01865 420063

For over 40 years, Lynch Brother Homes has delivered exceptional building services throughout Oxfordshire. Established in 1984 and now spanning three generations of family expertise, we’re TrustMark registered and Federation of Master Builders members—credentials that represent independently verified standards on every project.
Whether you’re extending a period cottage, converting a loft, renovating a property, or working on homes within the Heyford Park development, we bring proven experience, professional project management, and genuine craftsmanship that transforms houses into homes.
Upper Heyford, approximately 6 miles northwest of Bicester, presents fascinating building opportunities. The village combines historic properties near the 11th-century St Mary’s Church with the substantial Heyford Park development on the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase.
This diversity means we work on everything from Listed buildings and period cottages to contemporary new-builds—each requiring different approaches, specialist knowledge, and careful attention to detail. From our Cumnor base, we’re ideally positioned to serve Upper Heyford and the beautiful Cherwell Valley communities.
We cover all OX25 postcodes including Upper Heyford village, Heyford Park development, and surrounding areas such as Lower Heyford, Somerton, Fritwell, Steeple Aston, Middle Aston, North Aston, Kirtlington, Duns Tew, and Middleton Stoney. From our Cumnor base, Upper Heyford is approximately 30 minutes away via the A34 and B4030, placing it comfortably within our core service area. We work regularly throughout the Cherwell Valley and maintain excellent relationships with Cherwell District Council planning and building control departments.
Absolutely. Upper Heyford’s historic core includes Listed buildings and properties within conservation areas requiring specialist approaches. We have extensive experience with period properties, understanding traditional construction methods, lime mortars, timber framing, and Listed building consent requirements. St Mary’s Church, the magnificent New College tithe barn from circa 1400, and various 17th-18th century cottages demonstrate Upper Heyford’s architectural heritage—we’re experienced working sympathetically with similar period properties throughout Oxfordshire.
Yes, we work extensively on new developments. Heyford Park, built on the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase, represents one of Oxfordshire’s largest residential developments with over 1,000 homes. We’re experienced with modern construction methods, building regulations compliance, and the specific requirements of properties built within the last 10-15 years. Whether you need extensions, internal reconfigurations, or upgrades to newer properties, we understand contemporary construction and how to work with it effectively.
Upper Heyford’s proximity to the conservation area, Listed buildings, and the historic RAF Upper Heyford heritage site means planning applications receive careful scrutiny from Cherwell District Council. We’re experienced navigating these requirements, understanding heritage considerations, preparing applications correctly, and liaising with conservation officers and planning departments. We guide you through the process, recommend experienced architects when beneficial, and secure necessary approvals before work begins.
Three generations of family expertise starting with grandfather John T Lynch in the 1950s. Directors Henry and John Lynch both began as apprentice carpenters and progressed through every aspect of the trade. We employ 50+ skilled professionals directly—no subcontracting core trades—ensuring quality control at every stage. Our awards include Property Developer of the Year at the Oxfordshire Business Awards and finalist status at the Jack FM Brick Awards 2023 for Business of the Year. We pioneer sustainable building methods including PassivHaus and EnerPhit standards, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge building science.
Project duration depends on scope and complexity. Single-storey extensions typically require 8-12 weeks, loft conversions 6-10 weeks, and complete house renovations 12-20 weeks or longer. We provide realistic timescales during consultation, maintain clear communication throughout, and complete projects on schedule. Our experienced project management—including weekly team coordination meetings—ensures work progresses smoothly with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Building work represents significant investment and choosing the right builder matters profoundly. Families throughout Upper Heyford, Heyford Park, and the Cherwell Valley trust Lynch Brother Homes because we combine proven expertise with genuine family values—this isn’t corporate building, it’s personal service from a third-generation business where quality trumps cutting corners.
Our 75-year heritage began with grandfather John T Lynch in the 1950s, working on what’s now the Clarendon Centre in Oxford. Directors Henry and John Lynch both started as apprentice carpenters, progressed through every trade aspect, and now lead our team of 50+ professionals with the same care they’d want for their own families. Henry won Oxfordshire’s Best Apprentice Award early in his career and was later recognised as Young Business Person of the Year at the Oxfordshire Business Awards—this hands-on experience means they understand your project intimately.
