A landmark Grade II* listed manor house within the commuter belt.

Description

This handsome property has evolved from its 15th century origins, with 18th century additions. The house provides some fascinating period features, in need of some modernisation and is listed Grade II* of Historical Interest. An extract from the listing states: 'House. Built 1613, with C18 and later additions. Red brick in Flemish bond on end walls, with plastered facade. Red plain tile roof. 2 storeys and attics … Date plaques on south chimney stack with E.S.A. and 1613. Internally are three rooms with original panelling, numerous original doors, and ironmongery, and an original staircase with moulded handrails and newels with turned tops'.

The house is approached through a fine reception hall which includes a fireplace with stone surround and high ceilings. From the main hall a door provides access to an inner hall and cloakroom. The principal reception rooms are to the east wing - a 36 ft drawing room, a separate dining room and a sitting room, each with fireplaces and high ceilings. To the west is the kitchen breakfast room - a delightful country house-styled room, fitted with pine base and eye level units and featuring a red-brick wall, vaulted ceiling, pantry and views into the courtyard. There is both internal, and external access to the adjoining boot room and store.

An inner hall has an original staircase and door into the garden. There are four double bedrooms on the first floor, three to the east (front) of the house with views towards protected woodland. The bedrooms are serviced by two bathrooms and a cloakroom. Stairs rise to a second floor which has two further bedrooms, a dressing room and a tank room. These have not been used as accommodation for some years but would lend themselves as an internal flat for guests or older children once modernisation works have been carried out.

Annexe
At the time of listing we did not gain access to the annexe. The area has its own external access, with two-storey accommodation compromising a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and WC.

Outside
The current entrance is shared, with a converted barn behind, although an independent access exists in front of the house. To the front of the house are east-facing lawns and a significant gravelled parking area. In addition are two undercroft parking bays beneath the annexe.

To the north , fronting Willingale Road, is an area of private woodland. This adjoins the gardens to the west, mainly lawned with a scattering of mature trees and island beds. Immediately behind the house is a brick terrace with lined shrub beds on four corners - a lovely area enjoying the afternoon sun for al fresco dining. Beyond the gardens is a former tennis court, in need of restoration.

In all about 1.94 acres.

Location

Ongar: 3.4 miles; Ingatestone: 6.2 miles (rail service to Liverpool Street); Shenfield: 7.6 miles (rail service to Liverpool Street/Elizabeth Line); Chelmsford city: 7.8 miles (rail service to Liverpool Street); M11 (junction 7): 10.2 miles. All distances approximate.

The hamlet of Norton Heath has remained as a little-known rural hamlet, largely unchanged for generations. Norton Manor House is situated overlooking protected woodland and close to All Saints’ Church, surrounded by countryside and woodland criss-crossed with miles of bridleways and footpaths.
The nearby village of Blackmore has pubs, a coffee shop and village shop whilst the main shopping centres can be found at Chipping Ongar or Chelmsford city.

The A414 is immediately accessible, which connects with Chelmsford to the east and junction 7 of the M11. Rail services are at Chelmsford and Shenfield with an underground service at Epping, approximately 11.7 miles away. There is a selection of private and state schools for all ages close by. Schools include: Blackmore Primary School, The Ongar Academy, KEGS and CCHS at Chelmsford, and Brentwood school. The area is also popular with cyclists, offering traffic-free lanes from the house to Willingale, the Easters and beyond.

Square Footage: 5,445 sq ft


Acreage: 1.94 Acres

Directions

From the Four Wantz roundabout at Ongar proceed east on the A414 for 3.3 miles, turning left at Norton Heath onto Willingale road, and the house will be found on the left.

Postcode: CM4 0LH

Additional Info

Services: Oil-fired central heating. Mains electricity. Shared private drainage. High speed fibre internet available.

Local authority: Epping Forest District Council. Council tax band = H (with improvement factor).