Cornish Hall End Road, Stambourne, Halstead, Essex, CO9

Occupying a peaceful setting in the rolling countryside of North Essex, this impressive detached country cottage sits on a beautifully maintained 1.5 acre plot.

Description

Old Robin is an impressive detached country cottage that has been beautifully enhanced and meticulously maintained, offering breathtaking views across open farmland. Set on a generous 1.5-acre plot, the property boasts landscaped gardens and a private paddock, perfect for those with equestrian or outdoor interests.

Originally constructed in the 17th century, the cottage is not listed but retains an abundance of character, featuring exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and natural oak flooring. Over the past 22 years, the current owners have thoughtfully modernised Old Robin while preserving its charm and unique period details.

With approximately 3,000 sq ft of living space, the home offers five bedrooms and three reception rooms, along with a spacious open-plan kitchen and dining room, ideal for both family living and entertaining.

The property is entered through a welcoming hallway, leading to the elegant dining room on the right, which flows into the kitchen. This area features wooden floors, exposed beams and a brick fireplace. The kitchen, fitted with granite countertops, offers solid wood cabinetry, a butler sink, an integrated dishwasher, space for a large range cooker and a central island. A separate utility room provides extra storage, a second butler sink and garden access. The drawing room is a comfortable sitting area with an open fireplace, while the ground floor also includes a study with garden views and a family room with another brick fireplace.

The first floor is split into two wings. A staircase from the main drawing room leads to four bedrooms and a modern, stylish family bathroom. Off the family room is a shower room and second staircase which leads up to a spacious fifth bedroom, ideal as a guest suite or possible annexe. The upper floor also preserves many period features, with lovely views over the gardens and surrounding countryside.

Outside
The gardens are a true highlight of this property, offering sweeping views over open farmland. Surrounding the house on all sides, the formal gardens create a private setting, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Lovingly maintained by the current owners, the outdoor space features expansive lawns, a patio area and pathways through a mix of mature and young trees, complemented by vibrant flower beds and planters. Noteworthy elements include a pond with a water feature and timber footbridge, a charming greenhouse and an orchard bearing apples, plums, pears and greengages. The grounds also provide ample off-road parking, a detached double garage and an enclosed paddock, offering flexibility for various uses. There is a driveway and detached double garage.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil-fired heating. Private drainage. A new sewage plant has just been installed which is now fully compliant to all environmental regulations

Local authority
Braintree District Council. Council tax band = G (with improvement factor).

Location

The property is located in a charming semi-rural area between Cornish Hall End and Stambourne, close to the Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire borders. It enjoys proximity to picturesque villages like Finchingfield, Great Bardfield, Clare, Cavendish and Long Melford. Larger towns such as Haverhill, Braintree and Saffron Walden are nearby, while cities like Chelmsford, Colchester and Cambridge are also within easy reach.

There are several good schools in the vicinity, both primary and secondary. Nearby, Finchingfield and Great Bardfield provide primary school education. Hedingham School and Sixth Form in Sible Hedingham, Newport and Saffron Walden are popular choices, offering comprehensive education. Linton Village College, located a bit further away near Haverhill, serves students from the wider area. Independent schools such as Dame Bradbury’s in Saffron Walden, Felsted and New Hall School in Chelmsford provide private education options.

The local area is home to several charming pubs. In Finchingfield, the Fox Inn and The Three Tuns offer traditional food and drinks in a scenic setting. Cornish Hall End itself is home to the Horse and Groom pub. The Bell Inn and The Vine are also popular choices within the area.

For commuters or those traveling further afield, the nearest train station is Braintree station, offering regular services into London Liverpool Street in just over an hour. Audley End station, near Saffron Walden, also provides rail services to London, as well as routes towards Cambridge. London Stansted Airport is easily accessible, approximately a 30-40 minute drive, providing both domestic and international flights, making this area well connected.

The area surrounding Cornish Hall End and Stambourne is known for its beautiful countryside, offering a wide range of walking and cycling routes. The quiet country lanes and public footpaths cross through scenic farmland, woodlands and charming villages. Popular routes include walking trails around Finchingfield, often considered one of the most picturesque villages in Essex, and paths leading towards Clare Castle Country Park in Clare. The Stour Valley Path and the Flitch Way are also nearby, providing opportunities for longer walks

Square Footage: 3,008 sq ft


Acreage: 1.47 Acres

Directions

What3Words: ///lizard.fuss.detonated