With all tradespeople employed directly rather than subcontracted, we control quality at every stage. Our TrustMark registration and Federation of Master Builders membership represent independently verified standards maintained on every project. Recent recognition includes finalist at the Jack FM Brick Awards 2023 for Business of the Year, plus multiple Oxfordshire Business Awards including Property Developer of the Year.
Our comprehensive service through the Lynch Group of companies sets us apart. When we install specialist liquid screed flooring, it’s through J&H Lynch, England’s most trusted specialists. When we handle professional painting and decorating, it’s through Noble Painting & Decorating, our high-end finishing specialists. This integrated approach means specialist expertise without coordinating multiple contractors.
Beyond traditional building, we pioneer sustainable construction—offering PassivHaus standard building and EnerPhit retrofits for ultra-low-energy homes. Whether creating more space, renovating period properties, or building new, you benefit from decades of refined processes, modern techniques, and genuine commitment to quality outcomes.
From extending historic cottages to converting lofts and undertaking complete renovations, we provide comprehensive building services tailored to Upper Heyford’s diverse property types.
Creating additional living space transforms how your home works. Whether you need a larger kitchen-diner, extra bedrooms, or dedicated home office, well-designed extensions add genuine value and functionality.
Upper Heyford’s varied housing stock—from period cottages near St Mary’s Church to contemporary homes in Heyford Park—means different extension approaches. Historic properties require sympathetic design respecting original architecture, matching materials like Cotswold stone or traditional brickwork. Modern properties in Heyford Park offer opportunities for contemporary glass extensions and open-plan living spaces.
Single-storey extensions prove popular for kitchen-diners, garden rooms, or utility spaces. Many Upper Heyford properties, particularly those along High Street and Mill Lane, have generous gardens providing excellent extension opportunities. We handle all aspects: ground preparation and foundation construction, blockwork and brickwork matching existing, structural steelwork where required, roof construction and weatherproofing, windows and doors, plastering and finishing, electrical and plumbing installations, and liquid screed flooring through J&H Lynch.
Two-storey extensions maximise additional space, typically adding ground-floor living areas plus first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms above. These require careful structural planning and we coordinate everything: deeper foundations for heavier loads, structural calculations by chartered engineers, matching existing building styles, ensuring seamless integration with your home, and comprehensive internal finishing throughout both floors.
Planning permission requirements vary depending on size, position, proximity to boundaries, and conservation area considerations. We guide you through the process, working with architects experienced in Upper Heyford’s planning context, preparing applications accurately, and liaising with Cherwell District Council planning officers to secure approval.
Loft conversions offer exceptional value, transforming unused roof space into beautiful bedrooms, home offices, or studios. Our loft conversion expertise ensures we maximise space whilst maintaining structural integrity and achieving full building regulations compliance.
Suit properties with sufficient headroom and roof pitch. We install quality Velux roof windows for natural light, strengthen floor joists to building regulations standards, install proper insulation meeting current thermal requirements, create safe staircase access, extend electrical, heating, and plumbing services, and finish to high standards with plastering, carpentry, and decoration.
Increase usable space and headroom significantly. Dormers provide full-height areas ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms. Construction involves: structural calculations and building regulations approval, roof alterations and dormer construction, weatherproofing with lead flashings and proper detailing, new windows and doors providing excellent light, internal carpentry and finishes, and full electrical and heating installations.
Work brilliantly on semi-detached properties, converting sloping roof sections into vertical gable walls. This dramatically increases usable floor space, creating room for larger bedrooms or even en-suite bathrooms. We handle all structural aspects, party wall considerations, and external weatherproofing.
All loft conversions include proper building regulations approval, structural engineer calculations, fire safety compliance including escape windows, appropriate insulation for energy efficiency, and professional finishes throughout.
Breathing new life into properties through complete renovation transforms not just appearance but how spaces work. Upper Heyford’s period properties particularly benefit from comprehensive updates respecting historic character whilst improving modern functionality.
