The Street, Great Hallingbury, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22

A Grade II listed character home with 6 bedrooms, 2.03 acres and a natural swimming pond, set in an idyllic rural position near Hatfield Forest

Description

Howlets is an immediately appealing Grade II listed house, understood to date from the late 16th/early 17th century, with timber framed and plastered elevations beneath a plain red tiled roof and tile hung gables.

The front elevation offers a classic, balanced façade with traditional black and white detailing, a welcoming porch, and a gravelled approach framed by established hedging and mature trees - creating a strong sense of arrival and privacy.

The current owners have extended and modernised during their ownership, sensitively enhancing the house for contemporary living while preserving its period integrity and atmosphere.

A gabled porch opens into a welcoming hall, leading through to a series of characterful reception spaces: a generous sitting room centred around an impressive inglenook fireplace, complemented by a particularly atmospheric snug with distinctive panelling and a separate dining room suited to both everyday living and entertaining.

The kitchen is traditionally styled and anchored by an electric Aga, with an adjoining utility/boot room ideal for country living. A further ground floor room, served by a shower room, provides valuable flexibility, lending itself naturally to guest accommodation, home working, hobbies or perhaps a self-contained living space.

Two staircases rise to the first floor, where three bedrooms are accompanied by two bathrooms, and the top floor provides up to three additional bedrooms, creating excellent capacity for family and guests alike.

The gardens and grounds extend to about 2.03 acres, arranged as an immersive, landscaped setting with mature trees and established borders, gently transitioning into a woodland feel. A standout feature is the custom built natural swimming pond, designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings and create a tranquil focal point for the grounds. A detached single garage is complemented by a selection of useful outbuildings including sheds and a summerhouse, while driveways to either side of the house provide parking for several vehicles.

Location

Schooling:

The Bishop’s Stortford area is recognised for the breadth of schooling available across state and independent sectors. Options include Hockerill Anglo European College (state day and boarding, 11-18) and Bishop’s Stortford College (independent day and boarding, 3-18). Further well known choices include The Bishop’s Stortford High School and The Hertfordshire & Essex High School, along with a strong selection of primary schools in and around Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding villages.

Transport:

Bishop’s Stortford station offers frequent direct services to London Liverpool Street, with the fastest journeys from about 37 minutes - supporting straightforward commuting into the City. London Stansted Airport is close by, and the Stansted Express provides regular services between Stansted and Liverpool Street (typically every 15 minutes during the day), adding further flexibility for commuters and international travel.
The M11 motorway passes through the parish, providing wider road connectivity across the region.

Local restaurants:

The Toaster - South Street, Bishop’s Stortford, A buzzy breakfast & brunch café celebrated for crave worthy classics - think beautifully done full English, indulgent sourdough toasts, and standout coffee that makes an easy favourite for lazy mornings.

Ikura - Apton Road, Bishop’s Stortford, A go to for Japanese cuisine, serving up fresh sushi and comforting Japanese plates - perfect when you fancy something light, elegant and seriously moreish.

Square Footage: 3,001 sq ft


Acreage: 2.03 Acres

Additional Info

Great Hallingbury is a highly regarded village enjoying a distinctly rural character while remaining conveniently placed for Bishop’s Stortford. The surrounding landscape is enriched by the presence of Hatfield Forest, a rare survivor of a medieval royal hunting forest, now owned and managed by the National Trust and celebrated for its ancient trees and historic woodland pasture.

The area’s pedigree is further shaped by the legacy of Hallingbury Place / Hallingbury Park, historically a significant local estate associated with Tudor origins and later ownership by notable families, leaving a lasting influence on the village’s historic fabric and landscape character.

Services: Mains water and electricity. Oil fired central heating. Private drainage via septic tank. Various broadband options are available.

Listed Building Note: Howlets is Grade II listed (List Entry 1112047). Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves regarding any consents required for alterations and the ongoing stewardship of a listed property.

Agents note: This property is situated close to Stansted Airport. Buyers should bear this in mind before booking a viewing.