Gingerbread home named after old Douglas family

[William Douglas]

A gingerbread house was once three cottages owned by local farmers who can be traced back to the mid-18th century.

The properties were built using Hornton or ‘gingerbread’ stone that is a feature of many Oxford colleges.

Douglas House, in Chipping Warden, is named after one of the old farming families and has many period features including stone fireplaces and exposed beams. There is a 30ft-long sitting room, a family room, dining room and a kitchen and breakfast room.

According to agents, Douglas House needs some updating, although the owners have made a number of improvements, including adding solar panels and double glazing. The garden includes a sun terrace, lawn and a heated swimming pool.

Douglas House is on the market for £525,000.

Thomas Douglas of Chipping Warden is one of the contenders to be the ancestor of William Douglas, b1610. However, this claim comes with a large health warning!