High Easter Road, Barnston, Essex, CM6

A fine and important medieval, Grade II listed country residence of some 4,150 square feet, part moated within stunning woodland and formal grounds of four acres (stls) backing onto far reaching countryside. The property is in excellent condition both internally and externally offering six generous receptions, all enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding grounds and or moat and woodland, seven double bedrooms, two with ensuite facilities the remainder sharing a family bathroom and separate shower room. Stunning formal lawns, woodland, extensive terrace overlooking the water, hard surface tennis court, kitchen garden, orchard, extensive outbuildings, garaging and open bay cart store. Situated at the end of an extensive and idyllic private lane behind electric entrance gates, deep within its mature and established grounds. EPC Exempt.

THE PROPERTY

The accommodation is arranged over two floors and is surprisingly bright for a house of this age. It would appear that many of the windows to the front elevation were replaced in the 18th or early 19th century and afford delightful views over the drive and grounds. To the ground floor there is a generously proportioned hall with oak panelling, an inner hall with staircase to the first floor, glazed summer room with double glazed windows with views over the garden. There are four further reception rooms, two with fireplaces and wood burning stoves, kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, stone sink, granite work surfaces and three sets of doors to the garden. There is also a utility room and a ground floor cloakroom. On the first floor the landing leads to the impressive master bedroom which has a vaulted roof, fitted wardrobes and an ensuite shower room, a guest suite with its own ensuite and storage and five further double bedrooms, served by a family bathroom and shower room.

EXTERNALLY

Martels Manor is greeted by automated wrought iron gates giving access to the private driveway, flanked by sweeping lawns, leading to the front of the house providing extensive parking. There is also a secondary driveway beside the house leading to the garaging and outbuildings to the rear of the house. The grounds are very much a feature of the house and extend to approximately four acres (stls) including lawns, an extensive terrace running around the property, an orchard of damson, plum and pear and an extensive area of deciduous woodland. A stream (a tributary of the River Chelmer) runs between the bottom of the garden and the woodland. A pond and rill have been created and beside the rill there is a large terrace which is a perfect entertaining area. The triple garage block is well equipped with three rollermatic doors, light and power and a cloakroom. There are also two bunded oil tanks. The sizeable open bay cart lodge provides dry storage and there is also an excellent garden store and workshop, a hard tennis court and circular vegetable garden with brick paths.

Historical note:
Martels Manor has significant history; in more recent times it was the home of Lord and Lady Plowden who resided there for many years either side of WW2. Lord Plowden was a British industrialist and public servant in the Treasury, during the war he served in the Ministry of Economic Warfare, and later joined the Ministry of Aircraft Production, in which he remained until 1946. During 1945–46 he was chief executive in succession to Air Chief Marshal Sir Wilfrid Freeman. Lady Plowden was a British educational reformer and influential figure in primary education, broadcasting and the rights of Romani people. She chaired the group which authored and published the 1967 Plowden Report on primary education in Britain, and was chair of the Independent Broadcasting Authority from 1975–80.

SERVICES

Mains water and electricity, private drainage system. Oil fired heating.

Council Tax Band : H

LOCATION

Martels Manor occupies a delightful position near the small village of Barnston, located within easy reach of the market town of Great Dunmow which offers a variety of independent shops, cafes and restaurants along its High Street with the Tesco supermarket located on the periphery of the town. The city of Chelmsford is located to the south offering a comprehensive range of shopping, dining and entertainment options. The property is also conveniently located near several highly regarded schools, Felsted school is one of the top independent schools in the region and is approximately 4 miles away with New Hall school located around 12 miles away. There is two outstanding Grammar schools located in Chelmsford, King Edward VI Grammar School for Boys and the County High School for Girls with three primary schools and secondary education available in Great Dunmow

There are excellent transport links with the A120 approximately 1.5 miles away connecting to the M11, Junction 8, at Bishop’s Stortford and the M25 to the south and Cambridge to the north, as well as main line railway stations at both Bishop’s Stortford and Chelmsford with regular trains into London Liverpool Street.