Built 1635 and remodelled in the 18th Century, Rousham House has been in the possession of the same family all its life. The house is open by appointment, for group tours. Contact if interested.
The gardens were laid out by Charles Bridgeman (an earlier proponent of the natural style than Capability Brown). William Ken, who also worked on Stowe, then modified it to create an Augustan landscape - a little bit of classical Rome in the English countryside. There are statues, follies, paths and the river Cherwell. The gardens are open every day of the year. No dogs are allowed; and no under 15s except by prior arrangement. There are no gift shops or tea rooms.
Public transport: by train the nearest station is Heyford (roughly 15 minutes walk). By bus, some of the S4 buses (Oxford to Banbury) stop nearby.
Contact [email protected] if you're interested in hiring the venue for a wedding.