Highly appointed unlisted Georgian Hall and two bedroom cottage in about 1.8 acres.
This exquisite Georgian Hall, dating back to 1811, offers light, elegant and beautifully finished accommodation throughout. Set at the heart of its grounds, surrounded by farmland, it enjoys a convenient location on the outskirts of two bustling town centres. Accessed via a long driveway and secure electric gates, the property provides a sense of grandeur upon arrival and includes a separate cottage, making it perfect for multi-generational living.
The house has been sympathetically restored with period colour tones, restored wooden floors and fireplaces. It has a great deal of natural light, having deep sash windows. An impressive wood finished hall extends the full depth of the house, with high ceilings - a common theme throughout the house. Overlooking the front drive is the beautifully appointed kitchen with bespoke cabinetry in a Shaker style, which has been hand painted and contrasts with black granite worktops. A lovely feature of the room is a deep front window and window seat under. The kitchen is open to a breakfast area which includes an inglenook floor-to-ceiling fireplace with log burner. Adjacent is a utility room with door into a courtyard. On the opposite side of the hall, overlooking the front drive, is an impressive dining room with deep sash windows, wall panelling, fireplace and deep cornice. Overlooking the garden is an elegant drawing room with fireplace and floor-to-ceiling window framing views of the garden. The west wing is a substantial single-storey link, incorporating a snug, a study and a 32 ft family room with many windows framing views over the gardens.
The cellar is a fully functional part of the house, used as a playroom or hobby space, games room with bar, wine cellar and gym.
The bedroom accommodation is over two floors and contains up to seven bedrooms. The principal bedroom suite extends the full depth of the house and includes a dressing area and en suite bathroom. There are two further en suite bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. The second floor has up to four bedrooms and a bathroom. This floor would work well as an 'apartment' for an older child.
The main house, which is not listed, is constructed of red brick under a tiled roof. It enjoys an elevated position on the brow of a hill overlooking fields. The house is set well away from roads despite being within easy reach of Rayleigh.
The front grounds are gated and include a circular drive with a central lawn, and overlooks a small pond, part of a former moat. In addition there is garaging with an adjoining store. At the rear, immediately behind the house, is a split level terrace bordering an expanse of lawn with a scattering of mature trees and mature boundary adjoining farmland.
Pond Cottage
This is a detached two-storey cottage extending to about 1,200 sq ft. The cottage was a former cart house and features exposed timbers, deep windows and views over the pond. The ground floor has a sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen and a shower room. On the first floor are two generous bedrooms and a cloakroom. The cottage could make a useful income if let or Airbnb. Please note this building was underpinned recently under an insurance claim.
Essex barn (available by separate negotiation)
Within the grounds and to the side of the main house is a large Grade II listed Essex barn. At present it has planning permission granted for conversion to two semi-detached dwellinghouses. Though, for those that don't wish to do this, they could be converted as ancillary space to the main house as party barns or even home offices. Otherwise, they are an ideal space for the family to enjoy or for use as storage.
Historic note
At this site there has been a Hall' since c1200. The current buildings were erected in 1790. In earlier times the property was owned by Bishop Fisher of Rochester. He bequeathed it (prior to his execution) in 1535 to St John's College, Cambridge and it was sold back into private ownership in 1944. The current house is reached from Rawreth Lane by an unmade drive leading over the fields to the iron gates of the house.
Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil-fired central heating.
View payable Stamp Duty for this property