Wenden Road, Arkesden, Nr Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11

OLD VICARAGE is an imposing, detached former Vicarage of distinctive style and character situated in this delightful country setting within a highly desirable and much sought-after Essex village. Originally a timber framed home, the property has been altered and enlarged from its original form with a substantial Victorian facade having been added to create the home it is today. There are of course many features associated with both periods with rooms containing exposed beams and timbers, along with other stunning reception rooms of beautiful proportions with high ceilings and substantial bay windows. The property is the former home of Sir George Bull, often recognised as a food and drink industry titan and co-founder of Diageo and former Chairman of Sainsbury's, the Old Vicarage being the family home for several decades and, as such, has not been on the market for over 50 years.

The front door sits sheltered by an attractive lattice work porch opening into the reception hall where a sweeping staircase rises to the first floor. There are two stunning reception rooms either side of the hallway, both featuring large bay windows with original shutters and period fireplaces. A rear hallway leads to a further timbered reception room which has windows to both the front and rear drawing in natural light and adjoining shower room set to one side. The rear hall also gives access to a useful store room and kitchen. The kitchen itself contains a range of storage cupboards and work surfaces, window looking out to the rear garage, Aga and further space for additional appliances.

Furthermore, there is a library/reading room looking out to the front of the property, again with lovely high ceilings and fitted shelving, a garden room which is fully glazed and creates a delightful seating area looking out across the rear gardens. There is a secondary staircase rising to the first floor and door opening into a side entrance hall which, in turn, leads a utility room, wood store and ground floor cloakroom. It is worth noting - from the rear hall, a concealed staircase leads down to a large cellar area which incorporates wine storage.

The primary staircase rises to a wide landing area, partially split level leading to 6 bedrooms; 2 of which feature high ceilings, large bay windows looking out to the front and en suite bathroom and shower room respectively. There are 2 further bathrooms - one of which serves as a Jack & Jill facility to another bedroom, whilst a study serves perfect space as a home office great for those who work from home with two windows looking to the front and side. There is a concealed staircase rising to the loft area where space has been used as a further bedroom.

EXTERNALLY, this stunning home is approached by a gravelled entrance driveway enclosed by a 5-bar gate, bordered by a deep lawn to the front and fully enclosed by natural mature borders. The driveway leads onto extensive parking areas where there are 2 large garages and workshop.

Adjacent to the house sits a detached self-contained 2 bedroom annexe blending nicely within its environment with attractive tiled roof and weatherboarded finish. The annexe itself provides 2 bedroom accommodation; one upstairs and one down, a shower room and bathroom, good sized sitting room and kitchen.

The primary gardens extending away from the property are laid out predominantly to lawn and, as you might expect, contain a wide variety of mature plants, shrubs and trees all around helping to create a beautifully enclosed and private outside space. In all, the plot extends to about 1.3 acres.

ARKESDEN is a highly regarded North West Essex village with its mixture of period and modern properties set amidst undulating countryside. Facilities include a church, village hall, the newly refurbished public house – The Axe & Compass and a playing field. The village of Clavering is 2 miles away and has a village shop, public houses and a primary school. The historic market town of Saffron Walden lies 7 miles distant offering a wide range of shopping, educational and recreational facilities, and the City of Cambridge lies to the north. The mainline railway station at Audley End (3 miles) has commuter services to London (Liverpool Street).