a local's perspective
hello countryside
"We traded the dream of a lonely farmhouse for the reality of a thriving village community, and we haven’t looked back since. Charlton is a hidden gem."
Rebecca. J - Charlton OX17
From the London Grind to Village Gold
Moving out of London in 2020 was an exciting but daunting leap into the unknown. Like so many families, we craved more space, cleaner air, and a slower pace for our children to grow up in.
But the big question remained: where?
Our criteria were non-negotiable: we needed a seamless commute back to the capital and easy access to the M40 to stay connected to family. After many weekends spent navigating the winding lanes of Oxfordshire, West Northamptonshire, and Buckinghamshire, we realised our search was ultimately a hunt for the perfect train station. We circled Banbury, Bicester North, and Milton Keynes, but it wasn't until we discovered the charm of the South Northants borders that everything clicked.
The Community Revelation
Initially, we were convinced we wanted total isolation—a rural retreat far from the noise of twelve years in London. However, a stint renting in the nearby village of Sulgrave changed our minds completely. We quickly realised that while we wanted peace, we didn’t want to be lonely. We traded the dream of a rural life for the reality of a thriving village community, and we haven’t looked back since.
Charlton OX17 hasn’t just met our expectations; it has exceeded them. As a designated conservation area, the village is undeniably beautiful, peppered with honey-coloured listed buildings and framed by rolling countryside views that still take my breath away on the morning school run.
The Commuter’s Secret Weapon
For those who still need a foot in the city, Charlton OX17 is a hidden gem. You have the luxury of choice: direct rail links from Kings Sutton, Banbury, or Bicester will whisk you into London Marylebone in around an hour. If you need the West End or The City, Milton Keynes is a short drive away for the fast line into Euston.
The road network is equally impressive. Being a short hop from the M40 means you can head south to London or north to Birmingham with ease. And for those with wanderlust, having Birmingham, Luton, and Heathrow airports all within a manageable radius makes international travel surprisingly stress-free.
A Paradise for Growing Families
If you have children, Charlton OX17 feels like a throwback to a simpler time. The village playground is the beating heart of the community, where friendships are forged at the swings. For the younger ones, the village hall is a hive of activity, hosting weekly Rainbows and Brownies meetings, and the local pre-school is fantastic.
The educational options are a major draw here. The village is lucky to have Newbottle and Charlton Primary School right on our doorstep. For those looking further afield, the area is spoilt for choice with Prep and Public schooling. Winchester House, Beachborough, Bloxham, Stowe, and Tudor Hall—all within a ten-mile radius.
Sunday Roasts and Summer Fetes
Life in Charlton OX17 revolves around the local landmarks. The Rose and Crown in Charlton, is everything a village pub should be: welcoming, cosy, and serving up delicious food that saves you from cooking on a Friday night. It’s the primary social hub where locals and newcomers mingle over a drink or two.
The highlight of the calendar, however, is the annual summer fete. It is the quintessential English garden party—think competitive tennis tournaments, children’s sports races, traditional game stalls, and, of course, an endless supply of tea and homemade cake.
It’s the kind of day that makes you realise exactly why you left the city.
Adventure and Exploration
For the active souls, you don’t have to go far for excitement. The Kings Sutton Tennis Club is a friendly, well-established spot for a match, while the more adventurous can head to Hinton Airfield for skydiving and gliding. And, of course, there is the roar of the engines at Silverstone; being just 12 miles from the home of Formula 1 and MotoGP adds a certain prestige to our little corner of the world.
On Our Doorstep
When friends and family visit, we are never short of ideas.
We are surrounded by some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a long walk through the grounds of Blenheim Palace, exploring the history of Warwick Castle, or a quiet afternoon at Evenley Wood Garden, there is always something to do.
For a bit of modern luxury, the world-renowned RH Aynhoe Park in Aynho and the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew, are just a stone’s throw away, offering the perfect excuse for a treat.
But honestly?
Some of our best days are spent right here, exploring the incredible network of footpaths that surround the village, watching the seasons change over the fields.
Charlton OX17 isn't just a place to live; it's a place to belong. For anyone standing where we were five years ago, wondering if the move is worth it—the answer is a resounding yes.
Rebecca lives in Charlton with her husband and two children. Rebecca's husband works in London and her two children attend Beachborough School. Rebecca, orginally from Wales, has lived in Charlton since 2023 and works at The Cherwell Agent. All views are her own.