11 Bed Cottage in Stebbing

About this property

Gather friends, family and beloved pets for an unforgettable break at this beautifully updated moated manor. Sitting by an arable farm, surrounded by quiet lanes and with Stebbing’s welcoming pub and well-stocked shop less 1.5 miles away, the Grade II* listed property is just 4 miles from Great Dunmow. Join the traffic-free Flitch Way on the edge of this vibrant village for safe cycling and family walks along a former railway line. For further trips back in time, historic gem Saffron Walden (17.5 miles) is famous for its medieval architecture, independent stores and the must-see Audley End House and Gardens. Stop en-route at Thaxted (10 miles) to admire its landmark windmill and guildhall, or call in at Braintree Village (7.5 miles) for big-brand shopping on your way to Colchester (22.5 miles) which is Britain’s oldest recorded town and home to a fabulous castle, museum and zoo. Porters Hall is only one hour from London and the nearest beach is 24 miles.

Centuries-old elegance and contemporary luxury combine in this spectacular rural retreat, creating an unforgettable setting for any big-group getaway. Original features such as ornate inglenook fireplaces and exposed beams maintain the historical integrity, while modern updates and well-chosen finishing touches meet all the expectations of a high-end holiday home. Additionally, the entire ground-floor is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone is catered for. At the heart of the house, a choice of two sitting rooms set the scene for social gatherings – one has a Smart TV and both have a wood burner for after-dark ambience. Leading off one sitting room is a bar room, with wine fridge and worktop made from copper coins. Culinary excellence is effortless in the beautiful kitchen, which houses all the essentials for large-party catering; adjacent, the dining room comfortably seats all 22 guests. A utility/boot room and 2 separate WCs, one being wheelchair accessible with baby change facilities, complete the ground-floor layout. Five king-size bedrooms fill the first floor – each has its own Smart TV, one has a four-poster bed, another has an in-room roll-top bath, and four of them have en-suite shower rooms while the other can claim sole use of the bathroom close-by. Above, the second floor (attic) has three further bedrooms, each with their own Smart TV – one is a double with an en-suite WC and use of a separate shower room, while the other two each have twin beds that can be made up as king-size upon request, plus access to a shared shower room. All bathrooms in the property have heated towel rails and LED de-mist mirrors. Guests who prefer single-level living or require wheelchair accessibility can retire at night to the barn-style annexe where there are two further bedrooms each with a king-size electric-assisted bed, emergency assistance alarms and accessible en-suite shower room. As part of the annexe, there is also a two-storey suite with super-king-size bedroom with an in-room roll-top bath and an en-suite shower room, plus a downstairs living space with comfortable seating and Smart TV. Also within the annexe, the games room ensures all-weather fun with pool, air hockey, table tennis and a Smart TV among its many entertainment options. Porters Hall has a ground source heat pump, with underfloor heating throughout the property. The temperature settings in all rooms can be controlled independently and the three attic bedrooms in the main house also have air-conditioning, to cool guests during hot summers.

The extensive grounds are perfect for al fresco get-togethers, with manicured lawns, a terrace for dining, and several seating areas. Enjoy leisurely strolls around the moat, let off steam at the village tennis courts – less than a mile away – or to elevate your holiday experience even more ask the owner's recommendations for private chef and catering options or wellness practitioner. A dog shower and kennels ensure your pets can clean-up and chill-out in their own space. The property is enclosed with estate fencing and dog beds are provided in the main house. The electric gated driveway leads to private parking for 10 cars, with four un-tethered EV charging points.

Additional information and rules

- 11 bedrooms – 1 super-king-size, 7 king-size, 1 double, 2 twins (can be converted to king-size at time of booking)

- 9 bathrooms – 6 en-suite shower rooms with WC, 1 en-suite bathroom with free-standing bath, shower and WC, 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC, 1 shower room with WC,

- Roll-top bath in 2 bedrooms, 1 en-suite WC, 2 separate WCs

- Electric AGA-style oven, microwave, slow cooker, air fryer, American-style fridge/freezer, fridge, instant boiling water tap, wine cooler, coffee machine, 2 dishwashers

- Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer

- Wheelchair accessible ground-floor and annex

- Welcome pack

- Travel cots and highchairs - please advise in the special requests which bedrooms you would like the travel cots made available

- Pop-up bed available suitable for younger children (single size) - please advise in the special requests which bedrooms (1, 3, 4 or 5) you would like this made available

- Wood burner in each living room (logs supplied)

- Smart TV in kitchen, 1 living room and 10 bedrooms

- Grounds with seating, terrace, outdoor furniture, dual fuel (charcoal and gas) BBQ, dog shower and kennels

- Electric gates with intercom for entry

- Private off-road parking for 10 cars

- Pub 1 mile, shop 1.5 miles

- Annexe games room with pool table, air hockey table, table tennis, croquet set, games, toys, Smart TV

- Guests have access to tennis courts at Stebbing Tennis Club (less than a mile)

- Owners are able to recommend local services (including private chef and catering options, yoga, pilates, somatic breathwork, reflexologist, mobile masseuse, cocktail making and gin/wine tasting) which can be organised directly ahead of arrival.

- Please make the owner aware in the special requests section on booking if anybody in your party has any allergies to allow for personalisation of complimentary welcome provisions

- Please note – there are additional costs applied to EV charging facility usage - 4 untethered 7.2 KW electric vehicle charging points

- No smoking, candles, or fireworks

- Please note - there is a fenced moat with open water on site and the property is located next to a working (arable) farm

- Ground source heat pump

- Dog beds provided

- Roll-up portable wheelchair ramp provided