Designed by Yiangou Architects, and developed by Rectory Homes, The Crescent is a prestigious new scheme of 23 four and five bedroom villas set within seven acres of parkland in Thame, Oxfordshire.

Inspired by the 19^th century ‘rus in urbe’ (country in the city) architectural style, for which the World Heritage cities of Bath and Edinburgh are famous, the development encompasses three central crescent-shaped terraces, complemented by two ‘Parkside’ terraces.

The Bath stone buildings are evocative of some of the finest examples of classical architecture, while introducing contemporary design elements and sustainable materials and technologies.

Yiangou’s directors, Ross Sharpe and Anthony Lewis, describe the scheme as:

‘An amazing opportunity to design a completely contemporary yet contextual piece of urban architecture in the heart of a beautiful, historic Oxfordshire town.’

The villas are arranged over three storeys, each with a separate multipurpose studio, private courtyard gardens, balconies and terraces. The 12 Crescent Villas offer large footprints of between 3,350 and 3,475 square feet, while the 11 Parkside Villas are between 3,675 and 3,875 square feet. All properties come with a double garage.

The interiors have been designed with elegance and contemporary comfort in mind, encompassing features such as double-height atriums and rooflights. Indoor-outdoor living is embedded within the designs, with large windows and private outdoor spaces which take full advantage of the parkland setting.

A rich specification includes bespoke fitted kitchens with features including a central island with breakfast bar and champagne trough, media charging drawer and Quooker hot and filtered water tap. Other notable interior features include bespoke joinery within the living room and principal bedroom, and a freestanding bath in the principal bathroom.

As an independent, family-run business, Rectory Homes has made use of local suppliers across the scheme, including, for example, award-winning landscape designer, Richard Rogers, who created the courtyard gardens, and Oxford tile company, Minoli, which supplied the Italian porcelain tiles.  

Situated within the former grounds of an early 19^th century Grade II listed house, The Crescent is set within over 7 acres of parkland in the heart of Thame, a historic and vibrant market town. Located on the edge of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Thame is known for its independent shops, restaurants and pubs, and connectivity to Oxford. Thame is also within easy reach of London, with nearby Haddenham and Thame Parkway providing a 37 minute journey into Marylebone.

Simon Vickers, founder and owner of Rectory Homes, said:

‘I am delighted to be bringing this innovative scheme forward. I have been building homes in the western Home Counties for some 40 years and we always design each scheme to suit and complement its surroundings. For me, the combination of this site’s location in the very heart of the town centre, its setting with mature trees around it, the backdrop of The Elms house and the exceptional design that so elegantly takes all these factors into account, is second to none, and I am enormously proud of the outcome. I am grateful for the concept created by Yiangou and the vision of South Oxfordshire District Council Officers and Members who acknowledged what this might bring as a landmark scheme to Thame.’

Nicola Horner, head of Savills residential development sales in Oxfordshire, commented: ‘The Crescent is, quite simply, an extraordinary development. Its architecture blends striking contemporary design with period elegance to incredible effect, while the interior design, layouts and specification are second to none in terms of quality. Beautifully situated within acres of parkland, and within close walking distance from Thame’s High Street, The Crescent provides its residents with an exciting opportunity to enjoy much sought-after connected countryside living.’

Find out more about the development here.