Whoever moves into Woodpecker House in Old Boars Hill will be following in some illustrious footsteps, an agent has pointed out.

The detached house, which has two reception rooms and three to four bedrooms, is available to rent immediately.

Bob Urwin, of letting agents Martin & Co, said: “Boars Hill is associated with some famous names. When Matthew Arnold came up to Oxford in 1841, this location provided inspiration and the setting for one of his best known poems, The Scholar Gipsy. The renowned poet of Sea Fever, John Masefield, also lived on the hill.

“Other notable residents of Boars Hill include the sculptor, Oscar Nemon who fled Nazi rule in Vienna at the outbreak of the Second World War and the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, most famous for unearthing the palace of Knossos on the island of Crete and who lived on Boars Hill for nearly 50 years.”

Built in the early 1900s, the house is at the end of a no-through lane. Tenants will find stripped pine floorboards throughout, a kitchen/breakfast room with an extensive range of oak fitted cupboards and a laundry room.

The gardens at the back are laid mainly to lawn with flowering cherry, magnolia, beech hedges and flower borders. A south-facing verandah looks over a brick-paved terrace.

The front garden includes an orchard with apple trees and a gravel footpath leading to a double garage with remote-operated doors.There is also driveway parking for two cars.

Mr Urwin added: “Opportunities to rent detached period homes within substantial grounds and yet less than five miles from Oxford city centre always generate interest.

“In this case, the property is in a location that has true historic note. It is also a charming period house in its own right that offers flexible living accommodation.

“It enjoys a secluded position at the end of a tree-lined walkway and has panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

“Fast access to the ring road provides a dual carriageway link to the A34, M40 and M4.”

Woodpecker House is available, unfurnished, for £1,600 per month.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Martin & Co on 01865 812110 or visit oxford-martinco.co.uk