Asheldham Hall, Hall Road, Southminster

**GUIDE PRICE £1,350,000** Jukes Estate Agents are absolutely delighted to bring to market 'Asheldham Hall'. This adorable Grade II listed 8 bedroom 4 bathroom Manor House is an absolute superb slice of English history which dates back to the 11th Century.
It's amazing to think that the original part of this impressive building was built about the same time as The Battle of Hastings was taking place in 1066. Just let that sink in that parts of this building are around 1000 years old! The main part of Asheldham Hall was added in the 17th Century and is merely a baby at 400 years old to the parent part of the property. Indeed, there were so many important things that happened around the time of the extension of Asheldham Hall: Queen Eizabeth I died as did William Shakespeare, There were four Kings, James I, Charles I, Charles II & James II. England has a civil war which saw Oliver Cromwell's rise to fame. We had The Great Plague & The Great Fire of London. There was The Gunpowder Plot & Guy Fawkes and St Pauls Cathedral was started by Sir Christopher Wren. It makes you think doesn't it?
This 8 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 3 reception room slice of English history is most certainly a 'nod' to yesteryear. At over 4,700 sq ft it is an extremely large property. Yes it is going to need some modernisation and that reflects in the price.
It is worth mentioning that there is a separate 2 bedroom cottage on the edge of the grounds that could also be included in the sale but this will need to be negotiated with the current owner.
The property itself is spread over 4 floors. A large cellar, currently housing a pool table could be turned into something spectacular.
Then we have the ground floor with two further floors above it. There are a few rooms that are currently full of 'stuff' and we have used AI to show how it could be transformed once emptied.
At ground floor level we have the main hub of the property. There is a large splendid conservatory attached unusually to the front of the property. This would not work on most properties but it works exceptionally well here. The current owners tell me that they spend hours here looking out over the grounds (approx. 1.9 acres) watching deer, hares, rabbits, squirrels etc. playing and grazing on the immense front lawns. There's the odd chicken or two from the adjacent farm that tend to wander in!
Inside the property there is a lovely entrance hall and to the left & right are the two main reception rooms. The one to the right is like stepping into a room from Downton Abbey. Magnificent oak panelled walls and a gorgeous feature fireplace set this room off wonderfully well. It has two floor to ceiling windows allowing plenty of daylight & the beamed ceiling is stunning. One wall is a map of East Anglia that I am told is a constant talking point over a glass of something after dinner! There is a smashing bar area in one corner.
The second reception room is set up as a sitting room and dining room and once again it is superb and a step back in time! Paintings are a plenty in Asheldham Hall and I am not going to list them as they will not come with the property. However, I will mention that the current owner has a strong link with TV & the world of showbiz and hung in this room is the infamous 'Madonna with the Big Boobies' which is featured in many episodes of the fabulous BBC Situation Comedy 'Allo 'Allo. Google it if you have never watched it or know about this hilarious programme and painting.
On the ground floor there is a third reception room which doubles as an office & breakfast room at the moment. Off of this room we find the large country style kitchen & utility areas. These rooms are in the 1000 year old part of the property & the ceiling in the breakfast area is absolutely gorgeous. The beams are all original.
Behind this room & the kitchen is a 1 bedroom annex. This annex is currently occupied by a tenant and at the time of listing we have no pictures, however, you can see from the floorplan how it is laid out.
On the first floor there are 5 double bedrooms (one of them en suite) plus another family bathroom.
When you look at the images & floorplan, it give you a good idea of layout and what the rooms are like. I would like to mention though the fabulous 4 poster bed. What an absolutely stunning piece of furniture! There is also a feature fireplace that is beautiful & OH! Those beams! They are simply divine!
The family bathroom on the first floor is about as large as a lot of lounges in property we sell. There is also a separate WC.
The Stairs and landings are also adorned with gorgeous beams.
On the second floor we find the remaining three double bedrooms and another family bathroom.
There is a large garage with immediate access to one of the two driveway entrances to Asheldham Hall.
So, what we have here is a large historic Grade II listed Manor House that whilst in need of some modernisation is also a reasonably blank canvas for new owners to put their 'stamp' on it. Even allowing for what you can & cannot do with a Grade II listed building, the reconfigurations of Asheldham Hall are many fold!
Apart from this gorgeous property, what is living in Asheldham and the surrounding areas like?
Life in Asheldham: A Glimpse of Tranquillity in the Essex Countryside

Nestled in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula, Asheldham is a small and peaceful village in the county of Essex, offering a slice of rural life away from the hustle and bustle of modern urban living. With a population of just a few hundred residents, the village embodies the quintessential charm of the English countryside, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, slower-paced lifestyle.

