Harborough Hall Lane, Messing, Colchester, Essex, CO5

Historic house in the heart of this quintessential Essex village.

Description

Bell House is a prominent, early 18th century timber-framed village house, with plastered brick elevations, under a red plain tile roof. The property is listed as Grade II and constitutes a valuable source of historical interest with fine internal 18th century detailing.

The house provides approximately 4,500 sq ft of well proportioned accommodation, including formal and informal reception rooms, and up to six bedrooms with two en suite bathrooms. The charming interior has kept most of its original details, including fireplaces, tall sash windows and exposed wooden beams along with very impressive ceiling heights adding to the feeling of space and grandeur.

Outside there is an attached double garage, separate detached garage and a driveway with a private west-facing garden.

The property is situated in the heart of the charming historic village of Messing, surrounded by open countryside, around 14 miles north-east of Chelmsford and 2.7 miles from Kelvedon train station with its frequent links to London Liverpool Street.

The house is grand in scale and character, providing balanced accommodation arranged over three levels plus a very useful cellar. There are three east-facing reception rooms with ornate fireplaces and some remarkable timbers. To the rear of the house, and enjoying views over the garden, is the kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom and office. The kitchen provides a contemporary feel with light-coloured units and a range of integrated appliances. Off the kitchen is an octagonal garden room with glazed elevations providing views and access onto the garden. The first floor is equally as charming with three large double bedrooms, two providing en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms. There is a family bathroom with three further bedrooms located to the upper level. One of the rooms is accessed through, another making for an ideal teenage level.

There is an attached double garage of pitched roof design with off-road parking to the immediate front of the garage. A second, gated drive leads to a further area of parking and a prefabricated garage/storage building. There is a small front garden with a retaining red-brick wall and a scattering of shrubs. The gardens extend from the side and rear of the property, predominantly laid to lawn with a collection of specimen trees, providing a large amount of natural privacy. A terrace extends from the rear of the house providing a wonderful area for outside dining and entertaining.

All in about 0.25 of an acre.

Services
Oil fired heating, mains water, drainage and electricity.

Location

Kelvedon train station: 2.7 miles, Chelmsford: 14 miles, Colchester: 11 miles, Stansted Airport: 27 miles. All distances approximate.

The village benefits from essential local amenities including the highly regarded Messing Primary School, the welcoming village pub The Crown, and the medieval All Saints’ Parish Church, which remains a focal point for village life.
Transport connections are excellent: Kelvedon Station (approx. 2.7 miles) provides regular rail services to London Liverpool Street in around 51 minutes, making it an ideal location for commuters. By car, Chelmsford lies 14 miles to the west, Colchester 11 miles to the northeast, and Stansted Airport is approximately 27 miles away. All distances are approximate.

Education includes a selection of excellent schools nearby. In addition to Messing Primary School, families have access to a range of outstanding options including the sought-after grammar schools of King Edward VI Grammar School (KEGS) and Chelmsford County High School for Girls in Chelmsford, as well as Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls. Prestigious independent schools such as Felsted School and New Hall School—both offering day and boarding options—are also within easy reach.

Square Footage: 4,530 sq ft



Directions

What3words: twirls.chase.reverses

Postcode: CO5 9UA