Require specific expertise. Upper Heyford’s historic core features 17th-19th century cottages, farmhouses, and Listed buildings built using traditional methods. We understand: traditional construction with lime mortars and breathable materials, timber frame repairs and conservation, upgrading heating and electrical systems whilst respecting original features, improving insulation without damaging historic fabric, restoring original features including fireplaces, timber floors, and decorative elements, and navigating Listed building consent and conservation area requirements.
In Heyford Park and newer developments focus on updating layouts, improving energy efficiency, and creating contemporary living spaces. Common work includes: reconfiguring internal layouts for open-plan living, replacing or upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, modernising heating systems, rewiring to current standards, replacing windows and doors where needed, and comprehensive redecorating by Noble Painting & Decorating.
Our renovation service encompasses everything from initial survey and feasibility assessment through to final decoration. We coordinate all trades, manage building regulations applications, maintain clear communication throughout, and deliver renovations on time and budget.
Kitchens represent the heart of most homes. Our kitchen installation service transforms this crucial space through expert planning, quality materials, and meticulous installation.
We partner with leading kitchen suppliers or work with your chosen kitchen company, handling all building aspects: removing old kitchens and making good, structural work for open-plan designs, installing new services—plumbing, electrical, gas, creating proper ventilation systems, plastering and decorating, fitting units to manufacturer specifications, installing appliances and worktops, and professional tiling by our skilled team.
Many Upper Heyford homeowners combine kitchen installations with extensions—creating larger kitchen-diners or completely open-plan ground floors. We coordinate all aspects seamlessly, ensuring perfect results whether working in period cottages or contemporary Heyford Park homes.
Bathroom installations require technical expertise—plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation, and precise tiling. We’ve completed hundreds of bathrooms across Oxfordshire, from compact cloakrooms to luxury en-suites, always ensuring perfect function and beautiful finishes.
Our bathroom service includes: complete removal of existing bathroom, replumbing to current standards, electrical work including lighting, showers, and underfloor heating, proper tanking and waterproofing, installing quality sanitaryware, professional tiling to walls and floors, plastering and decorating, heating systems including radiators or underfloor heating, and ventilation systems meeting building regulations.
Older Upper Heyford properties often feature dated bathrooms requiring complete replacement. We’re experienced updating these spaces, sometimes reconfiguring layouts or converting box rooms into en-suites. Loft conversions often include new bathrooms, requiring careful planning for water pressure, drainage, and ventilation.
Your roof protects everything beneath it. We provide comprehensive roofing services from minor repairs to complete re-roofs, always prioritising quality materials and workmanship.
Services include: roof repairs and maintenance, complete re-roofing with traditional tiles, slate, or modern materials, flat roof replacement with high-performance membranes, fascias, soffits, and guttering, leadwork and flashing repairs, and roof insulation upgrades meeting current standards.
Period properties in Upper Heyford often feature original stone slate or clay tiles requiring specialist repair or replacement. We’re experienced working with traditional roofing materials, matching existing where necessary, and ensuring work respects heritage character whilst providing modern weatherproofing performance.
Quality carpentry runs through every project we complete—it’s where directors John and Henry Lynch started their careers as apprentices. Our carpentry team handles everything from structural timber work through to fine joinery and finishing touches.
Carpentry services include: first-fix carpentry (timber studwork, floor joists, roof carpentry), second-fix carpentry (skirting, architrave, doors, staircases), bespoke joinery including fitted wardrobes and storage, window and door installations, timber floor installations, and roof carpentry for extensions and loft conversions.
Period Upper Heyford properties sometimes require specialist joinery matching original features—traditional doors, sash windows, or ornate timber details. Our experienced joiners understand these traditional skills whilst being equally adept with modern materials and methods.
External appearance matters, and rendering provides both protection and attractive finishes. Through our sister company J&H Lynch, we’re specialists in external rendering including spray rendering, K-rend systems, and traditional render finishes.
Rendering services include: traditional sand and cement render, modern K-rend systems in various textures and colours, spray rendering for smooth professional finishes, render repairs and patching, external wall insulation with rendered finish, and comprehensive weatherproofing.
We pioneer sustainable construction, offering PassivHaus standard building and EnerPhit retrofits—ultra-low-energy homes providing exceptional comfort, minimal running costs, and environmental benefits.
