* Guide Price £2,000,000 to £2,150,000 *

As part of our Signature collection, introducing The Old Rectory an impressive family residence occupying a commanding hilltop position in the picturesque and sought after village of Purleigh with beautiful views of the Essex countryside.

This historic residence has been awarded Grade II Listed status in recognition of the considerable aesthetic merit in design, elevational treatment and quality of its craftsmanship. The Old Rectory has been beautifully restored and refurbished to create a wonderful family home which retains enormous character and period charm.

The elegant accommodation is arranged over three floors combining well-proportioned reception rooms with comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms over the first and second floors.  The current layout, with two separate staircases, offers potential for multi-generational living or for live-in staff.

A garden gate leads to the churchyard of the 14th Century All Saints Church.  The Victorian porch contains intricate stained-glass windows and an arched entrance door with decorative strap hinges. The imposing double-height reception hall showcases the magnificent oak and pine staircase with charming leaded light feature window and unique pulpit window-seat. The hallway provides access to the reception rooms all with high corniced ceilings, large windows, fireplaces and views over the beautiful gardens with water features including a Victorian fountain, pond and waterfall.

There is a bright family sitting room with panelled walls and red brick fireplace and to the rear a beautifully proportioned drawing room with handcrafted limestone fireplace complete with a gas fire seamlessly blending period charm with modern comfort. The elegantly panelled dining room enjoys delightful views over the gardens.

A further wood panelled reception room leads off the entrance hall and is currently used as a playroom but could be used as a multimedia room or office. The study, formerly the Rectory ‘Parish Room’, can be accessed via the main or inner halls.

Next to the kitchen is a laundry with slate worktops, tiled floor, a cross beam with game hooks and walk-in larder harking back to The Old Rectory’s design and a testament to its time.

The rear lobby is accessed from the inner hall and has a balustrade staircase rising to the first floor and an original wooden door to the outside.

The characterful kitchen is spacious and has a large central island, with a range of contemporary cabinetry and separate breakfast room.

Off the kitchen are three further utility rooms offering an historic ‘silver room’ with floor to ceiling sliding door cabinets providing ample storage space, a laundry with slate worktops, tiled floor and a cross beam with game hooks. The kitchen is complimented by a large walk-in larder with wrought iron fireplace, wooden worktops and plentiful shelving. There are two doors; one to the rear lobby with the other leading out to the walled courtyard.

The principal bedroom has fitted wardrobes and windows to the rear and side with views across the gardens and countryside beyond, as well as access to the en-suite bathroom with blue vanity unit, towel radiator and window to the rear.

Also on the first floor are five other bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and character features and the principal bathroom with roll-top bath and claw feet.  One of the bedrooms is currently used as a gym.

The former servants’ quarters can be accessed from a separate staircase with its own entrance door from the ground to the second floor.  The charming second floor landing has high ceilings, an original cast iron fireplace and a half bay window to the side, complete with bookshelves and window seat.  Five ‘annexe’ rooms, one currently used as a media/cinema room lead from this landing, making this tier ideal for multi-generational living or for live-in staff.

The house has recently undergone extensive renovations including four new bathrooms and the other two renovated all having underfloor heating installed, upgraded electrics, plumbing and hot water system, all windows refurbished or replaced and the exterior has been fully repointed.

A brief history
Owning this home will make you the custodian of a special piece of history. The first edition OS map of 1873 shows the former rectory on the site, associated with the walled garden and stable building.  In 1883, a replacement rectory was designed by Frederick Chancellor for the Rev. Dr. Edwin Hatch (1835-1889) who took up residency in Purleigh during that year.  A noted theologian with an entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Dr Edwin Hatch wrote the still popular hymn 'Breathe on me, breath of God' at Old Rectory, and taught his own brand of liberal theology widely.

Outside
The beautifully landscaped grounds are a wonderful feature of this property, with the tree-lined private approach leading to an expansive gravelled frontage providing ample parking. The extensive and tiered lawns to the rear and beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and for children to play. There is a children’s play area with swings and slide as well as in-ground trampoline at the bottom of the garden, pond and waterfall equipped with a child safety grid. A sheltered south west facing terrace is ideal for alfresco dining.  The grounds extend to approximately 1.4 acres and allow room for further potential.

Location
The property is located in the sought after village of Purleigh, around 4 miles south of Maldon and approximately 10 miles east of Chelmsford. Purleigh is a small semi-rural village with a community owned village shop, highly regarded primary school, popular public house, retirement home and parish church. The property occupies a country lane setting and enjoys views over open countryside with the village playing field and playground located further along the lane. The village has a strong local community with many active social groups mainly centred around the village hall and The Bell public house. The area is largely surrounded by open countryside with a network of footpaths.

For the commuter, the property is within close proximity of South Woodham Ferrers, North Fambridge and Wickford railway stations which provide a direct service to London’s Liverpool Street and Crossrail at Shenfield. There are a choice of schools in the area, in both the public and private sector, including the outstanding Purleigh Community Primary School and Half-Pint nursery in the village, Maldon Court Prep School, Heathcote and Elm Green and slightly further afield, New Hall at Boreham. A bus service provides links to Maldon.

The nearest town is Maldon which is one of the oldest recorded towns in Essex with its historic quay and High Street with local and national stores as well as quaint tea rooms, historic pubs and a mixture of restaurants and bars.



Directions

Please use postcode CM3 6QH

Important Information

Council Tax Band – H EPC Rating - E
Services - We understand that mains water, drainage and electricity are connected to the property. Oil fired central heating.
Tenure - Freehold
Our ref - CHE230065