Bardfield Road, Shalford, Essex, CM7

** CONTRACTS HAVE NOW EXCHANGED ** An important Grade II* Country residence set on a mixed plot of circa 4 acres stls, formal grounds surround the main house and also include a tennis court and ornamental lake. The property has medieval origins with a later addition providing a stunning Tudor wing. There are five receptions, eight double bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms. Planning in perpetuity for a glass link from the kitchen to a potential Orangery, which would link to an indoor pool within the detached Essex barn. Triple garage with extensive studio above (1,444 sq ft). 22 acres of Fantastic equestrian facilities descending the Pant Valley to the river, including 6 loose boxes, tack room, feed store and menage are available under separate negotiation. Walking distance across countryside to the picturesque neighbouring villages of Finchingfield and Great Bardfield. EPC exempt. Redfants Manor is an imposing country house of Medieval origins with a significant Tudor wing. First mentioned in the Duchey rolls in 1378 as Redfanne, the house was described by the authoritative architectural historian Sir Nicholas Pevsner as a "very attractive combination of timber framed hall house to which a brick wing was added in the 16th century". Listed grade II* as being of architectural and historical importance. The principal sections of the house are either timber framed with plastered elevations or red and blue brick in English bond elevations under a tiled roof of handmade clays. The extensive accommodation (6,365 sq ft) is well considered in its configuration, over three floors. There is an abundance of character and the architectural features of the various periods as you would expect. Remarkably tall, heavily beamed ceilings; fine fireplaces; stone mullioned windows; timber mullioned, and transomed windows and impressive solid oak panelling are displayed throughout the house. Of note are the late 16th century wall paintings which have been saved and restored in one of the bedrooms and on a bathroom wall. The initials JH appear which might relate to a Jane Houghton who lived in the house in the 1500's. The Kings & Queen arches that open into the dining room from the reception hall are also a wonderful reminder of how important the house once was. Radiating from a splendid screen passage reception hall, with its outstanding solid staircase, the beautifully presented historic accommodation is arranged principally over 2 storeys, and partly with second floor attic accommodation. The drawing room and dining room are fabulous receptions, flooded with natural light from the large windows, both enjoy an easterly aspect and the spectacular views available. To the rear of the house, enjoying a westerly aspect, are the family snug and a tranquil panelled study with bespoke solid oak fittings. The kitchen breakfast room is a large room running front to rear of the house, again with fine views, and benefiting from a four oven Aga. Upstairs is an excellent balance and distribution of bedrooms and bathrooms over the various wings. Of note the dual aspect master with stunning views to the East and West, served by a delightful sunken ensuite bathroom with separate shower. The Seven remaining double bedrooms are served by three further shower/bathrooms. Three of the bedrooms are located on the second(top) floor with one of the bathrooms and a spacious living area. This section would be ideal for teenagers or an au pair. Redfants Manor has been carefully maintained and skilfully adapted to make it ideal for comfortable modern family living and yet retain its essential character and sense of history throughout. The house stands in mature gardens with expanses of lawn interspersed by a variety of colourful flower beds and mature trees. The lawns fall away from a raised terrace, at the rear of the house, to an ornamental lake surrounded by mature trees creating a secluded environment for quiet contemplation or alfresco entertaining. Under separate negotiation to the guide price and on the other side of the private lane is an equestrian yard with stabling and the associated buildings; behind which is a ménage. The meadows are subdivided into various paddocks and descend towards the river Pant, to which the property enjoys an extensive frontage (0.75 of a mile) with fishing rights. The total acreage of this Lot is 22 acres (stls). Redfants Manor stands proudly in an elevated position commanding wonderful views across the Pant valley and over the surrounding undulating open farmland. The house is located on a private road, just over a mile from the centre of the attractive rural village of Shalford. The village offers a village store, primary school, The George Inn Public House and the Medieval church of St Andrew. A little further afield, just 6 miles to the south, Freeport Retail Park provides a broad range of stores including M&S food Hall. There is a strong range of schooling in the area, both state and private, including the Felsted schools to the south and Gosfield to the east and, of note, are the Grammar Schools in Colchester and Chelmsford. Communications in the area are readily available with the A120 to the south linking with junction 8 of the M11 at Bishops Stortford and Junction 25 of the A12 at Marks Tey. Braintree offers a branch line railway station linking with the main East Coast line, while a direct service can be found at Kelvedon. For domestic flights and international destinations, Stansted Airport is only a 26 minute drive.