.

“Renting is also popular with those who want to try before they buy. They get to know the pubs, the walks and villages before they commit themselves.” The firm is marketing a five-bedroom, period house with paddock and views over surrounding countryside in Ascott-under-Wychwood.

Three-storey Priory Cottage includes a dining room, play room, study, barn-style vaulted sitting room and kitchen/breakfast room.

The master bedroom has a dressing room and bath/shower room ensuite and one of the other bedrooms also has an ensuite dressing room.

Other features include under-floor heating, electric gates, gravel drive and kitchen garden.

Priory Cottage is available to rent, unfurnished, for £3,000 per month.

For more information, contact agents Oliver James on 01993 778772 or visit the website oliverjames.com Another five-bedroom village property is Bladon House in the village of the same name.

Set in three-quarters of an acre, it includes a drawing room with wood-burning stove, dining room, kitchen/family room, five bedrooms and three bathrooms. Other highlights include a heated outdoor swimming pool, Aga, exposed beams and stonework.

Bladon House is available to rent, unfurnished, from January for £2,500 per month. Contact agents Breckon & Breckon on 01993 811881 or visit breckon.co.uk