In the heart of Oxford, Studio Melissa offers a unique retreat with a quirky stained glass window and an abstract acrylic painting by Charles Gassner. Sit back in the antique armchair and look out over the river, or enjoy fibre optic broadband and flat screen TV.
Reviews
9.49.4 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
Sleeps 215 sq m
Popular amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre
Studio Melissa has use of Folly Bridge House’s funky wet room, which it shares with one other studio. Recently designed like the cabin of a ship, with a quirky stained glass window, you can stand under the shower and spy on the river life below.
What you gain in this studio is the full, tall-ceilinged, big windowed extent of the original Georgian house. The Dutch-born artist Charles Gassner offers a spectacular abstract acrylic painting above the mantel piece. The water theme is maintained by a dazzling pen ink drawing on the southern wall: ‘Currents’ by Paul du Toit.
In Studio Melissa you can sit back in an antique South African stinkwood armchair with cowhide seat and look south and east over the river and footbridge to the pool beyond where canoeists disappear mysteriously into a tunnel in Folly Bridge, emerging far downstream, out of sight. Folly Bridge House has been beautifully restored by a potter and a writer. It has 7 self-contained studio apartments (for more information on the whole house search for follybridgehouse). Each apartment is hung with objects from the owners collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Each is equipped with the elegant necessities of city living, including fibre optic broadband and flat screen TV. Folly Bridge House strives for an Eco and Fair Trade ethos.
Only ten minutes walk from the High Street, the colleges of Oxford University and the shops, restaurants and cinemas of the New Westgate Centre, Folly Bridge House lets you be in the bright lights in a moment and yet return to the tranquillity of the river.
FBH is perfect for individuals, couples or groups of colleagues, seeking the epicentre of the city but wanting something different. Folly Bridge House caters particularly to visiting academics.
Oxford’s most fashionable riverside restaurant, stands across the courtyard. The Folly offers a discount to our guests. Across the road is the famous old Head of the River Pub.
There is superfast fibre optic broadband, a flatscreen TV/DVD and hairdryer. The latest in ventilation systems removes cooking smells, steam and Oxford’s notorious damp climate from the apartment replacing them with fresh, warmed air from above the trees at a rate of 180 cubic metres per hour.
The studio is furnished with double bed, a round dining table with chairs and a comfortable armchair. The wardrobe has a mirror glass door, a hanging rail, and 3 drawers. It is W50xD60xH236.
Melissa s kitchen is equipped with stainless steel worktop, double induction hob, full-sized undercounter fridge, combination convection oven/microwave/grill and all the elegant necessities of city living.
Clothes washing and drying/ironing facilities are provided on the lower ground floor. Gated parking in front of the house, is available at extra charge.
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Pool
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Shower
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near an outlet shopping centre
On a river
On the waterfront
Things to do
Tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Motor boating nearby
Swimming nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
please check inventory on arrival
please remember this property has a shared bathroom
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located on the waterfront, this apartment is in South Oxford, a neighbourhood in Oxford. Oxford Ice Rink and Waterperry Gardens are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Bicester Village and Covered Market. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Iffley Road Track or Kassam Stadium. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hiking nearby. Visit our Oxford travel guide
Does Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
Is Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre located?
Located in South Oxford, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Thames Path and University of Oxford. Thames River is steps away. Oxford Station is 18 minutes by foot.
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Luxury Apartment with river views in the city centre Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
I stayed here over an induction week for work and loved the location on the Thames. The room is a little small and has a shared bathroom, but if you just need a base to sleep in then it’s great. Estera, the housekeeper, was lovely and easy to contact at all times.
Lovely hosts and excellent housekeeping. Beautiful, thoughtful space with eco-friendly amenities and impressive, unique art. Ideally located, gorgeous views. Could not recommend higher.
Caroline M.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Maria
1 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
What a fantastic place to stay in the centre of Oxford! We stayed in studio Melissa with its double aspect view of the river. How beautiful to wake up to these views in the morning. The shared 'wetroom' was compact but the shower is lovely and the additional heater welcome. The ability to park at the property is a huge bonus.We wouldn't hesitate to book again.
I was studying at Oxford and was unfamiliar with the city but found this gem of a place to stay, Folly Bridge House, which was centrally located. Catriona and her housekeeper were responsive. I would stay there again. I loved having a water view.
Christie D.
Stayed 31 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Darren W.
10 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Whilst the room, property and location were amazing, the house keeper was great, kind and considerate, the communication before arrival was really poor. Messages ignored and didn’t know how I was going to access the property until I arrived.