Cannons Lane, Fyfield, Chipping Ongar CM5

Steeped in history and rich in character, Rowan Cottage is a truly exceptional Grade II Listed period home, believed to have origins dating back to the early 16th century including an original Bakehouse. Set in approximately one acre in the picturesque village of Fyfield, this extraordinary cottage has evolved through the centuries into a wonderfully versatile and much-loved family home.

The story of Rowan Cottage can be read in its fabric. Exposed oak beams, some incorporating historic ship timbers, mullion windows, Tudor brickwork, an original brick floor and traditional fireplaces offer a fascinating glimpse into the property's long and varied past. In the 17th century, the cottage was divided into three separate homes for farmworkers employed at nearby Fyfield Hall. Later alterations have been thoughtfully undertaken, creating generous and flexible accommodation without losing the sense of history that makes the house so special.

A recently restored oak porch opens through the original internal front door into an impressive and welcoming reception hall. Here, the original brick floor, exposed beams and Tudor brickwork immediately set the tone. Step into a snug, a warm and inviting space, with handmade oak cupboards and shelving and access to the main staircase. Here is a ground-floor bathroom and a further reception room currently used as a home office, offering potential for creating a separate ground-floor annexe or guest accommodation, subject to any necessary consents.

The sitting room is beautiful with substantial exposed beams incorporating historic ship timbers, reformation-style windows and an open fireplace creating an exceptionally characterful setting. Double oak doors lead through to the dining room, which has its own fireplace and direct access to the courtyard, making it equally suited to relaxed family meals or entertaining.

At the heart of the home is the impressive kitchen/breakfast room. Handmade oak cabinetry, granite work surfaces and a central island with integrated wine storage give the room a timeless, bespoke feel, complemented by built-in appliances and a dresser-style unit. From the breakfast area, uninterrupted views stretch across the south-facing gardens to the surrounding farmland and the beautiful Roding Valley, a particularly special backdrop in which to begin and end the day.

A useful utility area incorporates a butler sink, appliance space and storage, with a secondary staircase. A practical boot room houses the LPG boiler and has direct access to the garden, providing an ideal entrance after muddy country walks or time spent in the garden.

To the first floor, the generous landing leads to five bedrooms, including the principal bedroom suite with built-in wardrobes and a private shower room, together with a further shower room. Each bedroom has been stylishly decorated and enjoys open views, with the upper floor providing ample space for family and guests alike. The loft is part-boarded for additional storage and insulated to a high standard.

Outside, Rowan Cottage enjoys an unusually generous amount of land for a historic village home, with approximately one acre of beautifully established grounds.

The south-facing rear garden is a particular highlight. Well-kept lawns are framed by raised flower beds, herbaceous borders and mature planting, while reclaimed red-brick walls divide the garden into a series of distinct and characterful spaces. A courtyard with built-in barbecue provides an inviting spot for outdoor entertaining, while a sheltered kitchen garden offers the opportunity to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers.

A collection of outbuildings provides useful storage, alongside the property's detached double garage, approached via the private resin-coated driveway.

Adding another fascinating layer to the property's history is the ancient Bakehouse, which was historically used by the local community of Cannons Green for baking and washing. Today, it forms a charming reminder of the cottage's connection with the people and everyday life of the surrounding village. The outbuildings benefit from power and light connection.

Rowan Cottage occupies a peaceful position in the heart of Fyfield, a picturesque village with a strong sense of history and community. Attractive period properties and historic buildings give the village a distinctive character, while a range of everyday amenities are close at hand, including the village church, The Queens Head and The Black Bull public houses, a village shop and post office, Dr Walker's Primary School and other community facilities.

The surrounding countryside provides a wonderful setting for walking, cycling and enjoying the rural landscape, with the Roding Valley providing an ever-changing backdrop to village life. Nearby Chipping Ongar, an historic market town, offers a good selection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities, while further culinary attractions include Smiths.

There is a choice of excellent schooling in the wider area, together with convenient rail connections to central London from Chelmsford and Brentwood, offering services to Liverpool Street and the Elizabeth Line, or from Epping on the Central Line. Road connections are equally accessible, with the A414 providing links towards the M11 and M25.

Rowan Cottage is a rare and captivating home — a substantial piece of Essex history set within approximately an acre of beautiful grounds, combining exceptional period architecture, versatile family accommodation and spectacular views across the Roding Valley. Above all, it is a home with an unmistakable sense of place: a property that has been lived in, adapted and cherished across centuries, and is ready to become part of its next chapter.