School Lane, High Laver, Ongar, Essex

With its origins recorded as an educational establishment during the mid 1800s, the school was founded through donations collected by voluntary contributions from the congregation of St. Georges Chapel, Albemarle Street, London of which Rev. William Webb Ellis inventor of rugby football was Minister. The Old School offers a charming, living environment which provides over 3200 sq. ft of versatile, light filled rooms. On the ground floor there is a vast, centrally positioned sitting room with part-vaulted ceiling, timber beamed framework and decorative cladding. With a double aspect, including French doors which connect to the garden, this relaxed setting enjoys the warming ambience of a fireplace with wood-burning stove. The double-height ceiling, spiral stairway and galleried landing in the adjoining music room provides a captivating sense of drama, with doors linking into a bright dining room with lofty windows and two sets of French doors to the garden. Fitted with wooden cabinetry, topped with stone work surfaces, the kitchen features a Belfast sink, a breakfast bar unit and a zone for informal dining, whilst ancillary space is offered by an adjoining utility room. Adjacent is a double aspect family room with garden views. The first floor comprises three bedrooms and a well-appointed family bathroom. In the easterly wing of the ground floor, a fourth bedroom occupies a separate position within the home and with independent access into the adjacent second kitchen, along with a reception area and a bathroom, provides potential to create an annexe abode.

The garden at The Old School provides a secluded, outdoor haven, with meandering pathways providing a journey, alongside a pond and through areas of lawn, which are interspersed with majestic mature trees. A paved terrace spans the rear of the house offering opportunities for al fresco dining and relaxation, with a decorative wrought-iron pergola supporting planting creating a feature with circular-designed paving below. Well kept lawn with post-and-rail fencing and shrubbery at the far margin allows glimpses of the open countryside beyond. To the front a pedestrian pathway leads to the timber covered entrance porch with vehicular access onto a gravelled driveway which provides off-road parking for several cars.

The property is situated in a picturesque semi-rural village, surrounded by farmland yet well-placed for communication links, with easy access for road-users to the M11, and excellent rail connections from Harlow and Epping. The villages within The Lavers are also just a short distance from amenities in Ongar including independent and high street shopping, a supermarket, cafés and restaurants, as well as the Ongar Leisure Centre. There is well regarded schooling in the vicinity in both state primary and secondary schooling together with a wide range of independent schools, including Saint Nicholas School, Coopersale Hall School, Chigwell School, St Cedd’s School and Brentwood School.

Historic planning for a detached double garage under planning ref EPF/0336/89, buyers may make their own enquiries.