Stories from 'A Country Agent'

  Ockwells Manor An historic 15th Century manor house in spectacular gardens and grounds, says selling agent Savills .  Described by Sir Nikolas Pevsner as " the most refined and most sophisticated timber framed mansion in England. " Ockwells Manor is laid out principally over two floors and with the exception of a small cellar all above ground level. The house is faithful to its period and boasts spectacular panelling, stained glass windows and herringbone pattern brickwork. The Jacobean staircase, 17th Century panelling and 15th Century stone fireplace are particularly striking features of the house. Aside from its architectural and historical pedigree, the house functions as a beautiful family home ideal for entertaining or family living in equal measure. The main entrance is dominated by a fabulous oak door which enters into a cloister leading to a small internal courtyard. Around this are a number of exceptionally fine rooms but the Great Hall, living room and dining roo...

  Symondsdown House The agent, Jackson Stops , writes: A stunning Georgian family house in an idyllic yet very convenient location with delightful gardens and grounds (circa 7.5 acres) with two holiday cottages and stunning views. THE PROPERTY Situated in an idyllic yet very convenient location on the outskirts of the bustling market town of Axminster first glimpses of Symondsdown House are most impressive. The property, which is not listed, is accessed via a pretty and sweeping driveway and sits perfectly within its own parkland setting.  Believed to date back to 1820 it boasts a typically classic Georgian facade with white rendered elevations and large sash windows under a slate roof. Like many Georgian houses of this era, the property has a particularly attractive front façade with its pillared portico and balustraded and ornamental terrace. On first entering the property there is a real sense of light, space and charm with a particularly impressive reception hall with attr...

The  striking   Priors Hall is a country home bursting with history near  village of Stebbing, Essex Currently on the market with estate agent's Knight Frank for £2,900,000 (correct as of 05/01/2022) Priors Hall This eight bedroom property is set amidst beautiful grounds extending to around 10.86 acres in total, with extensive outbuildings, including a large Grade II listed barn.  Priors Hall In its present form Priors Hall dates from about 1400, below is an extract from the Stebbing  Local  History Society: When the Normans arrived in 1066 the village had probably been in existence for three or four hundred years and was held by Siward, a Saxon thegn. It is almost certain that by this time the settlement pattern of housing and fields were already established. By 1086  two Norman Lords, Henry de Ferrers and Ranulf Peverell are recorded in Little Doomsday as holding the village between them. The de Ferrers family initially prospered, indeed there is evid...