House For Sale £3,950,000
Little Baddow

A Splendid 8 Bedroom Listed Country House commanding an elevated position with unspoiled views. In all 17.7 Acres.

What We Say at The Zoe Napier Group

This architecturally splendid country home should tick a lot of boxes from its elevated setting with a long entrance drive, the stunning views which reach for miles together with the prime address of Little Baddow. The property has substantial acreage to enjoy leisure and lifestyle facilities, including the potential to develop further equestrian facilities (stp) if required.

What the Owners Say

We have enjoyed 25 years at this wonderful property raising our four, now adult, children. We will have had three daughters’ marquee weddings on the lawns here and the setting is just idyllic. Horse riders box up to this area because the riding is so scenic covering common land, woodland, and a great network of bridlepaths. We will be sad to leave but it’s time to right size.

History & Background

This splendid Grade II Listed 8-bedroom country house commanding an elevated position with unspoiled, far-reaching views. The property is approached via a long private avenue drive where the house offers instant architecturally stunning elevations surrounded by mature grounds and grazing land to the fore which runs down to the Bluebell woods.

The property has been in the same ownership for 25 years, having been well maintained whilst offering various sympathetic improvements. These include the new entrance avenue drive and a beautiful Orangery which overlooks the outdoor south-facing pool terraces where there are also fixed gazebos for alfresco dining and an attractive veranda with automatic blind leading off from the kitchen. The interior has retained much of its classic character, such as original window shutters, fireplaces, and ornate plasterwork, combined with modern-day living that includes a quality Mark Wilkinson kitchen with an AGA oven.

The property dates back to 1815 in the main with earlier origins where the registered listing mentions ‘An early C19 grey gault brick house. 3 storeys with 3 window range. A central Tuscan porch projects on the west front with plain columns’. Interestingly the rear of the house could date back to the Tudor period with a peg-tiled roof and some exposed beams. Internally is an elegant fine spindled sweeping staircase with upper galleries on both the first and second floors, further enhanced by a stunning glass cupola (like an atrium). What is evidently notable is that all of the eight bedrooms are large double rooms with no eave’s restrictions on the top floor. The property is remarkable and offers great scope outside to add to the equestrian facilities (stp), currently providing three stables.

Setting & Location

The property is situated in Tofts Chase, listed as a quiet lane that lies in an elevated position about ½ a mile’s walk down through a picturesque footpath to Paper Mill Lock where there is a tearoom, the lock, and barges. The surrounding countryside and historic woodlands provide immediate bridleway access across to areas of SSSI (special scientific interest) such as Lingwood Common, and Heather Hills. The area is fabulous for hacking and country walks with three country pubs within walking distance.

Little Baddow is a highly sought-after location, approximately 7 miles east of Chelmsford City Centre and close to Danbury village. The area provides a country escape, yet is so accessible for the A12, Chelmsford City’s Park & Ride at Sandon, Queen Elizabeth Line at Shenfield and for educational needs. The nearest private school is Elm Green, Little Baddow where one of the school-house’s is named after Tofts. Chelmsford City has excellent Grammar and High School education and there is also New Hall School at Boreham and Felsted School is a little further, just 13 miles away. The A12 (Sandon or Boreham junctions) further provides great access for Brentwood and Colchester.

The house is well placed, away from its country quiet lane setting. The leisure facilities lie on the south side of the house and to the front (west) the far-reaching views embrace the glorious sunsets and pink skies.

Agents Notes

• There are two title deeds that form the sale EX608318 (House) EX699054 (Land) There is a covenant on this title. Please request details of the titles which also contain some historic and factual information.
• The septic tank drainage is located (with easements) on the neighbouring property. It will require updating with a new, compliant facility. This has already been considered when setting the guide price.
• There is a public footpath crossing part of the paddock land.
• Local Authority Chelmsford – Tax Band H
• JSA Savills & The Zoe Napier Group