Bonningtons Yard, Bishop's Stortford, CM22

Behind the secure gates of Bonningtons Yard, this distinctive barn-style home extends to just under 2,300 sq ft, bringing together the warmth of traditional Essex architecture and the clarity of a beautifully considered contemporary build. Set within a private collection of just nine homes in Takeley, it offers a rare sense of privacy, a close-knit community and an easy connection to the surrounding countryside.

The architecture makes an immediate impression. A broad pitched roof and striking central gable give the home its barn-inspired silhouette, while dark cladding, warm brickwork, terracotta roof tiles and timber detailing around the entrance create a rich, tactile palette. Generous windows draw in natural light and frame the open outlook, allowing the house to feel connected to its setting throughout the day. It is a home with presence, yet one that sits naturally within its village-edge landscape.

Inside, the arrangement has been designed for relaxed modern living. The kitchen, dining and sitting areas connect to create a sociable heart to the ground floor, with space to cook, gather and unwind while retaining a sense of definition between each zone. The kitchen pairs clean contemporary lines with practical, high-quality touches, including AEG appliances, double ovens and a Quooker boiling-water tap. A separate utility room keeps everyday tasks discreetly out of sight.

A bespoke media wall, created by Essex Media Walls, adds a more personal note to the interior. Its arched detailing and mix of timber bring warmth and texture, softening the home’s crisp new-build finish and lending the principal living space the welcoming character of a country cottage. The overall effect is polished without feeling formal: thoughtful, comfortable and ready to enjoy.

The first floor provides three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including an en suite to the principal bedroom. Each room offers a calm retreat, while the layout gives the home flexibility for family life, guests or working from home. Two parking spaces add welcome convenience within the gated setting.

Beyond the house, the garden is a particular pleasure. It enjoys sunshine from morning through to evening, with the changing light bringing a different quality to the space as the day unfolds. The outlook is a defining part of the experience: waking to the view is one of the things the owner loves most, while the sunsets have become a nightly ritual. Private and peaceful, the garden offers a beautiful setting for slow mornings, long summer evenings and time with family or friends.

Bonningtons Yard places the countryside quite literally on the doorstep. A pedestrian gate opens towards the Flitch Way and the trails of Hatfield Forest, creating an effortless invitation to walk, cycle and explore. Takeley’s village setting is complemented by convenient access to Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport stations, with services towards London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, as well as the M11 for onward travel. Local amenities are close by, adding ease to this quietly rural setting.

Combining distinctive barn-inspired design, generous accommodation and a remarkable garden setting, this is a home that makes everyday living feel a little more special.