Old House, Ford Street, Aldham, Essex, CO6

An exquisite 14th Century II* six bedroom village house, extensively remodelled in the 16th Century, with additional two storey stable wing attached and fully integrated. The stable wing is ideal for multi-generational living or guest accommodation and could easily be converted into a separate annexe. The property has been subject to a full and sympathetic refurbishment programme by the current owners creating a wonderful family home. Accommodation 4850 sqft, outbuildings 940 sqft. Total plot 1.2 acres.

Old House combines a multitude of rare historical architectural features with a fully modernised interior fit for a 21st Century lifestyle, including hyper-fast broadband.

Accommodation

Ground floor

Entering from the front, a solid entrance door with carved headed timber is flanked by two arched leadlight windows creating a great first impression. A generous reception hall gives way to both the drawing room and dining room as well as the cloakroom and w/c. A spacious dual aspect drawing room is complemented with fireplace housing wood burner. Moving back through the reception hall you will locate the generous dual aspect dining room with impressive fireplace and carved inglenook with wood burner. French doors lead to rear garden. Moving on an inner hall leads to a comprehensively fitted triple aspect kitchen/breakfast room with two islands and Aga. A stable door leads to the rear garden. To the front is a study/home office. A further inner hall gives access to the pantry and the stable annexe.

First floor

Ascending the stairs a large galleried landing gives way to six bedrooms, family bathroom, two shower rooms and walk in airing cupboard. The impressive principal suite is complemented with en-suite bathroom with shower and dressing room. ‘’Of special note’’ there are two bedrooms with vaulted ceilings.

Guest accommodation

The stable wing is accessed from the main house but also can be accessed from a courtyard garden. On the ground floor is an entrance hall and two reception rooms whilst on the first floor you will find two large double bedrooms, a dressing area and the family bathroom. Outside is a private courtyard garden, which is also accessible from the kitchen of the main house.

Gymnasium

Attached to the stable wing is a substantial gym complex which houses the owners’ gymnasium, sauna and shower room.

Outside

The property is accessed via two electronically controlled gates that lead to a private shingle driveway offering ample parking. The beautifully landscaped West facing garden of 1.2 acres incorporates a 10 metre heated swimming pool with safety fence and electronically operated safety cover. The garden contains a well-stocked kitchen garden with a 29ft oak greenhouse. There is a workshop and several garden sheds for tool storage. Behind the house there are several large paved areas suitable for outdoor living and surrounded by trees for shade and privacy. A wisteria grows across the back of the property filling the paved area with scent and flowers.


The garden begins with a pair of cottage garden borders full of perennial plants which lead to a lawn and on to a large pond, fed from the River Colne and full of wildlife. To one side is a parterre surrounded by flowering cherry trees. There is an adventure playground. The pond sits alongside a woodland garden underplanted with shade loving plants. Throughout the gardens there are paths enabling a gentle stroll through the various contrasting sections.

Old House is located within the sought after village of Aldham to the west of Colchester. Stane Park at Stanway is within close proximity provides shopping facilities including Sainsbury’s supermarket and Marks & Spencer.” with a more extensive range of shopping and recreational facilities in Colchester. Colchester offers a wide range of schooling for all age groups including Colchester Royal Grammar School, Colchester County High School for Girls, Holmwood House, Colchester High School and St. Mary's School. For the commuter there is a train service from Marks Tey which is 2 miles away to London's Liverpool Street and access onto the A12 and the A120 trunk road at Marks Tey with direct access to Stansted Airport and the M11.