A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional country home of outstanding historic interest, offering extensive and versatile accommodation set within picturesque surroundings in a highly convenient village location. Steeped in more than nine centuries of heritage, Dukes Manor occupies a commanding elevated position in the heart of the sought-after village of Roxwell, just four miles west of Chelmsford. Recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and Grade II listed for its exceptional architectural and historic significance, this remarkable former Elizabethan Baronial Manor House blends Tudor and Restoration-era craftsmanship with carefully considered 21st-century refinement.

Predominantly dating from circa 1555, the property is set within established grounds approaching 3.5 acres (stls). The current owners have undertaken a comprehensive and sympathetic renovation, preserving the home’s historic integrity while creating a comfortable and highly functional family residence. The principal house provides three floors of accommodation extending to nearly 6,000 sq ft, complemented by cellars, a wide range of traditional outbuildings, and a self-contained three-bedroom annexe, ideal for multigenerational living.

Of particular note is the benefit of full planning consent granted by Chelmsford City Council under references 19/00515/FUL and 19/00516/FUL, approving the construction of a separate four-bedroom dwelling with private garden and independent access. This offers exciting scope for extended family accommodation or investment, while retaining privacy for the main residence.

As expected of a house of this age and stature, Dukes Manor retains a wealth of original period features, including hand-tooled cornicing, decorative panelling, traditional skirting and architraves, leaded light windows with shutters, and several working original fireplaces. Historic features such as a concealed priest’s hole sit comfortably alongside modern amenities, creating a home that is both atmospheric and eminently liveable.

Accommodation

Ground Floor

Reception Hall

19'1" x 18'9" (5.84m x 5.73m)

Drawing Room

31'2" x 22'9" (9.51m x 6.95m)

Kitchen / Breakfast Room

19'10" x 16'9" (6.06m x 5.11m)

Sitting Room

11'7" x 9'8" (3.55m x 2.96m)

Dining Room

21'6" x 15'4" (6.56m x 4.69m)

Cloakroom

Study

10'4" x 5'1" (3.15m x 1.57m)

Cellars

First Floor

Master Bedroom

18'7" x 15'5" (5.67m x 4.72m)

Ensuite Bathroom

Ensuite WC

Bedroom Two

18'7" x 14'11" (5.67m x 4.56m)

Bedroom Three

13'10" x 11'4" (4.24m x 3.46m)

Bedroom Four

12'1" x 11'4" (3.69m x 3.46m)

Guest Bathroom

11'2" x 5'10" (3.41m x 1.79m)

Shower Room

13'5" x 11'2" (4.11m x 3.42m)

Second Floor

Bedroom Five

11'10" x 8'6" (3.63m x 2.60m)

Bedroom Six

10'1" x 8'11" (3.09m x 2.74m)

Bedroom Seven

14'4" x 10'5" (4.38m x 3.18m)

Bathroom

Play Room

23'3" x 9'7" < 16'9" (7.09m x 2.92m < 5.11m)

Annexe (Three Bedrooms)

Sitting Room

18'0" x 13'6" (5.50m x 4.12m)

Kitchen / Breakfast Room

18'0" x 12'0" (5.49m x 3.68m)

Conservatory

12'6" x 11'10" (3.82m x 3.62m)

Bedroom One

15'7" x 12'4" (4.75m x 3.76m)

Bedroom Two

10'7" x 7'3" (3.24m x 2.23m)

Bedroom Three

7'9" x 7'8" (2.38m x 2.34m)

Shower Room

Bathroom

Outside & Outbuildings

The grounds are a particular feature of the property, providing privacy and a strong sense of arrival. Facilities include a stable courtyard with three loose boxes, paddocks, coach house, workshops, extensive outbuildings and garaging for up to six vehicles, a games room, store rooms, and a large Victorian glasshouse. Leisure amenities include a floodlit tennis court and a swimming pool with pool house, all set within beautifully established gardens and grounds.

History & Heritage

The earliest manor at Roxwell is recorded in 1086, marking the site’s continuous occupation for nearly a millennium. The existing core of Dukes Manor dates to the 16th century, when prosperous Tudor gentry were building fine manor houses across Essex. A significant remodelling took place in 1666 under Thomas Arthur Crush, commemorated by a plaque set into the wall of the reception hall.

By the 19th century, Dukes Manor formed part of the estates of Lord Petre, placing it among the most distinguished country houses in the region. Architecturally, the house is notable for its four original chimney stacks, timber-framed origins with rendered infill panels, later enhancements in mellow red brick, gabled cross-wings, leaded casements, and steeply pitched tiled roofs.

Internally, the house reveals layers of craftsmanship including oak beams, carved staircases, original fireplaces, panelling, and moulded cornices, all carefully preserved. A concealed priest’s hole further reflects the property’s historic depth. Meticulously maintained through successive centuries, Dukes Manor stands today as a living chronicle of English domestic architecture.

Location

Roxwell is an historic Essex village offering an excellent balance of rural seclusion and accessibility, situated approximately four miles west of Chelmsford. The village benefits from a primary school, church, a well-used village hall, and a highly regarded community-owned public house, fostering a strong sense of local life.

Chelmsford’s mainline railway station provides direct services to London Liverpool Street in approximately 35 minutes. The area is well regarded for schooling, including highly rated grammar and independent options in and around Chelmsford. Road connections via the A12, M11, and M25 provide excellent access across the region and into London.