The Parsonage occupies grounds of 5.46 acres and is listed as being of Architectural or Historical Interest Grade II and the listing states that it dates from the early 19th century. The Parsonage forms the centrepiece of this attractive Essex village and enjoys wonderful westerly views over the adjoining countryside. It has been owned by only a handful of families throughout its history and is for sale now for the first time in 27 years.

An impressive hall runs through the centre of the house, finished with original wood flooring and including a fine staircase. This area is further enhanced by high ceilings, moulded skirtings and original architrave. The reception rooms are elegant and well proportioned including many original features such as architraves and alcoves, fireplace, cornice and ceiling rose, which complement the high ceilings. The home Office features an attractive cast-iron fireplace, book shelving and built-in cupboards. A deep sash window and half-glazed door provides a good deal of natural light. The room is finished with attractive cornice to the high ceiling. At the rear of the house, a superb kitchen/ family room takes centre stage, which has been carefully designed and includes a family area overlooking the gardens and grounds. A thoughtfully designed kitchen fitted by Naturally Wood of Bishop’s Stortford with contrasting painted cabinetry. A central island unit finished with a granite top incorporates a breakfast bar, sink, drawers, integrated freezer and Miele microwave. Adjacent are matching painted units providing housing for TV, under storage, integrated carousel unit with granite top over. The remainder of the kitchen is painted in a light contrasting colour and includes a four-oven Aga, larder and glass display cabinets. On the opposite side of the room is a tall double larder fridge, integrated Miele dishwasher, pie-crust butler’s sink and fitted plate racks. A sitting area at the end of the kitchen has five sets of French doors framing lovely views of the gardens and leading onto the garden terraces and courtyard. The utility room is comprehensively fitted with a range of bespoke painted timber units. An exceptional indoor swimming pool situated at the rear of the house, with direct access onto the west facing terraces, provides a fantastic entertaining space.

The bedrooms are situated on the first and second floors, the first floor with five principal bedrooms including a wonderful master bedroom with en suite dressing room, bathroom and private balcony. The second floor has two attic bedrooms and a bathroom. An extensive transformation of the lower ground area was completed within the last 10 years providing a contemporary conversion approached over glass and wood stairs from the main hall to a brick floor hall with underfloor heating, featuring a beautiful temperature controlled wine room at one end. A glazed door opens to a home cinema, again finished with a brick floor with underfloor heating. Two folding doors provide access to storage, a desk and media controls. A further door opens to the exterior with stairs rising to the driveway. Further rooms within the lower ground area include a cloakroom, a laundry room with fitted base and eye-level cupboards, an adjacent drying room and laundry chute, and a workshop, again fitted with base and eye-level cupboards.

This property has 5.4 acres of land.

Outside

The Parsonage occupies ground of 5.46 acres and has a frontage of some 220 ft to Barnston Road predominantly of lawns intersected with a horseshoe gravel drive which culminates in a substantial parking area at the front and side of the house, and an undercover car port and two secure garages. The gardens to the south are predominantly lawned and lie adjacent to the cricket ground. The rear gardens and grounds enjoy a westerly aspect and immediately behind the house is a series of terraces finished with York stone and red brick, providing entertainment areas ideal for al fresco dining. A central terrace covered with grapevine provides a shady area and lies adjacent to the inner courtyard planted with two mature olive trees. The remainder of the gardens are predominantly lawned with a series of mature island beds and at the centre lies an area of topiary privet hedging providing a lovely feature. Towards the rear of the gardens is a children’s play area, all-weather flood-lit tennis court and beyond is a grass leisure field or paddock adjoining open farmland with far -reaching views over the adjoining countryside. The gardens offer a great deal of privacy with mature trees to all boundaries. The village cricket ground, owned by The Parsonage, lies adjacent to the house.

Situation

The picturesque village of High Easter, which is renowned for its restaurant, The Punch Bowl, remains quintessentially English and boasts, amongst other things, a cricket ground, a village cafe (The Snug), village hall and its adjoining playing fields and a pretty village church. The market town of Great Dunmow lies north of the village and provides a good range of shops and restaurants, while a more comprehensive range of facilities can be found in the nearby city of Chelmsford and town of Bishop’s Stortford. Commuters into London or elsewhere can access the main line to Liverpool Street from Chelmsford, Stansted and Bishop’s Stortford or the Central Line underground service from Epping. A country road leads to the A120 which connects to the M11 at junction 8. There is an excellent choice of educational facilities, including the grammar schools at Chelmsford and Colchester, Felsted School, Bishop’s Stortford College, New Hall and Brentwood School, all within easy driving distance. Within the village is a pre-school.

Directions

From Chelmsford take the A1060 towards Bishop’s Stortford. Pass Roxwell and turn right to the Easters. Proceed through Good Easter following the signpost to High Easter. Continue through the village of High Easter, passing The Punch Bowl restaurant, continuing to the cricket pitch on the left-hand side and turn left signposted to Barnston where The Parsonage will be found on the left-hand side.