Elizabethan House, Shudy Camps Park, Cambridgeshire

This four-bedroom, Grade II-listed home forms part of the Shudy Camps Hall estate in South Cambridgeshire. Built in the early 18th century, it combines period features with sensitive contemporary additions, including a recently updated kitchen. There is an acre of land, including a walled courtyard garden and a serene woodland with areas for quiet reflection. Despite its sense of remove, the house is brilliantly positioned for travel and amenities. The popular market town of Saffron Walden is around eight miles away, while Audley End train station runs regular services to London Liverpool Street in just under an hour.



Please note that planning permissions are in place for a single-storey extension on the ground floor.





Setting the Scene



Elizabethan House is thought to have been built around 1700, as staff quarters for Shudy Camps Hall. The estate was built by Marmaduke Dayrell and remained within the Dayrell family for almost 200 years.



During the Second World War, its parkland was requisitioned by the British Army, and the main house was occupied by the Royal Air Force. Elizabethan House retains many of its original features, including exposed brickwork, a series of 12-pane sash windows and a beautifully curved staircase.



The Grand Tour



A grand pedimented porch with reeded corner pilasters forms the private entrance to the house. In the living room, exposed brickwork is washed in white, while original timber beams criss-cross the ceiling. At one end, a sunflower-yellow Everhot stove sits in a fireplace alcove, while double doors open onto a tranquil courtyard garden.



A kitchen by Naked Kitchens has full-height cabinetry painted in a warm yellow tone. Smart tongue and groove panelling extends across one wall, and a tall casement window frames leafy garden views. In the dining room, a large log burner sits in an inglenook fireplace, and a set of double doors unfolds onto the courtyard.



A voluminous first-floor landing with wide elm floorboards is the perfect spot to curl up with a book. It leads to the principal bedroom, a bright space illuminated by a large 12-pane window. A separate storage space is attached, and there is an en suite shower room.



There is an additional double bedroom on this floor, alongside a large shared bathroom. An egg-shaped bathtub by Lusso Stone sits in an alcove with a gently curved brick wall, and there is a walk-in shower. Two further bedrooms occupy the second floor, and there is a shared shower room. An original spiral staircase descends from the top floor to the lower levels.



The Great Outdoors



The house sits within approximately an acre of private gardens, including a large courtyard garden embraced by original brick walls. Paved and shingled areas are well-suited to outdoor entertaining, and there is a neat lawned area as well as a kitchen garden.



A door in the garden wall leads to a romantic woodland, home to a variety of mature trees and shrubbery and with far-reaching views. A fire pit is an ideal spot for stargazing on a summer’s evening. There is also an expanse of open parkland and areas for sitting out.



A shingled area near the house has space for several cars.



Out and About



Shudy Camps Park is conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive from the small village of Castle Camps. It is home to a friendly pub, The Oak, as well as a village hall with regular groups for activities such as crafting and yoga.



There are many excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes in the neighbouring villages, including The Three Hills pub and The Linton Kitchen. Several farm shops can be found in the area, including the wonderful Flourish Farm Shop.



Nearby Saffron Walden has a broad range of shops and attractions, including a Waitrose, an award-winning concert hall and a twice-weekly market. In addition, it has a lovely selection of coffee shops and bars, including Wood St Coffee and Goose. The Restaurant on Church Street proffers elegant dining, while Chater’s is a popular all-day bakery and restaurant. Audley End House and Gardens is a popular local attraction, hosting regular events throughout the year.



The house is surrounded by open farmland, offering ample opportunities for countryside walks. Wandlebury Park – Cambridge’s oldest country park – is a 20-minute drive away to the north-west, while Clare Castle Country Park is also close by. The ancient city of Cambridge is a 30-minute drive away, home to the exceptional house-gallery Kettle’s Yard, as well as myriad shops, restaurants, cafes and museums.



There are several excellent schooling options in the local area, including Castle Camps C of E Primary, Ashdon Primary and Dame Bradbury Prep School. Audley End rail station is approximately 11 miles away, with regular services to London Liverpool Street in just under an hour, Cambridge in 20 minutes, and Stansted Airport in 15 minutes.



Council Tax Band: G