The Shark House consists of a 25ft long fibreglass and steel sculpture of a shark, formally titled “Untitled 1986”, crashing through the roof of an ot ... The Shark House consists of a 25ft long fibreglass and steel sculpture of a shark, formally titled “Untitled 1986”, crashing through the roof of an ot herwise average house on a quiet residential street in rural Oxford. The sculpture was conceived of by my late father Bill Heine and sculptor John Buckley, created in secret, and erected without planning permission to the shock of many on 9th August 1986, starting what ended up being a six-year long battle to keep it.
While the initial reaction to the shark was heavily polarized, the sculpture quickly gained a strong national and international following, with people coming from all over the country to speak in its defence at various public forums. The battle with the council progressively escalated through the courts and finally all the way up to the national government, where the secretary for the environment Michael Heseltine finally made a personal visit and ruled that it should be allowed to stay.
Recently opened to the public, you now have the opportunity to stay in this local landmark, a stylish Victorian cottage with a unique sculpture in the roof. Four double bedrooms & four Bathrooms - Large sitting room - Oxford city centre 1.5 miles with excellent bus service
We can sleep up to 10 guests including two King size beds and two double beds. We also have two very good fold out Boconcept single beds which easily fit in the large upstairs bedrooms. There is also a double sofa bed in the sitting room (available on request, minimum advance notice 3 days if you would like this made up).
Stay in a local landmark, a large, stylish double fronted Victorian house with a unique sculpture in the roof...
Oxford city centre 1.5 miles with excellent bus services.
Close to Universities, hospitals, M40 to London.
Washing machine, tumble dryer and iron all in separate utility room and free to use.
TV with SKY Channels.
Free Fast Wifi.
The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, gas hob, electric fan oven, kettle and large toaster.
Garden room and private walled rear garden.
Off street parking for one car at the rear of the house. The parking bay is accessed under an arch, maximum height 2.12m, width 2.25m. Parking is in front of the white garage door - the garage is unavailable due to renovation work.
There are also two baby cots available on request (minimum advance notice two days if you would like them made up, but you are welcome to do this yourselves) and one high chair can be arranged on request.
Please note the dining table in the kitchen seats up to 8 guests comfortably when fully extended.
Please note that there are steps down into the back garden.
Please leave the house as you find it.
I live in Headington and I am happy to help you during your stay.
Central Headington is a thriving community very close to Oxford city centre, (about 1.5 miles from the High Street). There are excellent bus routes from London and London airports and into Oxford. Headington is very well serviced by traditional pubs, cafes, bistros, parks and supermarkets (Waitrose). The Churchill, John Radcliffe and Nuffield Hospitals are located very nearby as is the Old Road Campus of the University of Oxford and the main campus for Oxford Brookes University.
5 - 10 minute walk from the Oxford Tube, X90 and Heathrow/Gatwick Express
Parking for 1 car at the rear of the property. On road parking for additional vehicles may be arranged for a small charge (please ask).
Please be aware that the parking bay at the rear of the house is accessed under an arch, the maximum height is 2.12m and width is 2.25m. If you are unsure, please ask it is usually possible to arrange on street parking permits, this will incur a small charge.
The house is located on a one way street, with access from London Road.
The London Road end of New High Street is host to a vibrant artisan produce and farmers market on Saturday mornings. Access to the house, including by car, is unaffected.
Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper
