Chapel Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5

Believed to be one of Fingringhoe's oldest surviving homes, Rennie Cottage is a beautifully restored Grade II listed residence dating from the late 15th century.

Formerly known as Belsors on the Tye, the property has played an important role in village life, serving as both the Post Office and the wheelwright's home.

Occupying approximately 0.25 acres in an elevated position, the house combines over 500 years of history with modern family living. Original oak timbers, exposed beams and period features have been carefully preserved, while sympathetic improvements, including hardwood double glazing, updated heating systems and extensive restoration, provide comfort for contemporary living. Automated gates lead to generous parking and beautifully established south-facing gardens.

The House

Offering over 5/6 bedrooms, Rennie Cottage provides exceptionally flexible accommodation, ideal for family life, multi-generational living or working from home. The reception rooms are rich in period character, while the farmhouse kitchen features solid oak worktops, a central island and Rangemaster cooker, creating the heart of the home.

A separate wing incorporates a drawing room, guest bedroom, bathroom and laundry/kitchenette, providing an ideal self-contained guest suite or annexe. Throughout the property are handcrafted oak doors, oak staircases and bespoke joinery, with the house also benefiting from modern wiring, plumbing and discreet security systems.

Studio Workshop

A particular highlight is the impressive 60 sq m detached studio workshop. Built to an exceptional standard with vaulted oak trusses, hardwood double glazing, a wood-burning stove, kitchenette and shower room with underfloor heating, it offers outstanding versatility as a home office, creative studio, workshop or consulting space, with potential for ancillary accommodation, subject to any necessary consents.

Accommodation

The ground floor centres around the original entrance hall, once the village Post Office, leading to elegant reception rooms, a formal dining room, spacious farmhouse kitchen and the large and versatile Green Room with bi-fold doors opening onto the gardens. The guest suite enjoys its own private walled garden.

The first floor offers an impressive principal bedroom with exceptional views of the Roman River valley and en-suite, three further bedrooms, a family shower room and an additional upstairs sitting room or sixth bedroom with the same valley sunset views. (One bedroom is downstairs)
The housekeeping/laundry room opens onto a glazed balcony with an external oak staircase descending to the garden.


Gardens & Grounds

The mature south-facing gardens provide a private setting with expansive lawns, ideal for entertaining and family life. A generous courtyard offers extensive parking and access to the outbuildings. The property benefits from two independent oil-fired central heating systems, allowing the guest accommodation to operate separately from the main house.

Location

Fingringhoe is one of Essex's most desirable riverside villages, surrounded by the Roman River Valley and just five miles from Colchester, offering excellent shopping, schools and fast rail services to London Liverpool Street. The village itself benefits from a popular pub, primary school, parish church and access to scenic walks, while Mersea Island is only a short drive away.

Summary

Rennie Cottage presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Fingringhoe's most historic homes. Combining exceptional period character with thoughtfully modernised accommodation, beautiful gardens and an outstanding detached studio, it offers a unique lifestyle in one of Essex's most sought-after village settings.