5 bedroom character property for sale

* GUIDE PRICE £1,300,000 - £1,400,000 *

This deceptively spacious home sits within expansive, beautifully private grounds. From the moment you turn into the long driveway, a sense of curiosity and anticipation grows about what awaits. As you draw closer, it becomes clear that this is a property offering exceptional seclusion, charm, and character.

The main house—evoking the appeal of a classic ‘chocolate box’ cottage—is gracefully paired with a generous two-storey west wing, providing both distinctive style and ample living space.

The extensive grounds create a safe, adventurous environment for children and offer endless possibilities, from keeping small livestock to perhaps even accommodating a pony.

Standing at the front door and looking back down the drive, you could easily imagine yourself on a peaceful country lane, far removed from everyday bustle—yet, in reality, you’re just moments from the local shop, the station, and the A12.

Hospytts is an exquisite and historically significant Grade II listed thatched home, perfectly positioned within approximately 3.5 acres of beautifully mature grounds in the sought-after village of Great Horkesley. Dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, this remarkable property masterfully unites the romance of its heritage with the comfort and practicality of modern family living. Offering five bedrooms, ten reception rooms and nearly 3,900 sq. ft. of highly versatile accommodation across two expansive wings, Hospytts represents a rare opportunity to acquire a residence of exceptional charm, privacy and provenance.

Historic Elegance, Immaculately Preserved

Lovingly restored and maintained by the current owners over the past 18 years, the home retains a wealth of original period detail—from exposed timber beams and mullioned windows to atmospheric inglenook fireplaces and intimate reading nooks. The principal thatched T-plan wing features a spectacular vaulted kitchen and breakfast room, complemented by a suite of inviting reception spaces including a dining room, sitting room, two further reception rooms and a snug—easily adaptable as a sixth bedroom. A ground-floor shower room with W/C adds everyday convenience.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom adjoins a versatile room currently used as an office, perfect as a dressing room or nursery. A further double bedroom and family bathroom complete this wing.

A Second Wing Offering Exceptional Flexibility

The property’s second wing—accessed via the conservatory or multiple independent external doors—presents outstanding potential for multi-generational living, guest accommodation or older children seeking greater privacy. It includes two first-floor bedrooms (one with en-suite), a ground-floor bedroom enjoying serene views across the grounds, and four generous reception rooms currently arranged as a gym, playroom, snug and music room.

A Home for All Seasons

Hospytts offers an enviable lifestyle throughout the year. In the warmer months, the expansive gardens become an enchanting outdoor haven—ideal for family games, treehouse adventures, summer soirées and al fresco dining beneath the wisteria-draped pergola. As the seasons turn, the ancient timbers and crackling open fires create an inviting sanctuary, particularly magical during the winter festivities.

Countryside Serenity with Superb Connectivity

Set within the breath-taking Stour Valley—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—this location delivers the perfect balance of rural tranquillity and urban accessibility. Scenic walks, bridleways and farm tracks begin from the doorstep, while Colchester’s mainline station is only minutes away, offering direct services to London in around 48 minutes.

Great Horkesley provides everyday essentials, including a post office, local stores, farm shops, two welcoming pubs and the well-regarded Bishop William Ward Primary School. Equestrian buyers will appreciate the property’s potential for stabling, paddocks and further development (subject to planning). Nearby Nayland and Stoke-by-Nayland offer exceptional dining, boutique amenities and a vibrant village community, while Colchester—England’s oldest recorded town—provides a full array of shops, restaurants, cultural venues and historic attractions.

Perfectly Positioned for Family Living

Families will find themselves exceptionally well placed for schooling, with Littlegarth and Holmwood House preparatory schools, along with the renowned Colchester Royal Grammar School and County High School for Girls, all within easy reach. The A12 gives swift access to Chelmsford and Ipswich, while the East Coast, West Mersea and the River Stour offer superb opportunities for sailing, water sports and outdoor exploration.

What's Nearby

Great Horkesley village offers local amenities such as a post office/general store with a range of farm shops also available in the vicinity, two local public houses and restaurant and the Bishop William Ward Church of England primary school. The village has good bus links to Colchester.

Within Easy reach

The surrounding countryside of the Stour Valley is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and provides extensive and beautiful walks and rides in rolling countryside. The nearby villages of Nayland and Stoke by Nayland offer further amenities such as a Village Shop and excellent Deli/ Cafe, Doctors Surgery and Church as well as offering fine dining at the Crown and Angel.
Nearby Colchester, England’s oldest city, offers an extensive range of amenities, as well as a mainline station with the fastest trains to the City, taking 48 minutes. The city offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, cinema, and the Mercury Theatre, as well as the impressive Colchester Castle.
The East Coast and West Mersea are easily accessible for sailing and water sports, as is the nearby Stour River for paddle boarding.
The village is well served by the well renowned Littlegarth and Holmwood House preparatory schools, whilst the Royal Grammar School for Boys and County High School for Girls are situated in Colchester with excellent state primary and secondary options available too. There is also easy access to the A12 trunk road for access to Ipswich and Chelmsford.

Services

TENURE - Freehold
COUNCIL TAX - G
LOCAL AUTHORITY - Colchester

SERVICES
Mains electricity, water and drainage, Oil fired heating

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.