A stunning Grade II Listed moated house sitting in its own private parkland setting with gardens, woodland and farmland running down to the Roman River valley. Standing in approx 83 acres with three detached cottages.

HISTORY

The first record of a house on this site was in 1463. A mansion house was recorded in 1638, built around the medieval core and encircled by the moat you see today. In 1730 David Gansel, an architect, acquired the property, re-fronted the house and built a model farm, including three matching buildings, opposite the house with pedimented gables being The Stables, Dairy and Brew House. He laid out a park and planted many Cedar trees, some of which are still standing. The house and outbuildings were restored in the late 1940’s. The work included removing the high parapet at the front of the house which hid the dormer windows.

Over the years many interesting artefacts have been found in the grounds, including a neolithic axe head and Roman coins and, when the moat was dredged in 1987, some cannon balls and hundreds of musket balls. The Lime trees lining the drive were planted to replace the elm trees that were lost to Dutch elm disease.

SITUATION

The Estate is situated outside the quiet rural village of Fingringhoe in Essex, just 5 miles South East of Colchester. Surrounded by open countryside and next to the Roman River and salt marsh.

SPORTING & ACTIVITES LOCALLY

Sailing at Mersea Island, Rowhedge and other facilities on the East Coast. Golf at Birch Grove Golf Club Colchester Golf Club and Braintree Golf Club.

SCHOOLING

A wide range of schools are available in the area, including Fingringhoe primary school, Holmwood House, Colchester Prep and High Schools, Felsted School. New Hall School in Chelmsford.

THE PROPERTY

Lot 1 – Main House Accommodation (about 6,535 sq ft)

Ground floor

Georgian doors lead into the entrance hall with an 18th Century staircase, adorned with twisted balusters and bespoke moulded handrails. The entrance hall leads into the formal drawing room, with dual aspect over the gardens, open fireplace with marble surround. There is a smaller study at the rear of the house overlooking the moat and parkland gardens, this room is linked to a shower room with WC. Off the back hall, with beautiful marble columns, there is a well-proportioned dining room, again overlooking the moat to the rear, with easy access to the kitchen.

To the right of the entrance hall is a sitting room with open fireplace. This room leads to the kitchen with a 4 door AGA and walk-in pantry. There is a rear lobby with access to a utility room and a conservatory, which has access to the gardens and has beautiful views over the moat and parkland. Additionally, there is a belfry sometimes used by the current owners to announce mealtimes!

First Floor

Stairs from the main entrance hallway rise to the first floor landing.

Principal bedroom has plenty of built-in storage and an en suite bathroom, there is also a door into bedroom 2, which would make a good dressing room for the main bedroom. This bedroom has stunning views over the moat and parkland and towards the countryside beyond. Bedroom 3, with en suite bathroom (which has a connecting door through to bedroom 5) with dual aspect over the moat, gardens and valley. Bedroom 4 with en suite bathroom, which is also accessed off the main landing and used as a family bathroom, with views over the moat and valley. Bedroom 5 has lovely views over parkland.

The second floor is currently used as a separate annexe, with kitchen, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. There is also eaves storage and water tank access.

There is also a 2-room cellar, with access from the study.

OUTSIDE

The house is approached over a long, private Lime tree lined driveway passing through a set of gates. The drive sweeps past The Lodge between paddocks and extensive parkland. The drive bends right and passes through a second electronically operated gate to the main house. A circular driveway leads to the front of East Donyland Hall. The Main Hall sits perfectly in its landscape surrounded by mature gardens facing three attractive pedimented buildings. The main drive carries on for access to Lawn Cottage and Semaphore Cottage.

From the front of the house there are formal gardens overlooking the rural landscape and moat. To the rear of the house is a parkland setting and there are various areas of woodland. There is a beautiful walled garden, formal rose garden, gazebo, kitchen garden, outdoor swimming pool, an all-weather tennis court, greenhouses and woodland walks. In one section of woodland there are various fish ponds. There are three Listed pedimented buildings within the inner drive, facing the Hall which include:-

The Stables with storage leading to an inner yard.

