Park Close House
Historic House is Home for Bloxham's Youngest Boarders

A picture hangs in the children's lounge at Park Close which gives an important link with school's the past. When Philip Reginald Egerton started his school in Bloxham he installed as his bursar his brother, Hubert Decimus Egerton, the tenth child born to Egerton's parents. Hubert purchased the very grand Park Close to be his family home and a picture, dated 1873, drawn with pen and ink, shows three of his own children playing in the garden which has changed so little over almost 150 years and still affords one of the finest views across the roof - tops towards the spire of St Mary's Church.

Park Close House as viewed from the garden.

2005 saw a new beginning for Park Close after a major period of refurbishment which has transformed the house into a splendid home for the 18 weekly boarders and their Houseparents, Nick and Nuala Irvine. Barkeley, a young  and playful golden retriever, is also an important member of the Park Close gang and adds to the homely nature of the environment.

Apples Cookery School is a regular treat!

Concentration in the kitchen!

Catering for boys and girls the House now has a capacity of around 20 and is expected to be full very soon! The bedrooms (not dormitories!) have a mixture of beds and bunks and sleep a maximum of 4 children per room. There is a fantastic lounge for the youngsters as well as rooms for music, computing, indoor games and the ever popular PS2.

Concentration in the Apples Kitchen.

The childrens' lounge at Park Close

But the real benefit for the boarders is the immediate access onto the delightful and secure Park Close playing fields with tennis courts, cricket nets, and open space for playing.

Barkeley - the Park Close mascot!

A shot of Park Close taken on a crisp November morning.

The garden is also now used for entertaining cricketers and their parents during matches played away from the main campus. It makes an enchanting venue and keeps up the tradition of Park Close as being a place of hospitality and entertainment.

Relaxing in the lounge

The children board from either Sunday evening or Monday morning until friday afternoon when thy are collected by parents from the House. For further information about weekly boarding at Park Close please contact Nick Irvine on either 01295 724332 or 721712.

Everybody loves a birthday cake!

Guess who?

Another birthday - David makes it to 13!

A spirited "Happy Birthday to You" - Barkeley eyes the cake!