Church Hill, Ashdon, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10

An exceptional Grade II Listed Country House with stunning, mature grounds in an elevated setting with stunning views

Description

Nestled on the edge of this sought-after village, Ashdon Hall is a distinguished Grade II listed country residence set in immaculate landscaped gardens and private parkland of approximately 9.57 acres. Positioned in a delightfully elevated and tranquil setting, the property enjoys wonderful views and superb privacy, yet is conveniently located for the nearby market town of Saffron Walden and Audley End station beyond.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a significant country house in a superb setting, ideal for those seeking privacy, space, and period character within easy reach of excellent transport links and local amenities.

This handsome and historically significant Grade II listed home, partly dating from the 17th century, has been thoughtfully restored and maintained and now provides a welcoming, spacious and versatile family living over two floors (plus cellars). Set within a conservation area, it’s tucked away at the far end of a private, sweeping drive and is surrounded by formal gardens which delightfully divide into various 'rooms', together with mature woodland and paddocks.

The ground floor features a series of well-proportioned and elegant reception rooms, ideal for both family life and entertaining. These include a dual-aspect oak-panelled drawing room, a sitting room with garden access, and a west-facing dining room which leads directly to a bespoke, hand-painted, triple-aspect kitchen/breakfast room. A bright, part vaulted garden room connects with the breakfast area which in turn provides a wonderful space to sit and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the garden and landscape beyond towards Ashdon Windmill in the distance. Further ground floor spaces include a study, hobbies room, cloakroom, wine cellar, basement laundry room and additional storage.

Upstairs, the spacious landing provides access to the principal bedroom which enjoys particularly spectacular elevated views across the grounds and incorporates a dressing room and spacious en suite bathroom. In addition, there is a guest bedroom with an en suite shower room, four further bedrooms, and a family bathroom.

The grounds at Ashdon Hall are truly exceptional. A long sweeping drive leads through parkland (incorporating an ancient oak) to a generous parking area and the main entrance. Around two acres of formal gardens include expansive lawns, an Arts & Crafts-style walled garden, a lake and a fantastic variety of 'garden rooms' including the White garden, Well garden, Rainbow garden, Secret garden, Winter garden, Slate garden and West garden. The Yew circle and walk are especially impressive with a magical double depth planted lollipop-shaped Yew avenue.

Across Church Lane is an arboretum featuring a collection of specimen trees, including Handkerchief tree and an unusual Foxglove tree.

Outbuildings include a coach house with two stables and a cart store, a large storage barn, and triple garaging. These buildings offer potential for conversion (subject to planning permission and Listed Building consent).

Location

Ashdon is a small village located just outside of Saffron Walden, approximately 4.4 miles away. It is also approximately 14.5 miles away from the historic University city of Cambridge.

Ashdon offers access to major roadways, such as the A11 and M11 motorways, which offers straightforward routes to London and Cambridge. For rail commuters, Audley End station provides a direct connection to London Liverpool Street.

Saffron Walden boasts an array of amenities including a diverse selection of shops, cafes, restaurants, as well as a busy market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. Saffron Walden also offer a football and cricket ground, as well as Lord Butler Fitness & Leisure Centre that is home to a state of the art gym, tennis court, swimming pool and various sports halls. Saffron Hall is a 740 seat performance space with critically acclaimed and state-of-the-art facilities, with a variety of music and entertainment events throughout the year.

Further amenities and shopping facilities can be found in Cambridge, with a daily market and shopping malls The Grafton Centre and Grand Arcade. Cambridge has also become recognised as an important centre for the high tech and bio-tech industries with the University Research and Development Laboratories.

Local independent schools in Saffron Walden including Dame Bradbury’s (part of the Stephen Perse Foundation). For local state schooling there is the well regarded Saffron Walden County High School and a range of primary schools. Further schooling is available in Cambridge including renowned prep schools such as King’s & St John’s College Schools and St Faiths, secondary schools include The Perse and The Leys.

All distances and times are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,973 sq ft



Additional Info

The Manor of Ashdon Hall dates back to the Norman Invasion, and the vendor has knowledge of all the ownership from then to the current date. Sadly, the Lordship became extinct in the early 20th C. All the Manorial documents dating back several hundred years are now stored in the Essex Records Office in Chelmsford.

The house was understood to have been at one stage an L-shaped hall house, part of it remains from the 17th C. in the space now occupied by the Breakfast Room, Study, and Side Hall on the ground floor and Cellars below, and the Master Bedroom, Dressing Room and ensuite Bathroom, and the Landing on the first floor. The 17th C. pargetted wall of the original building is maintained on the long Landing upstairs.

Viewing strictly by appointment only

A bore hole provides garden irrigation

Oil fired central heating

16 solar panels on FIT scheme. Further detail available from the selling agent