High Street, Thorpe Le Soken

OVERVIEW Nestled in the heart of this charming village is a Georgian-style residence, rich in history with parts dating back to the 16th century. This substantial property spans three floors and includes an additional two-bedroom detached annex bungalow on the grounds.
The residence has been refurbished to an exquisite specification, accommodating various family living arrangements. It boasts three bedrooms on the first floor, two more on the second floor, and the separate annex bungalow.
 

SELLER'S INSIGHT Named after the evergreen 'gorse' shrub-a symbol of hope, protection, and the sun's energy-The Furze is a house imbued with the very spirit of its name. Few properties capture the blissful essence and historic grandeur of their setting so perfectly; fewer still do so with such authentic warmth and character. As one of Thorpe-le-Soken's most prestigious and recognisable homes, The Furze stands as a timeless testament to craftsmanship, history, and beauty.

Parts of the house date back to the 16th century, yet it is the magnificent Georgian brick façade, framed in dazzling white render, that greets you from the front; an overwhelming sight of rural opulence and architectural intent. The grand, pebbledash driveway, capable of accommodating up to ten vehicles or seven vans, hints at the scale within.

Every inch of The Furze and The Annexe has been meticulously and lovingly restored, the result of a painstaking, no-expense-spared renovation led by the current owners. All wiring, plumbing, and structural elements have been renewed, with modern reinforcements sympathetically integrated into the historic fabric of the buildings. Full certification has been achieved for structural integrity, comprehensive damp proofing, and the preservation of the property's historic timber, safeguarding the centuries-old beams against deathwatch beetle and woodworm. Comfort has been elevated to modern standards through the installation of a multi-boiler system, designating a boiler to each floor to ensure optimal water pressure and temperature throughout the home, all seamlessly controlled via an intuitive smart app interface.

This is heritage living without compromise: a rare marriage of historic grandeur and contemporary convenience. The Furze is not simply a house. It is a living museum, a home full of soul and light, a rare opportunity to steward centuries of English history, reimagined for modern living without compromise. 

STEP INSIDE Upon entry, a sweeping corridor of anthracite stone church slabs draws the eye to the communal heart of the home. On either side, two remarkable living rooms pay homage to different eras. To the left, the 'Gold Room' shimmers with gold and cerulean exotic wallpaper, French furnishings, original chocolate-toned oak floors, and an electric log burner, all leading to garden views through elegant French doors. To the right, the 'Blue Room'-a royal blue, whimsical Victorian parlour-bubbles with rich textures, French wall sconces, a second electric log burner, and original sash windows complete with working shutters.

The central vestibule is a true showpiece: anchored by an original wall from the Stuart era, its open panels inlaid with stained glass salvaged from a 15th-century chapel. Beyond lies the dining room, where exposed beams and undulating ceiling lines call forth the whimsy of the property's earliest years. A state-of-the-art kitchen with bottle-green Victorian tiles, sparkling black Dekton Trillian quartz worktops, a movable island, and Neff appliances adjoins, along with a stylish utility room and powder room finished with Ralph Lauren wallpaper and vintage cherry wood and marble fittings.

The first floor offers three spacious bedrooms, two with en-suites, all featuring exposed beams, modern bathrooms, and integrated smart blackout blinds. One bedroom boasts direct access to sprawling eaves storage, cleverly hidden behind secret panels.

Ascending to the second floor, the landing has been transformed into a bespoke library, flanked by two extraordinary double bedrooms with soaring 17-foot ceilings at their apex and a secret marble bathroom, accessed through a small saloon door into a sweeping, tiered white marble sanctuary.

The Annexe, once a working barn, has been transformed into a luxurious two (potentially three) bedroom residence. With soaring ceilings, oak floors, and original metalwork details preserved, it offers a large reception room, modern kitchen, wet room, utility room, a light-filled orangery, and a library/study space. The Annexe enjoys its own separate garden and access points, blending privacy with proximity to the main house.
 

STEP OUTSIDE Outside, the grounds have been meticulously designed to complement the home's heritage. The front garden features a crushed stone driveway, a two-tier cart lodge with internal and external lighting, secure bin storage, bursting flowerbeds behind oak sleepers, a shed for additional cold storage and sundries, and a charming side arbour leading into verdant lawned gardens. The back garden is a private paradise: manicured lawns, seating areas, a fire pit, a bespoke oak veranda with ambient lighting, and a secret side garden for potting and al fresco dining. The Annexe's tiered country garden includes workshops, an aviary, a small chicken coop, and flourishing flowerbeds: an authentic slice of pastoral charm.
 

THE LOCATION Nestled within the picturesque Tendring peninsula, Thorpe-le-Soken offers the perfect balance of rural tranquillity and modern convenience. A vibrant and historic village, it is celebrated for its charming High Street, traditional pubs, independent shops, and world-class amenities, including the award-winning Lifehouse Spa and Hotel. For lovers of the outdoors, an abundance of country walks unfolds across rolling fields and secret woodland paths, offering an idyllic backdrop for year-round exploration. Despite its peaceful setting, Thorpe-le-Soken is exceptionally well connected: the village's own train station provides direct links to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour, while the renowned sandy shores of Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Clacton-on-Sea lie less than twenty minutes away by car. Whether drawn by the coast, the countryside, or the convenience, Thorpe-le-Soken offers an unparalleled quality of life that few villages can match.