Asheldham is characterised by its open fields, farmland, and narrow country lanes, which lend it an almost timeless feel. Life here moves at a gentler pace, where neighbours know one another and community spirit remains strong. However, while the village itself is small, it benefits from being close to a range of towns and villages that offer more extensive amenities and services.

Surrounding Areas and Amenities
Just a short drive from Asheldham is the larger village of Southminster, around 3 miles to the north. Southminster provides essential amenities such as a small supermarket, post office, pubs, and a train station, which connects residents to London Liverpool Street in about an hour and a quarter - perfect for commuters who work in the city but crave countryside living. Southminster is also home to several local schools, making it convenient for families with children.

A little further afield, around 7 miles away, lies the historic town of Burnham-on-Crouch, known for its picturesque riverside views along the River Crouch. Burnham is a hub for yachting and sailing enthusiasts, with its marina and yacht clubs attracting visitors from far and wide. The town has a good range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as leisure facilities, including a sports centre and cinema. For those who enjoy walks, the riverfront and surrounding nature reserves offer plenty of opportunities to explore the local wildlife.

Heading inland, you will find Maldon, an ancient market town famous for its maritime heritage, salt production, and the Hythe Quay, where Thames sailing barges are moored. Around 13 miles from Asheldham, Maldon provides a wider variety of shops, including larger supermarkets, boutique stores, and high street chains. The town is known for its sense of community, hosting various events throughout the year, such as the Maldon Mud Race and the annual Carnival.

The Great Outdoors
One of the greatest advantages of living in Asheldham is its proximity to nature. The surrounding Dengie Peninsula is a haven for walkers, birdwatchers, and cyclists. The area boasts expansive marshlands, estuaries, and coastal paths. The Dengie National Nature Reserve, located nearby, offers stunning views over the Blackwater Estuary and is home to a wide array of wildlife, including migratory birds. It's a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate solitude and the natural environment.

For beach lovers, the quiet coastal villages of Bradwell-on-Sea and St Lawrence are within easy reach. Bradwell is especially notable for its historical landmark, St Peter's Chapel, one of the oldest churches in England, which sits at the edge of the water and provides a serene spot for reflection.

Transport and Accessibility
While Asheldham's rural setting offers seclusion, it is not completely isolated. The village is well-connected to nearby towns via road networks, and the A414 provides a route to Chelmsford, Essex's county town, in about 40 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, the train station in Southminster serves as the primary link to the broader rail network.

Despite its remote feel, Asheldham's location on the Dengie Peninsula makes it a relatively short distance from both the countryside and the coast, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Community and Village Life
The essence of Asheldham is its sense of community. Although there are no large shops or businesses within the village itself, it is home to a number of working farms and smallholdings, giving it a distinct agricultural identity. Residents enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere, where village gatherings and local events help maintain strong social ties.

The nearby St Lawrence Church, located between Asheldham and the neighbouring village of Tillingham, serves as a focal point for many local activities. Tillingham, only a couple of miles away, also has a charming village green, a couple of pubs, and a village shop, adding to the area's rural appeal.

A Hidden Gem in Essex
Living in Asheldham offers a peaceful and traditional rural lifestyle, with the benefits of nearby amenities and transport links. For those who appreciate the simplicity of village life, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, and the convenience of nearby towns like Southminster and Burnham-on-Crouch, Asheldham is a hidden gem within Essex's Dengie Peninsula. Whether you're a nature lover, a family looking for a quieter environment, or someone seeking a retreat from the fast-paced life of the city, Asheldham offers a welcoming and serene place to call home.

Council Tax Band: G
Tenure: Freehold