This appealing Queen Anne house, set in 3½ acres of glorious grounds, makes a beautiful location for a week long holiday or weekend escape. The well-furnished accommodation imparts a feeling of an old country house and the pleasing country garden gives a grass tennis court, croquet lawn, stables and horses. Completely secluded and rural, it offers the perfect backdrop for a quiet family holiday or a celebration gathering. Just 15 minutes from Chelmsford and the M25, 10 minutes from Billericay, 5 minutes from the A12 and 30 miles from Trafalgar Square and the heart of London, this makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding areas. The old town of Maldon lies upon the ridge above the Blackwater and has a strong nautical theme, and here, carefully restored 19th-century Thames sailing barges can often be seen at their moorings. The riverside promanade overlooks a shingle beach featuring pleasing views of the town. Sailing-barge races are held here from July, August and September, and cruises are on hand from March to October. Marsh Farm Country Park in South Woodham Ferrers occupies 320 acres of low-lying reclaimed marshland. Guests can tour the farm, which specialises in cattle, sheep and pigs and shows how a modern day farm works. Along with a many classic Essex farm buildings, over 3 miles of riverside walks together with a nature conservation zone, where migrant birds such as Brent geese can be seen in Winter, this is a beautiful day out for the family. Colchester is nearby and gives many interesting attractions to drop by and see such as the town’s honey-coloured castle and museum, open-air market, Tymperleys Clock Museum and Hollytrees Museum. You will find many outstanding villages to drop by and see such as The Hanningfields, Danbury, the Ongars and the Baddows to name but some, and they all offer a range of excellent public houses and restaurants. Other outstanding towns upon the Crouch are Burnham, Wallasea, Paglesham and upon the Blackwater are Heybridge and the Merseas. The picturesque villages of Higham, Stratford St Mary, Dedham and Flatford are all within an hour’s drive. Shops 1½ miles. Roomy living room along with a open fire in marble surround fireplace. Games room along with a snooker/pool table. Roomy, well-equipped, farmhouse-style kitchen along with a Aga for cooking. Utility. Comfortable along with a sofa. Boot room. Cloakroom along with a toilet. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each along with a 5ft bed. Two twin bedrooms, one along with a en-suite bathroom and toilet. Bathroom along with a over-bath shower and toilet. Open fire - fuel inc Elec, full oil CH, bed linen and towels inc H/chair Satellite TV Video Oil Aga inc M/wave W/machine T/dryer D/washer Freezer 3½ acres of garden along with a patio, and furniture Roomy kitchen garden BBQ Parking (for 6 cars) Games room along with a snooker/pool table Grass tennis court Pets free of charge Friday to Friday NB: 3 unfenced ponds in garden