Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2

Oaklands Lodge, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2

Offered by McCartney Sales & Lettings

A Rare Slice of Chelmsford’s History – The Former Gate House to Oaklands House

Tucked away in the sought-after Old Moulsham district, Oaklands Lodge is a truly unique detached period home steeped in rich local heritage. Once serving as the gatehouse to the prestigious Oaklands House Estate—built in 1865 by industrialist Frederick Wells and now home to the Chelmsford Museum—this Victorian-era residence offers a rare opportunity to own a part of the city’s historic fabric.

Oaklands Park itself sits on land with roots tracing back to Roman times and was later part of the grand Mildmay family estate. The lodge’s architecture features flint stonework with decorative brick quoins, showcasing the timeless craftsmanship of the era. Having served the community in various forms over the decades, including during the First World War, this charming lodge now offers comfortable and characterful living with modern touches subtly blended into its classic design.

Key Features:

• One Double Bedroom Detached Home

Perfectly suited to a single occupant or couple, this enchanting property is an ideal low-maintenance residence for those drawn to period charm and historical surroundings.

• Character-Filled Interior Layout

Featuring a warm and welcoming reception porch with original stained glass and tiled floor, leading to a cosy lounge with a feature stone fireplace and wood-burning stove. High ceilings and oak-engineered floors continue into the dining room, enhancing the home’s sense of space and period elegance.

• Well-Equipped Kitchen & Utility Area

The shaker-style kitchen boasts a deep glazed butler sink, electric hob and oven, tiled floors, and bespoke cabinetry, with an adjoining utility area offering extra storage and space for white goods.

• Spacious Bedroom & Uniquely Styled Bathroom

The bedroom is generously sized with a large sash window overlooking the garden, while the shower room features vintage-style fittings, including a high-level WC, bidet, standalone shower, and vaulted ceiling.

• Secluded South-East Facing Garden

Surrounded by mature hedging, flower beds, and shrubs, the private garden offers a tranquil escape, complete with Victorian-style lighting, patio seating areas, and a drying zone. There’s also direct access to Rothesay Avenue at the rear.

• Outbuildings & Garage/Workshop

The property includes a detached outbuilding with power, a radiator, gas boiler, and telecommunications point—ideal for use as a hobby room or studio. A garage/workshop (inaccessible to vehicles) provides additional storage and is also equipped with power and lighting.

• Off-Street Parking

A dropped kerb leads to a private driveway with off-road parking for one vehicle.

Location:

Set in the heart of Old Moulsham, one of Chelmsford's most desirable neighbourhoods, Oaklands Lodge is just a short stroll from the vibrant Moulsham Street area, known for its independent cafés, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Oaklands Park is just around the corner, offering green open spaces and access to Chelmsford Museum and Essex Regiment Museum. The property is approximately 25 minutes’ walk from Chelmsford train station, providing direct services to London Liverpool Street, and within close proximity to the city centre with its full range of amenities, including the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre and Essex County Cricket Ground.

Floor Area:

Approx. 77.5 sq. metres (834.3 sq. feet)

Garage: Approx. 13.4 sq. metres (144.1 sq. feet)

Services:

• All mains services connected

• Gas-fired central heating (combination boiler)

• uPVC sliding sash windows throughout

• Intruder alarm system installed

A truly charming and historically significant home, Oaklands Lodge offers character, comfort, and convenience in equal measure. Viewings are highly recommended to appreciate the full story and spirit of this exceptional property.

A Heritage Steeped in Time: The Story Behind Oaklands Lodge

Nestled in the historic quarter of Old Moulsham, Oaklands Lodge sits at the entrance to what was once the grand Oaklands House Estate, its story deeply entwined with Chelmsford’s past—stretching from Roman settlement through to Victorian prosperity.

Roman Origins & Medieval Foundations

Moulsham’s roots date back to Roman Britain, when this area formed part of Caesaromagus, a thriving civilian town growing around a Roman fort along a major route between London and Colchester. Over subsequent centuries, Moulsham remained a distinct entity, transitioning through the medieval period under the influence of the powerful Mildmay family, who acquired the manor following the Dissolution of the Friary in 1538.

The Mildmay Estate & Victorian Transformation

By the 19th century, the expansive Mildmay estate was being parcelled off, paving the way for Chelmsford’s Victorian expansion. In 1865, local industrialist Frederick Wells bought a section of the land and commissioned a spectacular Italianate mansion—Oaklands House—designed by Charles Pertwee, his relative by marriage, inspired by Queen Victoria’s Osborne House. Featuring ornate chimneys, a campanile bell-tower, and richly detailed interiors, Oaklands House stood as one of Chelmsford’s most impressive suburban villas.

Gatehouse Legacy & Institutional Rebirth

Constructed during the early Victorian period, the charming stone-and-brick gatehouse—now Oaklands Lodge—would once have welcomed guests and overseen arrival to the grand estate. During the First World War, Oaklands House served as a hospital, playing an important local role in wartime care .

In 1930, the mansion and surrounding Oaklands Park were acquired by Chelmsford Borough Council and repurposed as the Museum of Chelmsford, preserving the legacy of local innovation—from Marconi’s wireless to Crompton’s electric lighting—under one roof. Oaklands House was designated a Grade II Listed building in 1986, acknowledging its architectural and historic importance.

Oaklands Park: A Heritage Garden

The public park was formally opened in 1930, offering 12 acres of green space—including sports courts, a rose garden, and heritage landscaping echoing the original Victorian gardens. Today, the site enjoys both Green Flag and Green Heritage status, reflecting its civic and historic value.

 Oaklands Lodge in Historical Context

• Originally the Gate Lodge to Oaklands House, built in the same era and architectural style. The property shares the craftsmanship of flint and red-brick detailing characteristic of the late 19th century.

• Part of the Mildmay legacy, sited on land that once belonged to Tudor nobility, the lodge symbolizes the transformation from medieval estate to Victorian splendour .

• A connection to local industry, as it once witnessed Wells-era affluence, Chelmsford’s social evolution, wartime service, and its transition to a city museum.

• Set within a park of historical and recreational significance, with pathways following ancient routes, a Victorian-wrought iron lamp standard from 1898, and pathways echoing early layout designs around the mansion .

Why This History Elevates Oaklands Lodge

• Not just a home, but a story: Living here means owning the legacy of Chelmsford’s industrial, civic, and architectural evolution.

• Tangible links to historic figures: From Frederick Wells and Charles Pertwee to the Mildmay lineage, the lodge offers a rare connection to celebrated local history.

• A conservation-focused environment: This property benefits from protected surroundings and small-scale heritage charm.

• Museum and park gateway: As the original gateway to Chelmsford’s museum estate, Oaklands Lodge shares its location with educational and heritage-led green space—a blend of residential peace and public interest.