Somerville Residence | 4-Bedroom Apartment with Spa in Oxford

Oxford’s most coveted address for discerning travellers: a meticulously restored four-storey townhouse on Paradise Street where eight guests discover that genuine luxury requires no compromise between historic character and contemporary comfort. Walking distance from the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, and the theatrical quarter, Somerville Residence commands the central stage of Britain’s oldest university city while remaining an intimate retreat from the endless stream of tourists.

Inside Somerville Residence

Somerville Residence sleeps 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, each suite designed as a self-contained sanctuary rather than a functional bedroom. Ground floor living sprawls across a reception room of surprising proportions—high ceilings, a working fireplace, upholstered furniture arranged for conversation or solitude, and French doors that dissolve the boundary between interior and the private courtyard beyond. A flatscreen television sits discreetly in one corner; here, it’s decoration rather than distraction. The dining area flows naturally into a kitchen that redefines what a self-catering holiday can be. A central island anchors the space, surrounded by stainless-steel appliances including twin ovens, a Quooker instant-boil tap (no kettle required), a wine fridge for temperature-controlled storage, and a bean-to-cup coffee machine that delivers café-standard espresso at 6 a.m. A breakfast zone with seating and its own television transforms morning routines into unhurried rituals. A butler’s pantry and cloakroom complete the ground floor’s thoughtful layout.

The first floor hosts two bedroom suites. Both feature super-king-size beds (hand-made, Vi-Spring Elite mattresses—the kind that justify sleeping until noon), dressing areas with full-length mirrors and hanging space, sitting areas with television, and en-suite bathrooms appointed with freestanding baths and oversized raindrop showers. One suite gazes toward the courtyard’s fountain and mature plantings; the other captures views across the roof tiles toward Oxford Castle, particularly atmospheric when the castle’s floodlights illuminate after dark.

The second floor mirrors the first: two identically appointed suites with super-king beds, dressing areas, seating zones, televisions, and en-suite bathrooms. One bedroom retains a Grade II listed ornate plaster ceiling—a visible reminder that you’re staying in a building that predates the American Revolution. These rooms, too, command garden views or the dramatic silhouette of the castle against Oxford’s night sky.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The courtyard garden—accessed via French doors from the reception room—functions as an outdoor room. A Renaissance-style fountain creates the gentle sound of moving water, a psychological anchor that somehow makes the urban setting feel countryside-quiet. Mature trees and climbing plants provide natural walls; you could not ask neighbours to keep their voices down because you cannot see or hear them. Beneath a timber arbour, a large dining table accommodates all eight guests for meals prepared in that exceptional kitchen. Comfortable seating—the kind you sink into—invites lingering conversations over wine as the evening light softens the stone facades. A SONOS multi-room audio system with ceiling-mounted speakers delivers music throughout the property, from the kitchen to the courtyard; the sound quality elevates ordinary moments into something more intentional.

Location: Oxford and the Surrounding Area

Oxford sits at the confluence of the River Thames and the Cherwell, approximately 90 kilometres west of London, reachable in 75 minutes by train from Paddington Station. This is a city where 900 years of architecture coexist: medieval college buildings, Georgian townhouses, Victorian institutions, and 21st-century shops occupy the same streets without contradiction. Paradise Street itself, where Somerville Residence stands, typifies Oxford’s character—narrow, historically layered, lined with independent businesses and cafés.

Walking from the townhouse places you within 500 metres of the Bodleian Library (one of the world’s oldest, still functioning as a working university library), the Radcliffe Camera (an 18th-century masterpiece of English Palladianism), and the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. The Ashmolean Museum—free admission, world-class collections spanning Egyptian mummies to impressionist paintings—lies 800 metres south. Westgate Oxford, a contemporary shopping and dining destination, opens 300 metres from your door; its rooftop bars command panoramic views across the city’s spires. Oxford Castle, dramatically floodlit at night, stands 400 metres away; St. George’s Tower offers 360-degree perspectives from its observation platform.

Restaurants cluster throughout the city centre: Turf Street houses independent eateries ranging from Vietnamese to Mediterranean; the Covered Market (operating since 1774) supplies produce, takeaway food, and specialist grocers within 600 metres. The Eagle and Child pub, where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis regularly convened, serves traditional ales 500 metres away. Oxford’s cycling culture—second only to Cambridge in British academia—means bicycles rent cheaply throughout the city; electric scooters offer a modern alternative for exploring beyond the historic centre.

Excursions extend easily beyond Oxford. Stratford-upon-Avon (37 kilometres north-east via the A435) preserves Shakespeare’s birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatres. Bicester Village, Europe’s largest designer outlet shopping destination, lies 25 kilometres south-east via the A41—coach journeys depart Oxford Brookes University. The Cotswolds, a region of honey-coloured stone villages and rolling countryside, begins 15 kilometres west; the picture-postcard villages of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Chipping Campden form a natural touring circuit. The Thames Walk, a 296-kilometre path following England’s principal river from its source to the sea, passes through Oxford and offers day-walk segments through Godstow and Port Meadow to the north.

