Hampers Barn, Little Maplestead

Screened from view by tall hedgerows and trees, this endearing four-bedroom home is defined by its intimate relationship with the surrounding landscape. Situated on a peaceful stretch of Oak Road along the north Essex/Suffolk border, the former barn was converted to a home over fifty years ago and has now been lovingly renovated under current ownership, including the replacement of the entire thatched roof in 2022. The beautiful private gardens extend to a third of an acre, providing bursts of colour and fragrance, as well as seasonal produce from a vegetable garden and productive fruit trees.

Setting The Scene

Thought to date back to the early 18th century, Hampers Barn is a renovated farm building on the periphery of Little Maplestead. Just north of the historic Essex town of Halstead, and south of the Suffolk market town of Sudbury, this medieval village is celebrated for being home to the Church of St John the Baptist - one of only four surviving medieval round churches in England.

This generous and storied home spans over 2,700 sq ft and incorporates a versatile living space, partially moated to the rear of the garden. Enveloped in rural countryside, the home and its surroundings are peppered with historical and agricultural heritage.

The Grand Tour

The entrance is via a short driveway leading to a private parking area, distanced from the street by mature planting. A striking silhouette gives a first impression: set against a screen of greenery, dark timber cladding is crowned by a pitched thatched roof. Floor-to-ceiling and horizontal glazing draw natural light inward and reflect leafy imagery.

A front lobby - perfect for storing coats and shoes - opens to a large anchoring dining hall that seamlessly connects to the rest of the plan. The room is defined by a well-composed palette of neutral tones, with wide floorboards, painted in Little Greene 'True Taupe', that run throughout, amplifying the light drawn in by a double-height window where once would have been the barn doors.

On one side, an L-shaped kitchen is elegantly decorated with cabinetry painted in ‘Pleat’ by Little Greene set beneath a pairing of natural slate and oak surfaces. The space is well-equipped and fully integrated with a Rangemaster stove, dishwasher, and double Belfast sink, while a separate pantry is tucked away in one corner. Bespoke shelving sits above a dark slate surface with a light timber splashback.

Enclosing the dining area are a snug and a capacious sitting room. While one is thoughtfully designed for slow-paced evenings with moody, slate-green tones, the other is a welcoming light-filled seating area with book-lined joinery, original timber detailing and a cast-iron stove fronting a painted brick fireplace.

A convenient utility room is also on this floor, with smooth oak surfaces, a sink, and space for both a washing machine and dryer. Beyond the kitchen are two bedrooms and a shower room, accessed via a hallway that serves as a boot room with additional storage.

The bedrooms have soft carpet, light-coloured walls, deep-set windows and exposed timbers. In the shower room, large white tiles enclose a walk-in shower and are paired with timber wall cladding; warming terracotta tiles lie underfoot.

A painted timber staircase ascends to a first-floor landing, opening to two generous bedrooms and a composed bathroom set under the eaves. Vaulted ceilings showcase craftsmanship with exposed timber beams throughout. The bathroom is appointed with a roll-top bath in a joyful yellow contrasting with an azure-blue tiled walk-in shower, and a basin by Lefroy Brooks. A wide window frames extensive views across the fields to the church, and there is ample storage space throughout.

The Great Outdoors

Hampers Barn sits on a third of an acre of private garden, enclosed by deciduous trees and mature hedgerows. At the rear, the garden unfolds into a versatile space cloaked in dappled shade and seasonally adorned with beautiful roses, lavender and honeysuckle. A curated vegetable garden and fruit trees make for a space that is both productive and restorative.

Out and About

Surrounded by gently rolling countryside, the area is characterised by historic villages and expansive farmland. The town of Halstead lies a short drive away with its independent shops, cafés and everyday amenities. For weekly shopping, the medieval market town of Sudbury, with the delightful Gainsborough’s House and its newly renovated galleries, lies just over the Suffolk border, six miles to the north.

Bury St Edmunds, with its artisan shops and cafes, excellent restaurant offering and ancient cathedral, is just over half an hour’s drive away. And the city of Colchester, with its vibrant arts and theatre scene, is also within easy reach.

Well-regarded schools nearby include St Giles C Of E Primary School in Great Maplestead, St Andrews Primary School, Richard De Clare Community Academy and The Ramsey Academy in Halstead. Independent options include Gosfield School.

For rail services, the nearest stations are Sudbury, Chapel & Wakes Colne and Braintree, while Witham Station has a frequent service to London Liverpool Street and regular trains to Colchester and the wider East Anglian region. Halstead offers bus services across the local area, and Little Maplestead is well located, with London Stansted Airport a 30-minute drive away.

Council tax Band: F