PassivHaus principles involve: superior insulation levels, airtight construction, high-performance windows and doors, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and detailed thermal bridge-free design. For those undertaking major renovations or new builds, achieving PassivHaus standards creates homes requiring minimal heating, staying comfortable year-round, and having excellent air quality.
Beyond major projects, we provide comprehensive building services including: damp-proofing and treatment, structural repairs, brickwork repairs and repointing, new driveways and landscaping, general maintenance and repairs, and insurance work following damage.
View our complete range of services or browse our completed projects gallery to see the quality we deliver.
Upper Heyford, situated approximately 6 miles northwest of Bicester, combines rich medieval heritage with dramatic 20th-century transformation. The village sits beside the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal, surrounded by working farmland in the beautiful Cherwell Valley.
The village name derives from Old English meaning “ford used at the time of the hay harvest”—a ford across the Cherwell that served agricultural communities for centuries. The Domesday Book of 1086 records the village as “Haiford”, with a manor of 10 hides owned by Norman baron Robert D’Oyly. The manor became part of the Honour of Wallingford, passing through various noble families including the de Chesney family and later the Earls of Devon.
The village acquired its alternative name “Heyford Warren” from Warin FitzGerold, who succeeded to the manor by 1198. His daughter Margaret married Baldwin de Redvers, connecting Heyford to the powerful Earls of Devon. After complex inheritance disputes following Isabella de Fortibus’s death in 1293, the manor eventually went to the de Lisle family.
In 1380, Robert de Lisle sold Heyford Warren manor, along with land at Barford St Michael and the nearby manor of Fritwell, to William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, for £1,000. Wykeham made these estates part of his endowment for founding New College, Oxford—one of England’s great medieval colleges. New College retained the manor into the 20th century, creating an unbroken institutional ownership spanning over 570 years.
Around 1400, New College constructed a magnificent tithe barn at Manor Farm. This exceptional building—120 feet long by 24 feet wide, spanning nine bays—was built of coursed rubble with ashlar quoins and buttresses. The barn survives today as a testament to medieval agricultural architecture and engineering, representing one of Upper Heyford’s most significant historic structures.
St Mary’s Church has served Upper Heyford since at least AD 1074. Inside survives a 14th-century recumbent effigy of a priest in an arched recess—a rare example of medieval memorial sculpture. The church may have been rebuilt in the late 15th century, with only the Perpendicular Gothic west tower surviving from that period. Major repairs occurred in 1668 and 1769, but by the 1860s the nave and chancel had deteriorated badly. In 1865, architect Thomas Talbot Bury designed a new church in Gothic Revival style, completed in 1867. This Victorian building, with its regular coursed masonry, contrasts conspicuously with the tower’s traditional medieval rubble construction.
The Portway, a pre-Roman road running parallel with the River Cherwell about a mile east of the river, bisects Upper Heyford parish. This ancient route connected communities along the Cherwell Valley for millennia before Roman occupation, with part forming the current minor road to Kirtlington.
In 1787, the Oxford Canal extended south from Banbury through the Cherwell Valley to Northbrook near Kirtlington, passing through Upper Heyford parish just west of the village. Allen’s Lock, located just north of the village, remains an attractive feature on this historic waterway. The canal brought commercial transport opportunities, connecting Upper Heyford to the national canal network.
The Oxford and Rugby Railway, authorised in 1845, opened its Oxford-Banbury section in September 1850. The line passes through the northwest corner of Upper Heyford parish, crossing both the River Cherwell and Oxford Canal—a remarkable concentration of transport infrastructure. Heyford Station (now officially “Heyford” rather than “Lower Heyford”) serves both Upper and Lower Heyford communities, providing rail connections to Oxford, Banbury, and London.
The most dramatic transformation came with RAF Upper Heyford. Concerns over French occupation of the Rhineland in 1923 led to establishing a strategic bomber force capable of reaching France. Land was purchased in 1924-25, with the airfield opening in 1927. RAF bombers including Handley Page Hyderabads, Hinaidis, and Heyfords (the latter taking the station’s name) operated from Upper Heyford through the interwar period.
During World War II, RAF Bomber Command used the airfield for training crews on Hampdens, Wellingtons, and later Mosquitos. Post-war, it served various RAF training roles until 1950.