For those exploring beyond the South East, Birmingham Airport (100 kilometres north-west, approximately 90 minutes by car) and London’s Heathrow (90 kilometres south-east, approximately 75 minutes by car) provide international connections. Oxford Railway Station, 1 kilometre south of Somerville Residence, connects to London Paddington (75 minutes), London Waterloo (90 minutes), and regional services to Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Wales.

Peak season in Oxford runs May through September, when the weather turns reliably warm (16–22°C) and college gardens open for public viewing. May Week (actually a nine-day period in late May) celebrates the end of university examinations with formal dinners, garden parties, and punting on the Cherwell. April and October offer fewer tourists and pleasantly mild conditions. Christmas markets in November and December transform the city centre into a festive marketplace. Winter brings frost and occasional snow, transforming the colleges into Narnia-like scenes; atmospheric, certainly, but demanding indoor cultural activities. Explore our full collection of luxury properties in Britain & Ireland and discover more about this remarkable region in our The South East travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Somerville Residence accommodates eight guests—the ideal configuration for two couples with adult children, three families with older kids, or a gathering of friends spanning multiple generations. The four en-suite bedrooms eliminate bathroom queues; each suite’s television and sitting area means no one feels compelled to congregate in shared spaces. Extended families relocating temporarily for work find the townhouse particularly suitable; its address in Oxford’s centre reduces commute times to the university and major employers while providing residential comfort that hotels cannot match. Groups celebrating milestone occasions—anniversaries, retirements, landmark birthdays—appreciate the privacy and flexibility to prepare meals, host dinners, and move at their own pace without restaurant reservations or hotel schedules. Professionals attending conferences at Oxford Brookes University or conducting research at the Bodleian Library find themselves steps from their destinations rather than stranded in peripheral business parks.

Practical Information

Somerville Residence accommodates 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The nearest major airport is London Heathrow, approximately 90 kilometres away (75-minute drive); Birmingham Airport lies 100 kilometres north-west (90-minute drive). Oxford Railway Station, 1 kilometre south, connects to London Paddington and regional destinations. Waitrose supermarket operates 400 metres from the townhouse; Tesco Extra occupies 800 metres away. The rental includes full utilities (heating, hot water, electricity), Wi-Fi internet access, linen and towels, SONOS audio system access, and concierge support available on request. Travel cots and high chairs accommodate up to two infants without additional charge. CCTV systems and secure entry provide peace of mind; a professional cleaning service prepares the property before your arrival and restores it after departure. Check-in typically commences at 3 p.m.; check-out at 11 a.m., though flexible arrangements may be negotiated depending on availability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somerville Residence

How many guests does Somerville Residence sleep?

Somerville Residence accommodates 8 guests across 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Each bedroom features a super-king-size bed, meaning the property suits couples or families equally well. Two travel cots and high chairs for infants are available upon request at no additional charge.

What is the nearest airport to Somerville Residence in Oxford?

London Heathrow Airport lies approximately 90 kilometres south-east of Oxford, reachable by car in roughly 75 minutes via the M40 motorway. Birmingham Airport sits 100 kilometres north-west (approximately 90 minutes by car). Oxford Railway Station provides an alternative: direct trains depart for London Paddington (75 minutes) where connections to Heathrow Express reach the airport terminals in 15 minutes.

What is the best time of year to rent Somerville Residence?

May through September offers the most reliable weather—warm days (16–22°C), blue skies, and open college gardens. May Week (late May) celebrates the end of university examinations with formal events and festivities. April and October provide fewer crowds and mild conditions ideal for walking and cycling. November and December bring Christmas markets and atmospheric holiday decorations, though weather turns unpredictable. Winter (December–February) demands indoor cultural activities but transforms the colleges into picturesque, frost-laden scenes.

Is Somerville Residence suitable for families with children?

Yes. The townhouse includes travel cots and high chairs for infants. Four en-suite bathrooms eliminate morning queues; four separate bedrooms mean children enjoy private sleeping spaces while adults access their own sanctuaries. Oxford’s flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths make it exceptionally family-friendly; bicycles rent inexpensively throughout the city. The Ashmolean Museum offers free admission and child-friendly galleries. Port Meadow, 2 kilometres north, provides open parkland for running and exploring. The Cherwell provides gentle punting experiences suitable for families. Restaurants in the Covered Market cater to all dietary preferences and tastes.

What is included in the rental price at Somerville Residence?

The rental includes full utilities (heating, hot water, electricity), Wi-Fi internet access throughout the property, premium linen and towels, access to the SONOS multi-room audio system, and professional pre-arrival cleaning. Concierge services—restaurant reservations, theatre bookings, local recommendations—are available on request. Travel cots and high chairs for infants incur no additional charge. Mid-stay cleaning can be arranged for extended stays.

What restaurants and shops are near Somerville Residence?

The Covered Market (400 metres away, established 1774) houses independent restaurants, bakeries, delicatessens, and grocers. Turf Street (350 metres south) concentrates independent eateries ranging from Vietnamese to Mediterranean cuisines. The Eagle and Child pub (500 metres south-east) serves traditional ales in a historic setting. Westgate Oxford (300 metres south) offers global restaurant chains and boutique shopping. Waitrose supermarket (400 metres away) stocks premium groceries and ready-prepared meals. Borough Kitchen (650 metres away) offers artisan food products and cooking classes.