6 bedroom detached house for sale

A Moated Georgian Country Hall with Modern Elegance and Timeless Charm

An interesting, somewhat unique, and impressive Grade II listed Georgian six bedroom village home. An uncommon feature is being moated on two sides. Built circa 1749 but embodies parts dating from as early as the 16th century. Likely at one point to have been the farmhouse for a much larger estate. Most rooms enjoy views of either the moat or landscaped gardens. This home offers a high level of privacy.

The moat, with its gentle flow, gives the home a sense of seclusion and tranquillity, while the vibrant gardens offer a mix of cultivated elegance and natural beauty, more obvious in Spring and Summer The family of ducks that grace the waters add a whimsical touch to the scenery, and the surrounding flora, with its mix of trees, flowers, and hedgerows, creates an oasis of calm, perfect for relaxing or outdoor entertaining.

Fordham village has a diverse, friendly and welcoming community and is conveniently located approximately 6 miles North West of Colchester City centre, with its highly regarded Grammar and Independent schools and, 3.7 miles to Marks Tey and only 5 miles to Colchester North mainline stations. A village where you have an abundance of country walks filled with a variety of wildlife, particularly the Fordham Hall Estate. Surrounded by land managed as woodland by The Woodland Trust.

A stunning grand home that best suites a large or growing family. With three storeys plus a cellar. Accommodation includes six bedrooms, one currently being used to form a dressing room for the principle bedroom suite. Two en-suite bedrooms including the principle and, family bathroom. in addition there is a wet room en-suite in the pool house bedroom. Superb stylish kitchen/diner. Boot room, utility, and four reception rooms; sitting room, dining room, drawing room and study.

Externally there are various useful outbuildings that include a 30ft Games Room with attached garage, double cart lodge and workshop that is attached to the pool house bedroom and pump room. Outdoor heated pool, all weather tennis court and approximately 2 acres of land. Over 5,000 square feet of accommodation in the main home and 2,000 square feet of outbuildings ensuring ample space for family, guests, and entertaining. Wonderful garden parties.

It is a short walk to the center of the village, this Georgian home has been thoughtfully restored, seamlessly blending its rich historical character with the comforts of contemporary living. Although being sold with approximately 2 acres an additional approximate 2.3 acres may be available by separate negotiation. Mainline station at either Marks Tey or Colchester North Station are within a short drive.

The Hall's Georgian architecture has elegant proportions, grand windows, and classic symmetry. Each room has been preserved and restored, maintaining period details such as high ceilings, intricate cornices, and original fireplaces, while introducing modern amenities and finishes that cater to today’s lifestyle.

ACCOMODATION

Ground Floor

This beautifully described property boasts a combination of formal elegance and practical amenities, perfect for both refined living and entertaining.

The entrance opens into a spacious reception area, highlighted by a gracefully turned spindle staircase leading to the upper floors. This central hallway provides access to the primary reception rooms, including the drawing room and dining room, both featuring sash windows with views of the formal front garden. The drawing room is enhanced by a stunning stone fireplace with a log burner, while the dining room has an open fire, framed by a large brick chimney breast, stone hearth, and a bressummer.

A passage from the reception leads to a stylish sitting room with a dual aspect view, one side offering glimpses of the walled garden, and the other overlooking the moat and orchard. The sitting room features integrated walnut storage cabinets, including a bespoke "close-away" desk, perfect for occasional home office needs.

The spacious kitchen/breakfast room, a custom design by "Orwells of Ipswich," is an impressive feature of the property, with its high vaulted ceiling and exposed timbers. It also boasts underfloor heating and dual aspect views, with French doors leading to the terrace for summer dining. The kitchen's centerpiece is the Everhot range, with multiple ovens, simmer plates, induction hob, and a warming oven.

Beyond the kitchen, there is a boot room with an extensive range of fitted storage cabinets, a central seating unit, and an integrated fridge/freezer. Adjacent is a cool room/larder cupboard and a laundry room. Via a short staircase is access to the study, with views across the moat. A cloakroom completes the ground floor.

First Floor

On the first floor, the landing connects to the principal suite, which consists of a bedroom with a feature fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with an antique French slipper bath, and a dressing room. The en-suite has a walk-in corner shower designed by an artist, with mosaic-tiled walls and a marble hearth fireplace. A second room, currently used as a dressing room, could easily be transformed into a nursery or additional bedroom. The double bedroom to the front of the house and opposite the principle bedroom also features an en-suite showee and a large walk-in wardrobe.

Second Floor

The second floor is home to three double bedrooms, each with either walk-in or built-in wardrobes. There is also a family bathroom and a separate cloakroom with a WC. Each bedroom has its own access via separate stairs, enhancing privacy.

EXTERNAL

Externally, the property is accessed via electric gates, leading to a shingle driveway and parking area. A double bay cart lodge with a secure garage is located nearby, along with a plant room that services the games room, guest house, and swimming pool. The games room is a versatile space, large enough for a pool table and cinema seating, and has a bar with a sink and fridge. It could also serve as a home office or gym. The property also features a courtyard with a dog run and kennel, plus a listed barn used as a workshop. There is ample space for parking for several vehicles.

The heated swimming pool, accessed via a secluded entrance, is surrounded by flagstone tiling and offers space for outdoor dining and lounging. The adjacent guest house, with an en-suite wet room, provides potential for use as guest accommodation. Possibly even Airbnb

At the rear of the property, a sun terrace overlooks the moat, tennis court, and gardens. The moat is home to seasonal ducks, ducklings and fish. A bridge spans the moat, leading to the formal gardens, which are laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees, shrubs, and hedging, as well as an orchard and vegetable/soft fruit garden. There is also a floodlit all-weather tennis court with a pavilion. The property enjoys additional protection from a "wild garden" across the road, bordered by a greensward and backed by Woodland Trust land.

WHAT'S NEARBY

Fordham is a small village North-West of Colchester, home to around 800 residents and surrounded by nearly 500 acres of woodland. The Parish Council donated to this to the Woodland Trust who planted over 300,000 trees 2001 creating a forest environment for many to enjoy. This idyllic setting in Fordham Hall estate is very popular for walkers and horse riders and has many visitors who simply enjoy exploring the great outdoors.

A short walk from the home is the well-attended church, the renowned pub and award winning restaurant, The Three Horseshoes, a highly regarded primary school and a village hall. There is a thriving community that organise many social events and a weekly "Village Hub" providing locally produced foods and gifts, fresh fish and post office services. There is a riding school with stabling at Fletchers Farm. Moat Hall is perfectly located for easy access to East Anglian Farm Rides. There is direct access to the Essex Way for stunning walks through the Colne Valley and up towards Dedham.

Nearest local shop for everyday essentials is at the petrol station at Eight Ash Green, 3 minutes by car.

WITHIN EASY REACH

At nearby Wormingford there is a local farm shop offering a variety of local fresh produce, a local football and cricket ground and pub. West Bergholt, which is approximately a 10-15 minute drive has a doctors, chemist and supermarket. There is also a doctors at nearby Stanway

The mainline stations at Marks Tey, just 3.7 miles away and, Colchester, approximately 5 miles away, where trains into London Liverpool Street under hour at peak times. Stansted Airport is just 32 miles away. Access to the A12 North and South is only a 5 minute drive

Colchester known for being Britain's oldest recorded town and features Roman walls and a Norman castle. The city centre has a range of national retailers, including Fenwicks department store, independent boutiques and specialists shops as well as numerous bars and restaurants. The Stane Retail Park in nearby Stanway is home to M&S, Aldi, B&Q and a variety of other popular retailers, eateries and services.

Colchester has two cinemas, numerous art galleries/centres and The Mercury Theatre. State of the art sporting facilities can be found at Colchester Gateway, David Lloyd or at the many gyms in and around Colchester. Beaches at Mersea Island and Frinton on Sea, with all there recreational activities, can be reached within 30 minutes and 40 minutes respectively The Suffolk seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold are approximately 60 minutes and 90 minutes respectively.

There is a variety of education facilities from the well regarded preparatory schools include Holmwood House, Littlegarth, Colchester High School and St Mary's School. and two leading grammar schools. The well regarded Ipswich School, St Josephs College and Royal Hospital School, all offer private coach services from the nearby Halstead Road.

INFORMATION

Tenure - Freehold
Council Tax Band – H, approx. £4215 pa
EPC rating - N/A Grade II Listed
Services - Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage are connected to the property.
Broadband - Speeds up to 900 Mbps available via subscription

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.