A Rare FindWakes Colne | Colchester | Essex

A RARE FIND

“We have many ancient documents associated with the hall and they reveal that severalgenerations of the de Vere family, who were Earls of Oxford, lived here. Aubrey de Vere, the second Earl of Oxford, gained it during Henry IV’s reign and in 1483 Richard III gave it to John Howard, the Duke of Norfolk. The hall was then returned to the de Vere family by Henry VII. John de Vere was the 13th Earl of Oxford and his two grandchildren, born

at Crepping Hall, served as Military Commanders under Elizabeth I.”

A Passage through TimeCrepping Hall certainly has an intriguing past withroyal connections and the current owner has carefullyresearched much of its history. “We have many ancientdocuments associated with the hall and they reveal thatseveral generations of the de Vere family, who were Earlsof Oxford, lived here. Aubrey de Vere, the second Earlof Oxford, gained it during Henry IV’s reign and in 1483Richard III gave it to John Howard, the Duke of Norfolk.The hall was then returned to the de Vere family by HenryVII. John de Vere was the 13th Earl of Oxford and his twograndchildren, born at Crepping Hall, served as MilitaryCommanders under Elizabeth I.” The de Vere family treehangs in the dining room and here you will also find anancient parchment showing that the hall was mentionedin the Domesday book, commissioned by William theConqueror in 1086. This long history is reflected in thehall’s magnificent architecture with the original 12thcentury hall, added to in the Victorian era with a red brickextension to the north, a double bay Edwardian west winghousing the original billiard room and a new addition; astunning orangery connecting the kitchen to the maindrawing room and creating a fabulous modern open planspace.

A Medieval BanquetA long driveway takes you from Crepping Hall Road, past several acres of meadow, to a pair of gates which open to reveal this magnificent property. “The farmer that grazes his sheep here is the fourth generation of his family to do so.” A laurel hedge curves round to a large gravel parking area, a double garage with an art studio above and an impressive five bay cart lodge which was recently commissioned by the current owner to house his growing car collection.

The exterior of the house is truly breath-taking with thewest wing two storey bay window taking centre stage. A duck egg blue front door under a moulded portico opens into the Medieval reception hall which occupies part of the original open aisled hall built in the 12th century. The neighbouring Medieval dining room is heavily timbered and an impressive tie beam is steeply cambered with an Elizabethan intrusion at first floor level. An inglenook fireplace with bressummer beam above houses a comforting log burner and the herringbone parquet floor is simply stunning. This runs right through into the reception hall and drawing room.

Centuries of GrowthTo the left of the reception hall is the Edwardian westwing, built in 1905. This houses four reception rooms on the ground floor and three of the seven bedrooms on the first floor. Both the games room to the front and the sitting room to the rear benefit from large bay windows. The games room is a wonderful family room with a window seat in the bay window and an open fire.

The formal sitting room overlooks the rear garden and the herringbone parquet flooring, original window shutters, coving and picture rails exemplify the period. “I find the sitting room an incredibly relaxing room as it is bathed in sunlight and it is a lovely space to retreat to.” The two further rooms built during this period are the study and snug and from here you open a door to access the southfacing verandah which overlooks the formal garden.

Prior to this in the 16th century, the property wasexpanded by way of the south-west cross wing which once housed a billiard room plus two further bedrooms on the first floor. The billiard room is now an impressive formal drawing room with stunning moulded cross beams, yet more parquet flooring and a beautiful Art Deco fireplace with a surrounding Norfolk seat located within an archway. French windows open out onto the terrace and a further pair of internal doors open into the orangery.

Modern ComfortsThe modern and beautifully crafted orangery offers anincredibly bright and spacious area for informal dining,relaxing and enjoying garden views. “The orangery actsas the hub of the house and connects the old with thenew.” The open plan kitchen is fitted with stylish German Poggenpohl units in black and white gloss and polished hard wood work surfaces top it off. The central island has a breakfast bar and a Neff cooker to compliment the jetblack Aga. The single storey Victorian extension houses the boot room and utility room with a door accessing the garden, ensuring muddy boots and laundry are hidden from view. The garden is mostly laid to lawn and is dotted with mature shrubs and ancient trees. A formal garden is located on the southern aspect and here a box hedge edges a knot garden with box balls and standard roses. A pond is crossed by a wooden bridge and scented climbers drape a pergola. For those wishing to exercise rather than relax in this peaceful bliss, there is a hard tennis court and a heated swimming pool to enjoy. It is hard to believe this rural idyll, surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside is just a short drive from bustling Colchester with its mainline station running trains into central London in around one hour and fantastic road links with the main A12 trunk road just a few miles away.

All measurements are approximate and quoted in imperial with metric equivalents and for general guidance only whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified and should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Registered in England and Wales, Company Reg No. 10931078. Registered Office Exquisite Homes Limited, 15B Regatta Quay, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1FH

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 07008580 Registered Office: Essex Country Properties Ltd. 17 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1QJcopyright © 2016 Fine & Country Ltd.

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