Location

Old House Farm boasts an idyllic and peaceful setting along a quiet country lane, nestled between the villages of Little Sampford, Great Sampford and Cornish Hall End. Surrounded by rolling farmland and open countryside, the property offers glorious far-reaching views and direct access to a network of public footpaths.

The area is dotted with picturesque villages, including the historic and highly regarded village of Finchingfield – often described as one of the most beautiful in Essex – with its village green, duck pond, pubs and tearooms. The thriving market town of Saffron Walden lies approximately 10 miles to the west, offering an excellent range of boutique shops, restaurants, supermarkets and attractions. For commuters, Audley End Station (approximately 13 miles) provides regular services to London Liverpool Street. In addition to Stansted Mountfitchet (approximately 17 miles) or Bishop Stortford (approximately 20 miles).

There is a wide selection of well-regarded schools in the area. State options include Great Sampford Primary, Saffron Walden County High and Joyce Frankland Academy, in Saffron Walden. Independent schools include Felsted, Barnadiston Hall Preparatory School and Stephen Perse Foundation, with further options within comfortable reach in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Bishops Stortford.

The property is also well placed for access to Cambridge: 25 miles; Chelmsford: 22 miles. For international travel, London Stansted Airport is just 16 miles away. All distances are approximate.

Road connections are excellent, with the A120, M11 and A12 all accessible, providing swift links to London, the Midlands and East Anglia.

Description

Old House Farm is a distinguished Grade II listed 17th-century timber-framed and plastered farmhouse, steeped in character and occupying a private rural position, within commutable distance of Cambridge, Bishops Stortford and Chelmsford and London.

This charming family home has been thoughtfully renovated and sympathetically altered over time, preserving its period features while offering extensive and adaptable living accommodation.

Set within about 5 acres of partly moated gardens and grounds, the property provides a one bedroom detached cottage with planning consent to be used as a holiday let and an Essex barn, converted for recreational use, with adjoining garage facilities.

The main house extends to approximately 331.1 sq m (3,563 sq ft) across two storeys with a converted attic space. The property is entered through a welcoming entrance hall with stairs rising to the first floor. There are useful built-in storage cupboards, and access to a convenient ground-floor shower room. From here, an inner lobby leads through to the heart of the home — a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen fitted with light-coloured units and integrated appliances, including an AGA. Adjacent to the kitchen is a practical utility room and a side boot room, ideal for country living.

At the centre of the house lies the principal reception room, centred around an impressive inglenook fireplace. Original studwork divides this space from the adjoining dining room, creating a natural flow while maintaining the sense of separation. To the rear of the property, a further sitting room with garden views and featuring a wood-burning stove.

Upstairs, the house offers four comfortable bedrooms, including a generous principal suite complete with its own sitting room, dressing room and en suite bathroom to the upper level. The guest bedroom provides en suite facilities with the family bathroom serving the remaining bedrooms.

The property also includes a self-contained cottage extending to approximately 91.3 sq m (982 sq ft), providing excellent guest accommodation or ancillary living space. The cottage comprises a well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room, a comfortable sitting room, a double bedroom, and a bathroom. In 2015, planning permission was granted (Ref: UTT/15/1341/FUL) for the change of use of the former annexe and outbuildings for holiday letting, offering superb potential for multigenerational living, income generation through short-term rentals, or use as a home office/studio.

An impressive thatched Essex barn, measuring approx. 123.3 sq m (1,327 sq ft), sits at the back of the drive and offers a range of potential uses including events or entertaining space, studio or workshop. The building has been converted and has a shower room alongside a delightful mezzanine level.

With extensive grounds and outbuildings, the property holds equestrian potential, subject to the necessary consents.

Outside
Set back from a quiet country lane, Old House Farm is approached via a gated entrance flanked by two brick pillars, opening onto a spacious gravel driveway. The main house sits to the left, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens which wrap around the property, laid mostly to lawn with established trees and well-stocked borders. A rare and historic surviving moat adds charm and character to the grounds.

To the rear of the driveway stands a detached Essex barn alongside a triple-bay garage. The self-contained cottage is positioned towards the front of the plot, allowing for a sense of privacy and separation from the main house.

To the east, the remaining land extends with separate gated access to the lane, making it ideal for equestrian use or further leisure pursuits.

In total, the property occupies about five acres.

Services
The property is connected to mains water and has private drainage via a septic tank. Heating is provided by a combination of oil-fired and electric storage heaters.

Directions

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