Beautiful former Rectory, occupying a peaceful setting on the Essex/Suffolk borders, with cottage, outbuildings and parkland-style gardens and grounds of about 22 acres.
The Old Rectory is a beautifully maintained Grade II listed country house, occupying a peaceful and private setting. Set within in its own grounds on the edge of the picturesque and charming village of Little Henny, The Old Rectory is believed to originate from the 17th century, with possibly even earlier beginnings.
This exceptional family home provides just under 6,000 sq ft of accommodation, with practical and versatile rooms suited for a variety of lifestyles. The house occupies about 22 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and grounds, and includes a separate two bedroom cottage, several practical outbuildings, a tennis court, a croquet lawn and a pond.
Inside, a welcoming reception hall opens into spacious and well-proportioned rooms. The ground floor includes four principal reception rooms, a kitchen with a scullery and boot room, a garden room and a guest wing with a living room and bedroom suite, which could be used as extra reception and entertaining space. The first floor offers five bedrooms, one with an en suite, and two family bathrooms. The principal bedroom is notably spacious and provides lovely views over the gardens and surrounding countryside.
The Cottage
Set comfortably away from the main house is a charming cottage, ideal for staff and guest accommodation or multi-generational living. This attractive building is constructed of gault brick and black weatherboarding. The accommodation is set out over one level and includes two bedrooms, a living room with a conservatory, an open-plan kitchen/family room with a utility area, a bathroom and a shower room.
Outside
An impressive, tree-lined gravel drive welcomes visitors to the Old Rectory and leads to the main house before sweeping around to the cottages and barns.
The property sits within a combination of formal and informal gardens that have been meticulously planned and maintained.
Behind the house, there is a York stone terrace, accessed by a tree-lined walkway from the gravel drive, and a stunning sunken pond with two al fresco dining patios.
The front of the house features an expansive croquet lawn centered on a picturesque summer house. The gardens have been thoughtfully planted providing all-year-round colour and interest and feature box hedging, tree-lined walkways, wild flower meadows and winding mowed paths. The grounds include an all-weather tennis court enclosed by hedges and sections allocated for pasture and arable farming. The property includes two sizeable fields. Besides providing views and protection, they can be converted for equestrian use if desired.
Several useful outbuildings and barns are dispersed across the grounds, providing useful storage and potential for other uses, if desired.
All in about 22 acres.
Services
Oil-fired central heating and mains electricity. Private drainage (the vendor's service provider has confirmed verbally that the system is compliant, and is currently investigating if a certificate is required).The property is served by its own bore hole but a mains connection is maintained (further details available upon request).
Local authority: Braintree District Council.
Council tax band: House: Band G, Cottage: Band E.
Agent's note
Some photographs taken in 2021
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
Little Henny offers the perfect blend of rural tranquillity and accessibility. Its picturesque countryside, good schools and convenient transport links make it an attractive location for families, commuters and anyone seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to London and Stansted Airport.
Karl ManningProperty agent