An impressive period house close to Felsted.

Description

A handsome country house providing extensive accommodation standing in gardens of around 2.75 acres, situated close to Felsted School.

Brook House was constructed in the 16th century and is listed as being of Architectural or Historical Interest Grade II. All the principal rooms enjoy a dual aspect onto the front and rear formal gardens. Extensive restorations were undertaken during the 1930s, influenced and improved by the Arts & Crafts movement of the time and also, more recently, by the current owners.

Adjoining is an impressive 16th century tithe barn, which originally stood in the nearby village of Thaxted, and was re-erected on the present site as an extension to the house, lending itself to a variety of uses, but recently as a banqueting barn served by an adjoining staff kitchenette with an external access. This part of the building would make an ideal self-contained annexe, ideal for multi-generational living.

Outside: Brook House dominates Brook Hill and is set well back behind feature ponds, dense established hedging and delightful brick and flint walls. Two extensive driveways provide access to the front and side of the property, with a substantial garage and workshop. The front garden is private with two formal lawns and a series of cobbled paths and steps which lead to the house, passing lavender, clipped knot and box hedging. The rear garden features a west-facing Yorkstone terrace, adjoining an access via the rear accommodation of the house. Protected from the sun by an established flowering magnolia grandiflora, the terrace opens to immaculate manicured lawns and well stocked borders. Established yew hedging provides privacy around the heated swimming pool which is surrounding by wide Yorkstone terracing providing an entertaining space and an alternative setting for outside dining and lounging. Beyond and above the pool is further landscaping and planting into an n. This area is currently used as an outdoor gym. This facility enjoys some of the most enviable views of the lower grounds but is perched discreetly and enclosed by a high exposed brick wall. A further children’s play area features an Arts & Crafts cottage/Wendy house which mimics Brook House, constructed in the 1930s.

The gardens are sympathetic to the Jekyll and Lutyens style designs of the Arts & Crafts periods featuring magical walkways and seating areas, kitchen and herb gardens, a secret garden, an orchard and a plethora of specimen trees and shrubbery. The landscaping has been meticulously considered by the current owners, defining lines of sight through the varied sections to maximise the views and setting. The grounds are served by various outbuildings providing garden and equipment storage and to the south of the vast central lawns is a pump brook and water garden which bisects the plot, featuring waterfalls, extensive rockeries, mature acers and a large brick bridge.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Private drainage (Klargester). Oil fired heating.

Agent's Note
Photographs taken in June 2019 and the gardens have since deteriorated.

Location

Felsted: 1.5 miles; Chelmsford: 9 miles (Liverpool Street from 36 minutes); M11 (junction 8): 12 miles; Stansted Airport: 12 miles. All distances approximate.

Brook House is located on Brook Hill in the small hamlet of North End on the outskirts of Felsted and enjoys views over neighbouring paddocks and countryside. Felsted has good village amenities with wider shopping facilities at Chelmsford, Braintree and Great Dunmow.

There are a number of schools in the area including Felsted Public School and two outstanding schools in Chelmsford: Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI Grammar School.

For the commuter there is access onto the A120 which links with the M11 at Bishop’s Stortford as well as railway stations at Chelmsford and Stansted Airport.

Square Footage: 5,286 sq ft


Acreage: 2.75 Acres

Directions

From Chelmsford take the A130 towards Great Dunmow passing through Ford End. Take the next turning to the right, signposted to Felsted and North End, just past the Butcher’s Arms public house. Continue into North End and Brook House will be seen on the left-hand side before entering the hamlet.

Postcode: CM6 3PQ