Shortgrove, Newport, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11

A striking Grade II home with expansive living space and landscaped grounds

Description

South House forms the southern wing of a striking Grade II* listed eighteenth century stable block on the historic Shortgrove Estate. Converted into three residences approximately 50 years ago, and later remodelled, the property combines exceptional architectural character with bright, versatile accommodation arranged over three floors. The house enjoys established gardens, woodland, and far reaching views across listed historic parkland, meadows, and neighbouring gardens. The property is entered through panelled front doors, set beneath brick elevations and the beautifully preserved pargetted former coach entrance. The entrance hall provides an impressive introduction, with a staircase and access to a cloakroom and to the rear garden.

To the left of the hall lies an exceptional double height drawing room, an astonishing space flooded with natural light from its tall windows on both sides. A gallery overlooks the room from above, and a working open fireplace provides a striking focal point. To the right of the hall, a breakfast room opens into the spacious kitchen/dining room, set beneath the original arched former carriage entrance. The kitchen is fitted with floor and wall mounted oak units with Corian work surfaces, an oil fired AGA, and a separate electric oven with ceramic hob. The room enjoys views over the front lawn and driveway, and across the rear gardens, offering direct access to the private courtyard.

The first floor contains the impressive gallery that overlooks the drawing room. To the right sits the main bedroom suite, a generously proportioned room complimented by its own en suite bathroom, which includes a bath, separate shower and white sanitaryware. Adjacent to this is a walk in dressing room illuminated from above by a skylight. On the second floor, there are four further bedrooms, one of which is used as a study and another a library, and a family bathroom. Stairs rise to the third floor where there are exposed timbers and a bright open landing, lit by two Velux windows. To the left is a well proportioned sixth bedroom, and this floor also contains a WC and access to extensive attic storage. From the upper floors, the views extend across the front parkland and valley, taking in the sweeping lawn and driveway below.

The gardens and grounds form an exceptional and wonderfully mature setting, extending to approximately 1.2 acres. Lawns sweep around the house, bordered by established trees and thoughtfully arranged flower beds with displays of various flowers including aconites, snowdrops and daffodils. Closest to the house lies a charming walled garden which opens into a vibrant flower garden rich with colour. Beyond this, there is a wildflower meadow and past an old boundary wall, the land then drops away into ancient woodland.

Location

The property is situated on the Shortgrove Estate, just a mile away from Newport and 2.6 miles away from Saffron Walden. There are main line railway stations (Audley End 1.6 miles & Newport 1.5 miles) with commuter services to London’s Liverpool Street (journeys from 50 minutes) and Cambridge (journeys from 20 minutes).

The market town of Saffron Walden has a wide variety of everyday shopping facilities and a market which takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. It was also voted the best place to live in the Sunday Times 2025. Bishop’s Stortford (10.4 miles) provides access to the M11 on the outskirts of the town. Stansted Airport is located 10.6 miles away.

For schooling the property is in catchment for Newport Primary School and Joyce Frankland Academy for secondary schooling. There are also independent schools for all ages available in Cambridge (17.6 miles) including The Perse, The Leys and St Mary's. Dame Bradbury’s in Saffron Walden also feeds into the Stephen Perse Foundation in Cambridge.

All distances and times are approximate

Square Footage: 3,300 sq ft
Leasehold with approximately 950 years remaining.

Acreage: 1.2 Acres

Additional Info

There are monthly payments of £100 to cover courtyard gardening and general maintenance; maintenance of the gates; sewerage licence fee and septic tank emptying; and sundry costs. And Annual payments of £380 (to rise to £400 next year), due in October, to cover the provisions for maintenance of the 2 drives.

Mains Water and Electricity. Private drainage (septic tank) connected.