4 Bedroom Detached House

Old Wincelow Hall Cottage is an exceptional Grade II listed country home, occupying one of the most magical settings in the area. Set within approximately two acres of beautifully maintained grounds and entirely encircled by a striking four-sided moat, this remarkable house offers a rare blend of architectural heritage, atmospheric charm and wonderfully balanced family accommodation. Believed to date from the 16th to 17th century and understood to be a surviving part of the former Wincelow Hall, the property is steeped in history and presents a truly special opportunity to acquire a home of genuine significance.

Approached via a sweeping gravel driveway and set beautifully within its moated grounds, the house immediately creates a lasting impression. The surrounding landscape is both dramatic and peaceful, with broad lawns, mature trees, established planting and far-reaching countryside views combining to give the property an extraordinary sense of privacy and beauty. The moat frames the house in unforgettable fashion, elevating the setting into something rarely found and impossible to recreate.

Extending to approximately 2,716 sq ft, the accommodation is arranged over two floors and offers a layout that works beautifully for modern life, while remaining entirely sympathetic to the age and character of the house. Internally, there is a wonderful sense of warmth throughout, with light-filled rooms, natural textures and a series of charming outlooks across the gardens and moat.

The sitting room is a magnificent reception space and one of the true highlights of the home. Rich in character, it is defined by substantial exposed timbers that span the ceilings and walls, while a grand brick fireplace forms a striking focal point. The proportions are excellent, making this a superb room for both everyday living and entertaining, with an atmosphere that feels deeply rooted in the history of the house.

At the heart of the ground floor lies the generous kitchen/breakfast room, a wonderfully sociable space with a central island, oil-fired AGA, traditional cabinetry and ample room for informal dining. French doors and large windows draw in natural light and connect the room beautifully to the outside, while the brick flooring adds further texture and character. Adjoining the kitchen is a useful utility room and cloakroom, while the separate study provides an ideal work-from-home space, enjoying its own lovely garden outlook and doors opening outside.

A separate dining room offers a more formal setting for hosting, with French doors opening onto the terrace and grounds beyond. Elegant yet welcoming, it is a room that would serve equally well for family occasions, entertaining or as an additional reception room, depending on a buyer’s needs. The entrance hall and inner hall provide a natural flow through the house, linking the principal rooms with ease.

Upstairs, the bedroom accommodation is full of charm and individuality. The principal bedroom suite is particularly impressive, with a large bedroom leading through to an extensive dressing room and a spacious en suite bathroom, creating a private and luxurious retreat. Of the remaining bedrooms, one is especially notable for its exposed timber framing, which gives the room remarkable character and a strong sense of the house’s heritage. A further double bedroom and an additional generous bedroom, currently arranged in two sections, provide flexible accommodation for family and guests, all served by a family bathroom.

Outside, the grounds are every bit as captivating as the house itself. Formal terraces and enclosed seating areas provide ideal spaces for al fresco dining and quiet relaxation, while the wider gardens sweep around the house to the moat’s edge. The detached outbuilding adds further practicality, and the overall setting offers a rare lifestyle opportunity defined by beauty, privacy and history.

Old Wincelow Hall Cottage is far more than simply a beautiful home; it is a house with soul, provenance and a truly unforgettable setting. For those seeking a character home of genuine distinction, this is an extraordinary offering.

Agents Notes:
Tenure: Freehold
EPC Band: Exempt (Grade II Listed)
Uttlesford District Council - Tax Band G - £3,767.95pa
Oil Fired Central Heating, Private Drainage, Mains Electricity & Water
Mobile Coverage: Good Outdoor Coverage & Mixed Indoor Coverage Available (Ofcom)
Broadband Coverage: Ultrafast Available, 1,000 Mbps (Ofcom)

Location:
Hempstead is a picturesque village situated 6 miles east of the bustling market town of Saffron Walden. According to the 2011 census, the village has a population of 451. Interestingly, the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was allegedly born in the village's public house, where his father served as a landlord, and he was baptised in the local church.