17th century mansion

Boris Johnson and his wife Caroline Johnson have been looking at Brightwell Manor in the picturesque village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in Oxfordshire, a county in the south of England, the Guardian reported in recent weeks.

They reportedly made an offer to realtors, which was accepted. It is not known how much Johnson eventually offered to pay for the house, which is now listed as "sold under contract".

The nine-bedroom, five-bath house dates from the early 1600s and sits on almost two hectares of land. The grounds are bounded on three sides by a moat, which never dries up as it is fed from its own natural spring.

"The house is replete with period features reflecting both its Tudor and Georgian origins, including high ceilings, large sliding windows with shutters, wood panelling, decorative cornices, open fireplaces and flagstone floors," says the marketing blurb.

The property also has an enclosed garden, tennis court, storage room and a two-car garage. The house has been owned by the same family since 1971. It was formerly owned by William Ralph Inge, a theologian who was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature three times.

The move will add to rumours that Johnson is considering running for election in Oxfordshire rather than his home constituency of 7,200 people in Axbridge.

The couple have also reportedly been eyeing other houses, also in this price range, notably in London's Fulham.

The Johnson couple are currently believed to be living between a London townhouse and a country property in the Cotswolds, provided by Conservative donor Lord Bamford and his wife for £13,500 a month. The Bamfords are friends of the former prime minister and also active Brexit supporters.