Address

The White House
Little Laver
Essex CM5

Details

The White House: An Elegant Grade II Listed Residence: Davis Homes Prime Real Estate is pleased to present for sale this exquisite Regency home. Situated in the highly sought-after area of Little Laver, this remarkable property is set within grounds extending to just under 10.5 acres.

Accessed via electric wrought iron gates, the property opens onto a gravel drive that meander through a mature parkland setting. The drive sweeps elegantly in front of the house, leading to a parking and turning area beyond.

The accommodation is arranged over two floors, offering well-proportioned reception rooms with high ceilings and deep bay and sash windows. Throughout the property, there are numerous 19th-century architectural details, including striking fireplaces, decorative cornicing, and functioning shutters. Notably, the drawing room and dining room present south-facing views over the gardens, with French windows opening onto the terrace.

The kitchen/breakfast room serves as an exceptional family space, featuring a Clive Christian kitchen and an Aga. Adjoining this is a utility room, pantry, and garden room with access to the indoor swimming pool. Beyond this, there is a spacious entertaining room offering far-reaching views to the rear and its own separate entrance from the front courtyard. Steps from this room descend to a subterranean gym, wired for sound and television.

The upper floor comprises a recently redecorated principal suite and five additional, well-appointed bedroom suites. The landing includes an extensive library area, while a substantial guest suite offers direct access to the kitchen via a secondary staircase. This suite features a shower room and a kitchenette.

The White House is a distinguished Grade II listed property, originally constructed as the rectory for the surrounding parish. Thought to date back to 1831, it likely replaced an earlier house whose moat is now marked by the ponds and ditches that remain on the grounds. The house itself is of rendered brick construction beneath a grey slate hipped roof and features a pedimented porch along with sash windows characteristic of the period.

Gardens, Grounds, Cottage, and Outbuildings:

The grounds at the front of the house present a parkland ambience, screened from the lane by a bank of mature trees. These grounds encompass an attractive natural pond and several noteworthy specimen trees, including a magnificent Lebanon cedar.

To the rear, a south-facing York stone terrace adjoins the primary gardens, bordered by mature herbaceous beds, with a field extending approximately 5.2 acres beyond. The property offers stunning southerly views over the rolling farmland.

On the western side of the house, the former coach house and stable block have been converted to provide a five-bay garage and various storage facilities. Adjacent to the house is a charming cottage and a gardener’s WC.

At the far western boundary, a courtyard encloses stables and a machinery barn.

Location:

The White House is situated on the periphery of the quaint hamlet of Little Laver, offering a tranquil rural ambiance and picturesque views over unspoilt countryside. The nearby village of Matching Green, located less than 2 miles away, features a primary school, a well-regarded public house, and a cricket team. Ongar, approximately 5.5 miles to the south, provides a diverse range of shops, services, and amenities.

For those commuting to central London and the City, Central Line Underground services are available from Epping, situated 8 miles from the property. Additionally, Brentwood’s mainline station, approximately 12.5 miles away, offers rail services to London Liverpool Street with journey times starting from 38 minutes.

By road, the property benefits from convenient access to the M11 at junction 7, facilitating travel to London, the M25 to the south, and Cambridge to the north. Canary Wharf is approximately 27 miles away via the M11 and A13, while Stansted Airport is about 11 miles distant.

Prominent nearby schools include Coopersale Hall, Chigwell, Bancrofts, and The Forest. Further afield, esteemed institutions such as Felsted, New Hall, Brentwood School (with nearby coach pick-up and drop-off), Bishop’s Stortford College, Heath Mount, and Haileybury are also accessible.

Ongar: 5.5 miles, M11 (Junction 7): 6 miles, Epping: 8 miles (Central Line Underground Station), Brentwood: 12.5 miles (London Liverpool Street from 38 minutes), Chelmsford: 16 miles, Stansted Airport: 11 miles, Canary Wharf: 27 miles, City of London: 28.5 miles.  All distances approximate.