The Old Dean's House is one of Oxford's most characterful addresses - a handsome Victorian property set within the private grounds of Wycliffe Hall, in the heart of elegant North Oxford. With four bedrooms sleeping up to eight, a secluded walled garden, and a quiet tree-lined setting just moments from the city's world-famous colleges, this is Oxford as it should be experienced.
The home strikes the perfect balance: peaceful enough for academics, remote workers, or families wanting a genuine retreat, yet perfectly placed for everything Oxford has to offer. University Parks - one of England's most beautiful urban green spaces - is directly across the street. The Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Library, and Radcliffe Camera are a 12-15 minute walk. Jericho, Oxford's bohemian quarter with its independent cafes, restaurants, and the Phoenix Cinema, is around the corner.
THE SPACE
Ground Floor
- Welcoming entrance hall through a private gate on Norham Gardens - Spacious, fully equipped kitchen with electric oven and hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, and all cookware you could need - Dining area with a table seating eight - perfect for gathering the whole group - Utility room with washing machine, dryer, and sink - Separate study with a large desk - ideal for those combining work with a stay - Generous living room with two sofas, easy chairs, flat-screen TV, and views onto the garden - Ground floor WC and wash basin - Rear access to the private garden
First Floor
- Bedroom 1 - Super-king bed, bedside tables, chest of drawers, and hanging space - Bedroom 2 - Super-king bed, chest of drawers, and hanging space - Bedroom 3 - Standard double bed, chest of drawers, and hanging space - Bedroom 4 - Super-king bed, chest of drawers, hanging space, and separate washbasin - Two full bathrooms, each with shower, WC, and wash basin
Garden
A large, fully private garden enclosed by mature hedging on all sides, with views towards the Wycliffe Hall buildings. Garden furniture is provided - a wonderful spot for morning coffee or an evening drink.
GUEST ACCESS
Guests have exclusive access to the entire home and garden. Parking is available at 2A Norham Gardens (first space on the right as you turn into the drive - clearly labelled). Full directions and a parking video are provided in the welcome guide sent prior to arrival.
THE LOCATION
The Old Dean's House sits on Norham Gardens in North Oxford - a conservation area of tree-lined streets and Victorian villas that is home to some of Oxford's most distinguished academics and professionals. It is one of the city's most sought-after residential addresses, and you'll feel that the moment you arrive.
On your doorstep:
- University Parks (1 min walk) - 70 acres of gardens and riverside walks, right across the street - Pitt Rivers & Natural History Museums (6 min walk) - free entry, world-class collections - Jericho district (10 min walk) - independent cafes, pubs, restaurants, and the Phoenix Cinema - Oxford city centre, colleges, and the Bodleian Library (12-15 min walk) - Summertown shopping, Waitrose, and artisan bakeries (20 min walk north)
Day trips are equally well-served: the Cotswolds, Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace, and London (1 hour by train) are all within easy reach.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All bed linen and towels - High-speed Wi-Fi - All utility bills - Welcome pack: tea, coffee, milk, kitchen essentials, and cleaning supplies to get you started - Linen changeover for stays over 10 nights - Pet friendly - one well-behaved dog welcome
PERFECT FOR
Families, multi-family groups, or groups of friends wanting generous space in a premium location. Academic visitors and professionals on extended stays. Couples who want the luxury of a grand Oxford home all to themselves. Dog owners who need a secure garden. Anyone who wants to experience North Oxford - the real Oxford - rather than a city-centre apartment.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Oxford
North Oxford, a neighbourhood in Oxford, is home to this holiday home. Notable landmarks in the area include Bodleian Library and Blenheim Palace, and travellers wishing to experience a bit of culture can try New Theatre Oxford. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Iffley Road Track or Oxford Greyhound Stadium.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Ashmolean Museum - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
New Theatre Oxford - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Getting around
Oxford Station - 8 min drive
Oxford (OXF) - 19 min drive
Restaurants
Lamb & Flag - 9 min walk
Pierre Victoire - 8 min walk
GAIL's Bakery - 9 min walk
Al-Andalus - 8 min walk
Gees Restaurant & Bar - 6 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is The Old Dean's House pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Old Dean's House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Old Dean's House?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Old Dean's House?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Old Dean's House located?
Located in North Oxford, this holiday home is steps away from Kellogg College and University of Oxford. New Theatre Oxford and Bodleian Library are also within 15 minutes. Oxford Station is 21 minutes by foot.
About the host
Hosted by Short Let Space
The Old Dean's House has a history as distinctive as its setting. Situated beside the grounds of Wycliffe Hall, one of Oxford's theological colleges, this was once the private residence of a Dean - and something of that quiet authority still lingers in its generous rooms, secluded garden, and position among the Victorian villas of North Oxford. The property is managed by Short Let Space, an Oxford-based short let agency with over a decade of experience looking after homes across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. Our team is local, responsive, and genuinely invested in making every stay a good one - from the welcome pack waiting on arrival to the prompt response if anything comes up during your stay. We love this home because it offers something rare in Oxford: real space, real character, and a proper neighbourhood feel, without sacrificing convenience. We hope you enjoy it as much as our guests consistently do.
Why they chose this property
The owners are based in the United States but have a deep love for Oxford - its history, its architecture, its pace of life, and the sense that around every corner there is something worth discovering. The Old Dean's House gave them exactly what they had been looking for: a home of genuine character, in one of the city's finest neighbourhoods, that felt like a real Oxford address rather than just a place to stay. When they are not here themselves, it felt only right to share it. They wanted guests to experience North Oxford the way they do - waking up to University Parks on the doorstep, walking to the colleges and museums, finding a favourite cafe in Jericho. The home is large enough to gather family or friends, quiet enough to work or read, and well-placed enough that Oxford reveals itself naturally, without effort. They hope every guest feels as at home here as they do.
What makes this property unique
-One of only a handful of properties in Oxford set within private college grounds - the setting is unlike anything else available in the city -University Parks, one of England's finest urban green spaces, is directly across the street - a rare luxury for a city-centre stay -Three of the four bedrooms have super-king beds, making this exceptionally well-suited to adult groups and couples travelling together -A fully private walled garden - genuinely secluded and hard to find at this size in central Oxford -A dedicated study room separate from the living areas, ideal for working guests or academics -Professionally managed by Short Let Space, an Oxford-based agency - someone local is always available and the property is maintained to a consistently high standard -One of Oxford's most prestigious residential addresses: Norham Gardens sits in the heart of the North Oxford conservation area, steps from the university's most iconic buildings
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests