Essex Life goes inside three of the county’s most prestigious homes to discover what gives them the wow factor to make them some of the most desirable dwellings in Essex
A grand entrance
This imposing, executive-style property is situated on a plot in excess of an acre, located in the village of Ramsden Bellhouse.
Among the home’s statement features is the galleried landing upstairs which leads to the master suite featuring a beautiful dressing room fitted with mirrored wardrobes and a large en suite with a walk in double shower, sunken bath and Jack and Jill vanity unit with Villeroy & Boch fittings. French doors open onto a Juliette balcony with another door leading to a balcony to enjoy the views.
In all, the property offers six bedrooms in the main residence, plus an adjoining self-contained annex. Throughout, the property boasts many fine features and is finished to a high specification.
Arranged over three floors, the house boasts a stylish entrance hallway and reception area with the impressive central oak staircase leading to the galleried landing.
A bespoke fitted kitchen/breakfast room features a central island, quartz work tops, Miele double ovens, coffee machine and integrated appliances and opens out into the Orangery to enjoy the views of the garden and a less formal way of dining.
Double doors then open onto an entertaining space and formal dining room with French doors leading to the sun terrace. The main reception enjoys a feature fireplace and French doors, while an office space includes fully fitted units.
Also from the kitchen is a utility room and access to the integral double garage and a self contained one-bedroom annex which provides an open-plan reception/kitchen with a double bedroom and en suite.
In addition to the master suite of the main house, a further three large double bedrooms all feature en suites and dressing areas with a further two double bedrooms to the third floor, one with an en suite.
The rear grounds are mainly laid to lawn with a paved sun terrace and a generous brick built outbuilding featuring bi-folding doors, offering an ideal space for entertaining or a gymnasium.
The property is approached via double electric gates to a paved carriage driveway which is bordered by thoughtfully planted foliage.
Find out more
Crestfield in Ramsden Bellhouse is currently for sale with a guide price in excess of £2m. To find out more call Beresfords’ Country & Village South team on 01277 350614
Admire the grounds
Believed to date back to be early 18th century with later Victorian additions, this imposing former Rectory is set in an elevated position on the edge of Wickham Bishops, with views over the beautiful formal gardens and grounds.
Of particular note is the south facing kitchen that opens through to the breakfast room; a fantastic entertaining space which runs directly from the impressive reception hall.
The house combines light and spacious reception rooms with comfortable bedroom accommodation to the first and second floors.
But what really gives The Old Rectory the wow factor are the grounds, which have been carefully designed with formal parterre gardens adjoining open expanses of lawn.
Accessed via wrought iron gates that lead to the parking and turning circle, this fine family home sits in a gloriously secluded setting behind a mature bank of established trees.
The gardens are studded with a selection of mature trees and beautifully stocked borders that divide the grounds to offer areas of tranquillity.
In May and June, a tall bank of rhododendrons provides an expanse of colour beyond which is one of two natural ponds. To the south is the paddock with separate access.
Outside is the charming Lavender Cottage, recently refurbished to provide comfortable secondary accommodation.
There is an extensive range of traditional outbuildings including stabling and storage together with garaging, a gym and workshops.
Find out more
The Old Rectory in Wickham Bishops is currently for sale with a guide price of £3,000,000. For more information, contact Strutt & Parker in Chelmsford on 01245 254 600.
The heart of the House
As a beautiful country home in a lovely rural location, Herbert House is perfect for a growing family.
Set within 1.85 acres between Chipping Ongar and Harlow, the property is approached via a sweeping gravel driveway and commands a striking position within its own parkland grounds.
Its classic facade makes a striking first impression and the interior design and layout don’t disappoint either, offering 21st century family living within the fabric of a beautiful period building.
At the heart of the house is a magnificent, light-filled, custom-built kitchen and family room with bi-fold doors opening on to a terrace and gardens.
Other notable features include a beautiful conservatory, a well-proportioned dining room and a drawing room which overlooks the rear gardens.
There is also a detached double garage with adjoining games room. On the first floor there are five bedrooms with three bathrooms, two of which are en suite.
The gardens behind the house are completely secluded, surrounded by a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees, beyond which is a pavilion that adjoins an all-weather tennis court.
To the west is a sheltered swimming pool and entertaining area, which also includes a pool house comprising kitchen, changing room, shower room and WC.
To the south of the grounds is a detached building – ideal for home working, a playroom or a gym.
Find out more
Herbert House has a guide price of £2.65m. For more information, contact Stephen White at Savills Chelmsford on 01245 293233.
