Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, CM3

Listed Grade II* being of architectural and historic importance, Old Riffhams is referred to in The Domesday book as the "fief of Richeham" and probably owned by Earl Godwin, the father of King Harold. In 1422, "Reefhames" was owned by Thomas Coggeshall, who in turn sold it to Sir Thomas Charleton. The owners can clearly be traced from this period onwards.

The listing describes Old Riffhams as a "mid-16th Century building possibly with an earlier core", and many alterations have been made over the years although the features of the 16th, 17th and 18th century have all been maintained.

The house is now finished in a mellow red brick with elegant dutch gables and tall chimneys. Internally Old Riffhams combines beautifully proportioned reception rooms with comfortable bedroom accommodation.

Of particular note is the first floor drawing room centred on an attractive open fireplace and offering excellent views over the gardens and grounds.

Whilst the house will benefit from some modernisation, it is a very fine example of its kind.

Lying in beautiful rural countryside surrounded by mature woodland, Old Riffhams is conveniently located. Much of the woodland is owned and maintained by the National Trust and is of special scientific interest, together with Danbury Common to the south. Little Baddow itself has the popular Elm Green Preparatory School together with two pubs. The village of Danbury, a short drive away, also provides a choice of shops including a Co-Op and Tesco as well as other facilities such as a bank, surgery, dentist and traditional public houses. More comprehensive facilities can be found in Chelmsford, just 5.5 miles away.

Fast and frequent trains leave Chelmsford station reaching London Liverpool Street in approximately 37 minutes, or alternatively Ingatestone just over 10 miles distant with trains taking approximately 32 minutes.

There is an excellent choice of schools in the district including the renowned Elm Green Preparatory School, two grammar schools; Chelmsford High School for Girls and King Edward VI Boys, ranked first and third in the county and New Hall.

Approached over a gravel drive which culminates in a large parking and turning area, the gardens and grounds are a principal feature of this property. Laid mostly to lawn, there is a part walled garden lying to the north and west of the house with well stocked borders and also providing shelter for the swimming pool and all weather tennis court. The gardens are studded with a selection of mature specimen trees together with a productive orchard. Almost due north of the house is an area of woodland with mixed deciduous and evergreen trees and two spring fed ponds with an ornamental rockery, all providing a haven for wildlife. Across the drive from the house is a further area of lawn with the office which has electricity and telephone lines.

There is an extensive range of timber outbuildings providing useful storage for garden machinery and timber.