Aquila, Great Bentley, Essex

Designed in the 1960s for an artist by renowned architect Bryan Thomas, this distinctive two-bedroom detached house lies within the Great Bentley conservation area in Essex. The house looks out onto The Green at Great Bentley, with views over its approximately 43 protected acres. Spanning 1,758 sq ft across two levels, the living spaces are defined by soaring intersecting volumes, original timber finishes, and a wonderful sense of light and connection to the surrounding landscape. Despite its tranquil setting, the house is well located for easy access to Colchester station, with direct train journeys to London Liverpool Street in around an hour.



The Tour



Set along a private road, this striking house overlooks the vast green that spreads across the heart of the village. This protected and well-maintained open space is a unique and treasured part of village life and is reputedly the second-largest village green in England.



The façade of the house, predominantly clad in charcoal-painted weatherboards, rises across two levels, with ribbon glazing running along the first floor and a mono-pitched roof. Inside, a series of interlocking rooms creates a flow of movement across distinct areas, while cleverly placed glass panels maximise natural light.



Entry is to the hall, where dark cork flooring extends underfoot. Here and throughout, the interiors are simply finished with white-painted walls and timber panelling.



Straight ahead, glazed doors lead to an open-plan kitchen/dining room with an L-shape layout. Large marble floor tiles delineate the dining area, framed to one side by sliding doors that open onto the terrace, which in turn leads to the rear walled garden. The original, bespoke kitchen is set toward the front, clad in timber boarding with integrated storage and matching cupboards. A large ceramic Belfast sink is set beneath a window with direct views onto the green.



A versatile and spacious artist’s studio/living room is positioned at the rear. Set beneath a butterfly roof with a pine-clad ceiling, the space is bathed with natural light pouring from high-level windows. Also on this floor is a bedroom with abundant built-in storage space, and a bathroom with a shower.



An open-tread timber staircase ascends from the studio to the top floor. Here, the principal bedroom suite opens out into a light living area. The space is defined by wooden floorboards and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The sitting area is anchored by a wood-burning stove. Sliding doors open onto the sleeping area. There is a large en-suite bathroom with a shower over the bathtub.



Outdoor Space



From the kitchen/dining room, three-part sliding doors open onto a paved and sheltered outdoor terrace, perfect for dining outside and relaxing in the warmer seasons. A walled garden extends to the rear, sheltered and planted with a bed of evergreen shrubs.



The Area



Great Bentley is a thriving rural village in the Tendring district of north-east Essex. Set along The Green Conservation Area, the house is within walking distance from all essential amenities and numerous cafes and pubs. The region offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Dedham Vale National Landscape, celebrated by landscape painter John Constable and renowned for its diverse fauna and flora, is traversed by scenic walking and cycling routes. The Stour estuary and surrounding area are great for birdwatching, sailing, and canoeing, and many coastal villages are less than 20 minutes' drive away.



Garden enthusiasts will find endless inspiration at the fantastic Beth Chatto’s gardens at Elmstead Market. The house here was also designed by Bryan Thomas and shares a similar architectural vocabulary to Aquila. The Place for Plants nursery is in Bergholt Place, and is within easy reach by car. Benton End, the home of the plantsman and 20th-century artist Cedric Morris, is another local institution, soon to be reopened as a centre for artistic and horticultural study.



The city centre of Colchester is just over 20 minutes away by car. Here, Firstsite is a spectacular Rafael Vinoly-designed building that showcases artworks from both local and internationally recognised artists; it also has an in-house cinema, café and a shop, and runs a programme of free talks. The city is also home to a Curzon cinema and the Mercury Theatre.



Great Bentley station is a five-minute walk from the house, with railway connections to Stratford (for the Elizabeth Line, Central and Jubilee Lines, National Rail and the London Overground) in one hour and 15 minutes. London Liverpool Street can be reached via Colchester in under two hours. Stansted Airport is an hour's drive away.



Council Tax Band: E