Little Elms, Rye Hill, Harlow

**OFFERS OVER £900,000** Jukes Estate Agents are delighted to bring to market this gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3 reception room detached property with a studio annex in the highly desirable & rural Rye Hill Road.
Properties here do NOT come to market very often and it is easy to see why! Located on the borders of Harlow & Epping and backing on to fields that have been designated as an area of natural beauty (AONB), you are more likely to bump into a deer than a human being.
There is nothing better than delving into the history of a property that has been around for centuries and has been extended a few times throughout its life. It is a testimony to the brilliance of builders of yester year and there is little or no doubt in my mind that this impressive family property will be standing long after todays modern builds have had to undergo serious surgery to renovate to an acceptable level.
It is worth mentioning at this stage that this property is NOT Grade II listed and therefore you are in no way restricted to alterations and extensions other than the usual planning permissions.
The original part of this property dates back to 1632. That's 10 years before Sir Isaac Newton was born and some 30 years before he discovered Gravity! 1632 was also the year that Sir Christopher Wren was born who of course went on to build such iconic buildings as St Pauls Cathedral. Let that sink in!!
The first extension was then carried out in the 1700's. This was or course around the same time as the Industrial Revolution. It was also around the time that we saw the birth of Horatio Nelson, Beau Brummmell, William Pitt The Elder & King George III.
The property remained as it was until some 200 years later & since the 1970's it has seen another 2/3 extensions and major alterations take shape to turn it into the cracking property that it is today!
Coming in at over 2,200 sq ft (over 204 sq m), this large family home has been the home of the current owners for some 37 years and they have been responsible for the last two extensions and the addition of the 1 bedroom studio annex. They have also been responsible for creating an absolutely beautiful garden that is full of colour from spring to autumn. You will get some idea by looking the images as to just how gorgeous the garden and indeed the property is!
Also, I would highly recommend clicking on the video link to see how rural this wonderful property is.
Have a good look at the floorplan, look at the video, study the images and imagine you and your family living here. If you can't do that then that's fine. If however you can, then pick up the phone and book yourself in to view it as soon as possible.
The first thing to say is that there is off road parking for 4 vehicles.
The downstairs of this property consists of three reception rooms. A large lounge that measures almost 40 sq m (over 422 sq ft), a large dining room that is over 21.5 sq m (almost 232 sq ft) and a snug that is almost 11.5 sq m (over 123 sq ft). There is a country/farmhouse style kitchen that is over 14.5 sq m (over 155 sq ft), a utility room that is 9 sq m (almost 100 sq ft) & a downstairs family bathroom. There are plenty of windows in the property, so unlike many really old properties, it is not dark and dingy! Double patio doors lead out from the dining room to the amazing garden. As I write this description for you to read, it is still a blaze of colours and looks simply superb. However, I am told by the current owners that from April through to October it is even more colourful! They have obviously put a lot of time and effort into establishing this horticulture masterpiece and they should be applauded in what they have created!
There is a 1 bedroom studio annex at the bottom of the garden that is almost 19 sq m (over 200 sq ft).
Upstairs we 5 bedrooms. 4 are double and there is 1 single bedroom. There is also the family bathroom. The 4 doubles all have built in wardrobes and in the master bedroom there is cleverly disguised en suite that is accessed by walking through one of the fitted wardrobe doors. It's rather like entering Narnia!
With a lot of development going on in Harlow & Epping Forest (and this property really does sit on the boundary), it is absolutely essential to know that to the rear of this house is an AONB which means it can never be built on. The current owners have tried to buy the field at the back as it would make for a superb paddock for horses etc. The last time they asked, the farmer said no but that does not mean he will not in the future.
The land to the front of the property can also never be built on as there is a Saxon Moat and therefore, as far as we know, this property will NOT be engulfed by new developments.
So, we have this amazing large family home that is going to make some lucky family a fabulous place to live. However, what is life like living in Rye Hill Road & Harlow? Let's find out:

Life on Rye Hill Road and in Harlow: A Family Perspective
Introduction

Harlow, one of Britain's post-war "new towns," was designed to offer a balance between modern living and access to nature. Rye Hill Road, set on the edge of the town, provides a quieter, semi-rural character while still benefiting from the amenities of a larger settlement. For families, this combination of space, greenery and convenience makes it an appealing place to put down roots.

Rye Hill Road: A Closer Look
Housing and Character

Rye Hill Road is known for its larger detached homes and generous gardens, with some properties set on spacious plots behind gated drives. The area feels more peaceful than the denser estates of Harlow, offering families the chance to enjoy a quieter environment without being cut off from everyday services. The semi-rural outlook, with hedgerows and open land nearby, creates an atmosphere that suits those who value privacy and outdoor living.

Schools and Education

One of the strongest features of life here is the sheer choice of schools within easy reach. Several primary schools lie within walking distance, making the school run straightforward for younger children. Older children benefit from a good selection of secondary schools in the wider area, many of which are just a short drive away. This density of options allows parents flexibility and keeps children's travel times manageable.

Health and Everyday Services

Families on Rye Hill Road have convenient access to healthcare. GP surgeries, dental practices and opticians are all close by, while the main hospital serving the area, Princess Alexandra, is only a short drive away. This gives reassurance to parents, particularly with younger children, that medical care is never far away.

Transport and Connections

While a car is generally considered essential in this part of town, connections are reasonable. Harlow Town railway station links directly into London, and the nearby road network makes commuting straightforward. For those who prefer more local travel, Harlow's cycle paths connect many neighbourhoods, and buses serve most main routes, though frequency can be patchy outside peak hours.

Family Life in Harlow
Parks and Green Spaces

Families in Harlow are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor recreation. Harlow Town Park is a standout attraction, covering over 160 acres with landscaped gardens, play areas, a skate park, and the ever-popular Pets' Corner for younger children. Beyond the park, the town's design has ensured that neighbourhoods are interspersed with green wedges, meaning it rarely takes long to reach a field, wood or nature reserve. Rye Hill Road, sitting on the edge of town, offers particularly easy access to countryside walks and wildlife.

Leisure, Culture and Community

Harlow also prides itself on its cultural life. Public sculptures dot the town, giving it a distinctive identity, while the Playhouse Theatre and Gibberd Gallery offer a steady calendar of performances and exhibitions. For day-to-day family needs, the Harvey Centre and Water Gardens provide shopping, dining and entertainment, including a cinema. Sports clubs, from football to cricket and dance to martial arts, are widely available, giving children plenty of options for after-school and weekend activities.

Education Across the Town

Beyond Rye Hill Road's immediate catchment, Harlow as a whole offers a broad spectrum of schools. Parents often choose based on Ofsted ratings, specialist programmes, or proximity to home and work. The variety of institutions provides flexibility, though catchment boundaries and reputations can influence where families look to settle.

Everyday Living

For most families, daily life in Harlow means a blend of suburban convenience and community activity. The weekly shop is easily covered by local supermarkets, while cafés, restaurants and pubs provide social spaces for parents. Weekends often revolve around outdoor play, trips to Town Park, or involvement in children's clubs.


Council Tax Band: E
Tenure: Freehold