Location
Braintree: 5.5 miles, Witham train station: 10.9 miles, Chelmsford: 18.3 miles, Colchester: 18.6 miles. All distances approximate.
The Old Vicarage occupies a quiet position on the edge of the popular village of Gosfield, enjoying delightful views towards St. Catherine's Church. Gosfield is located in the heart of rural north Essex, providing good local facilities including an active community shop, a thriving pub, micro-brewery, social club and a hair and beauty salon. A short walk away is the Gosfield Lake Golf Club, which sits adjacent to Gosfield Hall, a magnificent Georgian manor house.
The immediate area provides an excellent variety of educational facilities, including St. Margaret's Prep School, Gosfield School and a primary school. Around a quarter of mile from the property is Gosfield Lake, a family-run nature park set around a 36 acre lake providing a range of activities, as well as the popular Apple Tree restaurant. Surrounding fields provide ample footpaths and bridleways for countryside walking.
For the commuter, there are train services to London Liverpool Street from Witham or Braintree, with access on to the A120 which links with the M11 motorway and Stansted Airport.
Description
A charming former rectory of classic proportions standing in mature grounds, abutting fields, located in the peaceful village and community of Gosfield. Believed to date from the 17th century or earlier with 18th century and later additions and alterations, the house is constructed of timber frame under a tiled roof. Inside there are light filled rooms and all the reception rooms have high ceilings, of particular note being the sitting room with French doors opening out into the garden. There are four receptions rooms in total, plus a studio, traditional kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. To the first floor there are up to seven bedrooms although one of the rooms is accessed through a bedroom. To the rear of house and orientated with views over the grounds and beyond is a principal suite with en suite facilities.
The accommodation extends to 4,000 sq ft and has been improved by the current owners but offers further potential for enhancement. Externally the house provides a double garage with room above and in total stands in grounds of around 2 acres.
Outside
The Old Vicarage is approached over a wide gravel drive sweeping to the front of the house and to a double garage with a room above. The gardens provide a delightful setting for the house surrounded by many specimen mature trees. To the north of the house the gravel sweep is surrounded by shrub beds and herbaceous borders. To the east and south are further areas of lawn. Facing the house to the south east are two former stables behind which is a hard tennis court sheltered behind a high laurel hedge, and to the rear of the garage is a historic kitchen garden. All in around 2 acres.
Services
Mains water, electricity and gas. Private drainage. Oil fired Aga.
Directions
From Braintree take the B1053 onto the A131 towards Halstead signposted to Sudbury. At High Garrett take the left-hand fork onto the A1017 to Gosfield. In the centre of Gosfield turn left just past the Kings Head public house into Church Road. The house will be seen on the left-hand side after about 300 yards.
Postcode:
CO9 1UD