The Cold War brought renewed strategic importance. In 1950, the United States Air Force selected Upper Heyford as one of four Oxfordshire airbases for Strategic Air Command’s nuclear-capable bombers. The runway was extended to accommodate massive aircraft like the Convair B-36 Peacemaker and Boeing B-50 Superfortress. At its Cold War peak, Upper Heyford became one of Europe’s most important USAF bases, once boasting the second longest runway in Europe.
For over four decades, Upper Heyford housed American military personnel and their families, creating a substantial community alongside the village. The base brought economic benefits, international connections, and dramatic Cold War tensions to this quiet Oxfordshire village.
RAF Upper Heyford closed in 1994 following the Cold War’s end. The massive airfield site—covering over 12 square miles—stood largely abandoned for years, with disused bunkers, water towers, hangars, and fences creating an eerie landscape of Cold War relics.
Since 2009, Heyford Park has transformed the former airfield into one of Oxfordshire’s largest residential developments. Dorchester Group’s masterplan includes over 1,000 new homes alongside commercial spaces, employment hubs, and community facilities. Heyford Park Free School, opened in 2013 in the refurbished Officers’ Mess, provides education for children aged 3-19. A Heritage Centre, opened in 2019, displays artifacts from the airfield’s history and runs guided tours showcasing Cold War architecture.
The development creates a new settlement whilst preserving significant Cold War heritage. The runway stores new cars awaiting delivery—a peaceful commercial use for what was once a strategic nuclear bomber base. Many original buildings have been converted to industrial units, creative studios, and commercial spaces, breathing new life into structures built during one of history’s tensest periods.
We regularly work throughout villages surrounding Upper Heyford:
About a mile downstream along the Cherwell Valley, features attractive period properties, the Oxford Canal, and Heyford Station. The village combines riverside charm with excellent transport links.
North of Upper Heyford along the Cherwell Valley, offers rural character with varied property types. The village forms part of the Cherwell Valley Benefice connecting local communities.
Approximately 2½ miles northeast, combines agricultural heritage with residential growth. The village benefits from proximity to Bicester whilst maintaining rural character.
East of Upper Heyford, represents a substantial Cherwell Valley village with comprehensive facilities, varied housing stock, and strong community identity.
Smaller settlements in the Cherwell Valley, feature attractive period properties and rural charm. These communities maintain strong agricultural connections.
Accessible via the ancient Portway route, offers another historic Cherwell Valley village with period architecture and modern developments. The village combines heritage with contemporary living.
Complete the network of communities we serve regularly, each offering distinct character and varied building opportunities.
From Upper Heyford, we’re approximately 30 minutes to our Cumnor office via the A34 and B4030, placing the village and Heyford Park development comfortably within our core service area. Regular work throughout this region means we’ve built relationships with Cherwell District Council planning officers, building control, and architectural practices—streamlining processes for our clients.
Starting building projects raises questions about costs, timescales, planning requirements, and managing disruption. We’ve refined our process over 40 years to make everything straightforward, transparent, and stress-free as possible.
Your project begins with conversation—phone, email, or face-to-face at your property. We discuss your ideas, assess feasibility, and provide initial guidance on planning, building regulations, and ballpark costs. This consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation.
For serious projects, we conduct thorough property surveys including measurements, photographs, and structural assessment. We identify potential challenges, opportunities for improved design, and any issues needing attention.
Working with your ideas and our experience, we develop detailed proposals. For complex projects, we recommend architects or structural engineers and coordinate their involvement. We prepare and submit planning applications where required, handle building regulations submissions, and ensure all approvals are secured before work begins.
Our quotes break down all costs clearly—labour, materials, subcontractor services, and project management. We explain what’s included, anticipated timescales, and payment schedule.
Once you accept our quote, we schedule your project. A dedicated project manager coordinates all aspects: ordering materials, scheduling tradespeople, booking building inspections, communicating progress, and resolving issues promptly.
Our employed tradespeople maintain clean, safe work environments. We respect your home—protecting floors, minimising dust, and maintaining security. Regular updates keep you informed about progress.
Throughout construction, we maintain quality standards through regular inspections. Building regulations compliance checks happen at required stages.
