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THE OLD RECTORY
We have loved every day in such a special house,” says the owner. “Outside, the countryside, undulating and open, has huge horizons, with sunsets and sunrises to lift the heart. It’s been a privilege to be a small part of this amazing property’s history.”
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KEY FEATURES This former rectory is a particularly elegant six bedroom family home, Grade II listed and dating back to the early 17th Century, with later additions and extensions during the 18th and 19th Centuries. The property retains a wealth of classic Georgian and early Victorian features including open fireplaces, exposed beams and large sash windows. The surrounding area is rich in local history and The Old Rectory has been at the core of much of it throughout the years. During the Second World War the Land Girls of the Women’s Land Army were stationed at the home while the local area was farmed to help the war effort. The attic of the property was converted into dormitories and living quarters for around 30 girls. In more recent years, the distinguished soldier General Sir Anthony Mullens was also a custodian of The Old Rectory. Purchased 15 years ago by the current owners, the house has been lovingly restored and extended during their time to create an impressive and elegant property, whilst forming a functional space ideal for family life with overall accommodation extending to around 9822 sq. ft. The most prominent example of recent additions to create this property into an estate that can cater for almost any event is the music studio that extends to an impressive 2575 sq. ft. The studio’s superb acoustics were designed by renowned acoustician Bob Essert of Sound Space Vision: built to an extremely high specification, this large space is especially versatile and opens itself to many possibilities. The house has a direct fibre connection (“FTTP”) enabling high-speed home office working. Heating to all areas is powered by a modern 90kW biomass plant, registered under the government’s non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. The old barn provides potential for stabling: the orchard and field (jointly c. 4 acres) have stock-proof fencing.
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SELLER INSIGHT The moment we saw this property, we fell for it,” says the owner. “It had everything we wanted: a large, friendly family home in a lovely countryside setting with six acres of private grounds, great local shops and good schools, yet we could be in central London on the train in just ninety minutes. We swapped aircraft noise for that of sheep, and traffic jams for organic fields, and I can honestly say that we’ve never looked back.” “Since the first minute, this has been a real family home: friendly, characterful, historic and a bit quirky. It’s wonderfully secluded, with views in all directions which never fail to warm the heart, whatever the month. It really is a house for all seasons, and everyone who comes here adores it. It’s also a house that oozes character and charm. The huge dining room sash window, reaching from floor to high ceiling, is very special. Then there are smaller features like Victorian floor tiles and fireplaces, quirky former servants’ cupboards and pantries – joys at every turn.” “It’s fair to say that when we moved here it was ready for a lot of updating so we did a big burst as we moved in, and haven’t really stopped since, adding a project every year. External, internal, visible, invisible, garden and grounds: they’ve all had attention. The biggest projects have included installing a state-of-the-art Biomass building and heating system, and even larger has been the construction of a 200 sqm classical recording studio, along with associated offices. We wanted to create a world-class recording studio, principally for classical music. People who record here love the calm and solitude – thanks to clever construction it really is silent in there, and externally the building has been designed to fit beautifully with the vernacular architecture.” “The grounds are a magnificent feature of the property and having six acres is perfect,” continues the owner. “There are lawns large enough to need a sit-on tractor, and flowerbeds and trees which delight the eye throughout the year. There’s also a very productive fruit and vegetable area, and then four more acres of orchard and paddocks. We introduced a small flock of Hebridean sheep, which are not only fantastic lawnmowers but are characterful and friendly. Being surrounded by organic farmland, we’ve also followed organic principles, and the results are amazing. Our fruit trees bring so much produce we can’t pick it all, but the sheep happily clear up every windfall.” “We have loved every day in such a special house,” says the owner. “Outside, the countryside, undulating and open, has huge horizons, with sunsets and sunrises to lift the heart. It’s been a privilege to be a small part of this amazing property’s history.” * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
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It’s incredibly hard to choose a favourite room. The kitchen and its Aga is the heart of the house, of course, but dinner eaten in our large dining room always tastes extra-special. And the sitting room with its log burner is as snug as you could wish.”
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In terms of the music studio, we future-planned this space so that it could easily be refashioned for other purposes – you could fit a five-bedroom house in there! Next door to that stands a lovely barn – an ancient Hall House – even older than the main house, with stunning interior timbers; that’s now ready for restoration, and when joined to the new barn (for which planning permission exists) would create an astonishing complex. We always dreamed of combining old and new into an art gallery, but it could make an extraordinary house, a huge creative studio, a set of grand office spaces or just a very large party venue!”
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Whilst we are gloriously rural, with unlimited fresh air and loads of space, we never feel isolated as we have friendly neighbours and great local shops just a few miles away.”
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Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 08428856 Registered office address: Jackson and Co Property Services Ltd. 60 Caelum Drive, Colchester, Essex CO2 8FP copyright © 2021 Fine & Country Ltd.
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EPC Exempt Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 08.04.2021
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FINE & COUNTRY Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices across four continents, we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals. Fine & Country appreciates that the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentation - leading to a successful strategy, emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.
THE FINE & COUNTRY FOUNDATION
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This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques. We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience and expertise of a well-trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as seamless as possible.
The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness. Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation
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Fine & Country 60 Caelum Drive, Colchester CO2 8FP 01206 878155 | colchester@fineandcountry.com
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