The Garden Room overlooking the walled swimming pool with 2 changing rooms, kitchenette, WC and storage.

The Brewhouse including a former bread oven, tool shed, workshop and water system.

Stable Yard & Farmyard Buildings

The stable yard and farmyard buildings have plenty of space for storage and garaging. There are further spacious barns, clock tower, one large barn, two old bull pens, and a further handsome barn, which enjoys views over the river and countryside. These buildings offer an exciting opportunity for future development subject to planning permission.

Land

The soil is a coarse loamy soil which has previously grown arable crops. Currently the land is mainly grassland.

There is a Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) on 52 acres. Two of the fields (OS 0195 and 2096) have been entered into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS). All the other land is in permanent pasture, not within the CSS.

There is a paddock to the west of the house and a grass field close to the village excluded from the FBT.

On the South Eastern boundary the land runs down to the Roman River and beautiful salt marshes teeming with wildlife, which has been enjoyed by the family over the years. There are also opportunities to launch boats and enjoy water activities on the river.

WOODLAND

The area to the North has been planted with beech trees. The area of woodland South East of the Hall is mixed broadleaves surrounding the old fish ponds. Other planting has been carried out over the years for boundary protection.

TENURE

Lot 1 is offered freehold. The 52 acres of farmland is subject to a Farm Business Tenancy.

Lot 2 – The Lodge (1,293 sq ft)

Set at the entrance of the estate, The Lodge comprises 3 receptions rooms, 2 bedrooms (one on the ground floor), 1 bathroom, kitchen and its own parking and private garden. Available with vacant possession.

Lot 3 – Lawn Cottage (1,365 sq ft)

A charming and pretty detached cottage comprising of 2 reception rooms, galley kitchen, pantry, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and WC, with allocated parking, private gardens and superb views. Currently let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).

Lot 4 – Semaphore Cottage

Situated in a secluded and private setting within mature woodland, the accommodation, which is all on one level, comprises living/dining room, bedroom 1, kitchen, sitting room/bedroom 2, utility room, bathroom, WC and garage. Available with vacant possession.

SERVICES

The Hall is on a bore hole water supply and is also connected to the mains water. The cottages are on mains water, mains electricity, private drainage, and oil-fired central heating, except for Semaphore Cottage which has night storage heaters.

RIGHTS OF WAY

There is a public footpath along the riverbank, and between adjacent fields.

The owners reserve a pedestrian right of way mainly along the northern boundary, for occasional access to the cemetery.

WAYLEAVES

There are some overhead lines crossing the estate, for which wayleave payments are received.

COUNCIL TAX BAND

East Donyland Hall Band H
The Lodge Band D
Semaphore Cottage Band E
Lawn Cottage Band E

Postcode CO5 7JE

What3words: clocks.opens.blocks

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

Unless otherwise stated, fixtures and fittings that are not specifically described in these particulars are not included in the sale, although certain items may be available by separate negotiation. Further information should be obtained by the selling agents.

VIEWING

Strictly by appointment with the joint agents. Prior to making an appointment to view, the agents strongly recommend that you discuss any particular points which are likely to affect your interest in the property with one of the agents who has seen the property.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Colchester Borough Council, Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road, Colchester CO3 3WG
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Essex County Council, County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QH

IMORTANT NOTICE

Jackson-Stops and Strutt and Parker and their clients give notice that:

They have no authority to make or give any representations or warranties in relation to the property. These particulars do not form part of any offer or contract and must not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact.

Any areas, measurements or distances are approximate. The text, photographs and plans are for guidance only and are not necessarily comprehensive. It should not be assumed that the property has all necessary planning., building regulation or other consents and the agents have not tested any services, equipment or facilities. Purchasers must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise.

Floorplans

7 bedroom detached house for sale