Projects finish with thorough cleaning, final inspections, and addressing any minor issues. We provide building regulations completion certificates, guarantee documentation, and care guidance.
Our commitment extends beyond completion. We respond promptly to any concerns, honour our guarantees fully, and maintain relationships with clients.
Family Values: Three generations of building expertise create genuine understanding. Directors Henry and John Lynch both started as apprentice carpenters and now lead 50+ professionals with the same care they’d want for their own families.
Quality Focus: We’re not the cheapest builders and don’t try to be. Our focus is value—exceptional quality at fair prices.
Complete Service: From planning permission through completion, we handle everything. The Lynch Group’s five companies provide comprehensive capabilities without subcontracting.
Clear Communication: Building work shouldn’t feel mysterious. We explain processes clearly, provide regular updates, and maintain transparency.
Professional Standards: TrustMark registration and Federation of Master Builders membership represent independently verified standards maintained on every project.
Track Record: Award-winning builders recognised at Oxfordshire Business Awards, Jack FM Brick Awards, and other industry accolades. More importantly, 40 years of completed projects, satisfied clients, and mostly referral-based work.
Innovation and Sustainability: PassivHaus expertise, EnerPhit retrofits, and sustainable building methods set us apart.
Respect and Professionalism: Clean sites, polite tradespeople, respect for your home and routine.
Based in Cumnor, Oxford, we serve Upper Heyford, Heyford Park, and throughout the Cherwell Valley including Lower Heyford, Somerton, Fritwell, Steeple Aston, Middle Aston, North Aston, Kirtlington, Duns Tew, Middleton Stoney, Ardley, Souldern, and surrounding villages. Our service area extends throughout Oxfordshire and into South-East England where our expertise matches project requirements.
Ready to discuss your building project in Upper Heyford or Heyford Park? Whether you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, complete renovation, or new build, we’d love to hear about your ideas and explain how we can help.
Phone: 01865 420063
Website: lynchbrotherhomes.co.uk
Address: Unit 2, Bradley Farm, Cumnor, Oxford, OX2 9QU
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your project, answer questions, and provide honest advice about feasibility, costs, and timescales. No sales pressure—just helpful guidance from builders who genuinely care about quality outcomes.
Yes, we’re experienced with modern developments and contemporary construction methods. Heyford Park’s mixture of house types—from apartments to family homes—all benefit from our professional building services. Whether you need extensions, internal reconfigurations, or quality upgrades, we understand modern construction and how to work with it effectively.
Absolutely. Upper Heyford includes Listed buildings requiring Listed building consent for alterations. We guide you through the process, working with conservation officers, heritage consultants, and architects experienced in heritage work. Our experience means we understand what’s acceptable, how to present proposals effectively, and how to achieve quality outcomes respecting historic character.
Upper Heyford’s conservation area means stricter planning requirements for visible alterations. We’re experienced preparing applications for conservation area properties, understanding heritage considerations, and liaising with Cherwell District Council conservation officers. We guide you through requirements, recommend experienced architects when beneficial, and secure necessary approvals.
Yes, initial consultations and quotations are provided free without obligation. We visit your property, discuss your requirements, assess feasibility, and provide detailed written quotations breaking down all costs.
We minimise disruption through careful planning and respectful working practices: protecting existing rooms and furnishings, containing dust and mess, maintaining security, working reasonable hours, coordinating deliveries efficiently, keeping sites clean and tidy, and communicating clearly about what’s happening when.
All work is fully guaranteed and insured. As TrustMark registered builders, we meet government-endorsed standards for quality and customer protection. Our Federation of Master Builders membership provides additional protection through their dispute resolution service.
Yes, we coordinate all building regulations compliance. For extensions, loft conversions, and renovations, we ensure: structural calculations are completed by chartered engineers, work meets all current standards, building control inspections happen at required stages, and completion certificates are provided at project end.
Lynch Brother Homes has delivered professional building services throughout Oxfordshire since 1984. TrustMark registered and Federation of Master Builders members, we combine three generations of family expertise with modern building techniques to create homes that enhance how you live. From our base in Cumnor, we serve Upper Heyford, Heyford Park, and communities throughout the Cherwell Valley with the quality, professionalism, and personal service that only a genuine family builder provides.
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