Halstead Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7

Set amidst views of large open farmland, The Old Red Lion is a beautifully restored and impressively extended period residence dating back to circa 1876. Within its own grounds the once local public house, The Old Red Lion, under its current ownership has undergone a sensitive yet extensive transformation into a warm and character-filled home that perfectly balances historic charm with modern elegance from the moment you arrive.

Approaching the house a custom-built oak porch with a red clay tiled roof sets the tone and leads you into the property where you are welcomed into the snug, a cosy front room with exposed beams, an open brick fireplace, and rich character throughout. This space forms the beginning of the home’s thoughtfully designed circular flow, with seamless connections to the rest of the ground floor.
To the front, the family sitting room mirrors the snug’s charm with another exposed brick fireplace, this one housing a substantial wood-burning stove that anchors the room and provides a comforting focal point. With natural light pouring in through windows overlooking the garden creating an enhancing the spacious yet homely feel with a triple aspect outlook over the grounds.
At the heart of this home is the Family room with its large bespoke fitted kitchen, dining, and living area all in one large room. This area of the house has undergone extensive alterations under the current tenure including a two-storey extension which helps creating a generous, multi-functional space ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The split-level layout adds architectural interest, while marble worksurfaces, integrated appliances, and a range-style oven combine practicality with timeless style. Opening directly onto the rear garden and decking area inviting the outdoors in from the seating area are a large set of Bi-folding doors and from the dining area are another set of French doors. Adjacent lies a formal dining room, subtly enhanced by a tucked-away wet bar, perfect for evenings with family and friends. The remainder of the ground floor consists of a spacious utility room, with a butler sink and garden access through double French doors ensuring the home functions effortlessly for modern family life, along with internal access into the double garage. For moments of leisure and entertainment, the property enjoys a purpose-built cinema room complete with a overhead projector and surround sound system located on the ground floor which can be access from the snug. The ground floor is concluded by a cloakroom which, enjoys the Italian travertine tiling across the floor and walls to help create a defined and elegant finish.
Upstairs, the home continues to impress. The master suite lives up to expectations, with garden and pond views that stretch out to the surrounding countryside. Upon entering this Master suite is a wall of wooden panelling which conceals the entrance to the luxurious four-piece en-suite bathroom, featuring a jacuzzi bath, double walk-in shower with his & hers sinks, further down the corridor is the walk-in wardrobe which is also secretly hidden behind the wooden panelling.
The second double bedroom benefits from its own en-suite shower room, while the third double bedroom enjoys Jack & Jill access to the elegant family bathroom. Bedroom four is also a double bedroom with feature brick wall and bedroom five provides flexible accommodation options, ideal for children, guests, or a dedicated home office space. The family bathroom which is a ‘Jack and Jill’ with bedroom three consists of another three-piece suite including a corner bath with wash hand basin and toilet finished, and with a wall mounted heated towel rail, combining perfectly with the exposed timber flooring and travertine tiling.
Throughout the home, original architectural features have been lovingly preserved, from exposed timbers to rustic brickwork, grounding the property in its heritage. The layout promotes a natural rhythm, flowing effortlessly from room to room, while the expansive gardens offer views of a naturally filling pond and across open farmland providing a tranquil outdoor haven, perfect for relaxation or further enhancement.

Outside
The house has a hedge lined sweeping in and out gravel driveway both with a 5-bar gated entrances with ample off-street parking for numerous vehicles alongside a double garage. Much of the land in set to lawn in addition to the naturally filling pond to the rear, it is also surrounded by farmland on three sides. The gardens also play host to several outbuildings including a large wooden workshop set towards the rear of plot with a more modern wood cabin addition towards the rear of the house which has been designed as a home bar room complete with power, lighting, hot and cold water. The house also enjoys a historic well in the grounds which is currently only utilised as a feature.
The Old Red Lion is more than a home, it’s a rare opportunity to own a piece of the past that has been carefully and beautifully reimagined for contemporary living.

Location

Braintree was issued a Market Charter by King John in 1199, and ever since then market days have become a focal point of the town. They occur twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the pleasantly pedestrianized (and recently refurbished) Market Place.
Braintree retains a good collection of historic buildings, including the listed timber-framed properties in the conservation area in the town centre.
For commuters the town has a direct connection to London Liverpool Street, taking around one hour and is approx. 12 miles to Stansted Airport and the M11.
Close by there are plenty of opportunities for walks and riding and of particular note is the nearby Great Notley Country Park which covers some 100 acres of open space.
A variety of activities and events are held throughout the year. Families can picnic or fly kites or, for the more energetic, there is an all-weather, multi-activity, floodlit pitch and two grass football pitches. There's also an excellent visitor centre, housed in the award-winning Discovery Centre.
The region boasts a significant number of secondary and primary schools as well as colleges and nurseries. There are well-renowned private schools within easy reach and some of the country’s leading grammar schools in Colchester and Chelmsford.