Moat Road, Fordham, Colchester

Elegant country living at it's finest – Grand Georgian 6-bedroom estate with pool, tennis court & glorious grounds

Tucked within the heart of the desirable village of Fordham, this remarkable Grade II listed Georgian residence offers a rare blend of period grandeur, luxurious living, and modern versatility. Dating from circa 1749—with origins believed to extend as far back as the 16th century—this six-bedroom home is moated on two sides, providing a sense of privacy and timeless charm rarely found in residential properties today.

Set within approximately 2 acres of landscaped gardens and additional outbuildings spanning 2,000 square feet, the estate totals over 7,000 square feet of accommodation. The home is a haven for both family life and impressive entertaining, with standout features that include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a floodlit all-weather tennis court, a 30-foot games room, and a guest suite with en-suite wet room.

Most rooms enjoy tranquil views of the surrounding moat or elegant gardens. The slow-flowing water lends a serene atmosphere, enhanced by resident ducks and the lush flora of established trees, hedgerows, and vibrant blooms. In spring and summer, the grounds become a stunning private oasis—perfect for garden parties, al fresco dining, or peaceful retreats.


Rich in History, Ready for Modern Life

Thoughtfully restored throughout, the home marries Georgian architectural integrity—grand sash windows, high ceilings, original fireplaces, intricate cornicing—with stylish contemporary finishes and bespoke joinery. The spacious layout spans three floors plus a cellar, ideally suited to a large, growing or extended/blended family.

Accommodation Overview
• Six Bedrooms including a luxurious principal suite with en-suite, dressing room, his and hers walk in wardrobes and feature fireplace
• Three En-Suite Bathrooms plus a family bathroom and ground-floor cloakroom
• Four Reception Rooms: Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, and private spacious office
• Stylish Bespoke Kitchen/Diner by Orwells of Ipswich, with vaulted ceilings, underfloor heating, and a three oven induction/hot plate enamel Everhot range and Fisher and Pakell fridge freezer, waste disposal unit and Quooker.
• Utility, Boot Room, Larder, and Cellar for additional practicality
• Versatile Top Floor: Three double bedrooms, family bathroom and seperate WC - accessed by two staircases for family flexibility or guest privacy
Exceptional Entertaining & Leisure Amenities
• Heated outdoor swimming pool with secluded sun terrace and seating area overlooking the beautiful moat
• Fully equipped games room with bar, cinema space, and potential for gym or office use
• Guest house with wet room and separate access from Chapel Road —ideal for visitors or running a lucrative Airbnb business
• Floodlit tennis court with pavilion
• Various outbuildings including a listed barn workshop, triple cart lodge, secure double garage and secure dog run


A Village with Heart and Heritage

Just a short stroll to the village centre, Fordham is known for its warm, active community and abundant countryside walks, particularly around the nearby Fordham Hall Estate. The village is bordered by Woodland Trust-managed land, enhancing its rural charm, biodiversity, and peaceful atmosphere. At its heart lies The Three Horseshoes, an award-winning fine dining pub and restaurant celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and inviting ambience. The village also hosts a weekly hub of local producers, offering fresh meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, and household refills—supporting sustainable living and local enterprise. A visiting post office adds to the convenience, while nearby amenities include riding stables, a gliding centre, a thriving antique centre with tea rooms, a welcoming village church, and a highly regarded local primary school—all within walking distance. Colchester City Centre lies just 6 miles away, providing access to a superb collection of Grammar and Independent schools, shopping, and cultural attractions. Commuters are well served by Marks Tey (3.7 miles) and Colchester North (5 miles) mainline stations, offering swift connections into London and beyond.


A Home of Distinction, a Lifestyle of Ease

Privately gated and beautifully appointed, this Georgian gem offers refined country living with every modern comfort. Though offered with around 2 acres, a further approximate 2.3 acres may be available by separate negotiation—presenting an exciting opportunity to expand your private domain.




ACCOMMODATION

Ground Floor

This beautifully described property boasts a combination of formal elegance and practical amenities, perfect for both refined living and entertaining.

The entrance opens into a spacious reception area, highlighted by a gracefully turned spindle staircase leading to the upper floors. This central hallway provides access to the primary reception rooms, including the drawing room and dining room, both featuring sash windows with views of the formal front garden. The drawing room is enhanced by a stunning stone fireplace with a log burner, while the dining room has an open fire, framed by a large brick chimney breast, stone hearth, and a bressummer.

A passage from the reception leads to a stylish sitting room with a dual aspect view, one side offering glimpses of the walled garden, and the other overlooking the moat and orchard. The sitting room features integrated walnut storage cabinets, including a bespoke "close-away" desk, perfect for occasional home office needs.

The spacious kitchen/breakfast room, a custom design by "Orwells of Ipswich," is an impressive feature of the property, with its high vaulted ceiling and exposed timbers. It also boasts underfloor heating and dual aspect views, with French doors leading to the terrace for summer dining. The kitchen's centerpiece is the Everhot range, with multiple ovens, simmer plates, induction hob, and a warming oven.

Beyond the kitchen, there is a boot room with an extensive range of fitted storage cabinets, a central seating unit, and an integrated fridge/freezer. Adjacent is a cool room/larder cupboard and a laundry room. Via a short staircase is access to the study, with views across the moat. A cloakroom completes the ground floor.


First Floor

On the first floor, the landing connects to the principal suite, which consists of a bedroom with a feature fireplace, an en-suite bathroom with an antique French slipper bath, and a dressing room. The en-suite has a walk-in corner shower designed by an artist, with mosaic-tiled walls and a marble hearth fireplace. A second room, currently used as a dressing room, could easily be transformed into a nursery or additional bedroom. The double bedroom to the front of the house and opposite the principle bedroom also features an en-suite showee and a large walk-in wardrobe.

Second Floor

The second floor is home to three double bedrooms, each with either walk-in or built-in wardrobes. There is also a family bathroom and a separate cloakroom with a WC. Each bedroom has its own access via separate stairs, enhancing privacy.


EXTERNAL

Externally, the property is accessed via electric gates, leading to a shingle driveway and parking area. A double bay cart lodge with a secure garage is located nearby, along with a plant room that services the games room, guest house, and swimming pool. The games room is a versatile space, large enough for a pool table and cinema seating, and has a bar with a sink and fridge. It could also serve as a home office or gym. The property also features a courtyard with a dog run and kennel, plus a listed barn used as a workshop. There is ample space for parking for several vehicles.

The heated swimming pool, accessed via a secluded entrance, is surrounded by flagstone tiling and offers space for outdoor dining and lounging. The adjacent guest house, with an en-suite wet room, provides potential for use as guest accommodation. Possibly even Airbnb

At the rear of the property, a sun terrace overlooks the moat, tennis court, and gardens. The moat is home to seasonal ducks, ducklings and fish. A bridge spans the moat, leading to the formal gardens, which are laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees, shrubs, and hedging, as well as an orchard and vegetable/soft fruit garden. There is also a floodlit all-weather tennis court with a pavilion. The property enjoys additional protection from a "wild garden" across the road, bordered by a greensward and backed by Woodland Trust land.