The Chase, Upminster, Essex, RM14

Found next to the picturesque and historic All Saints Church, Grade II listed Cranham Hall occupies a beautiful and secluded setting, well protected by its own extensive acreage. A large mansion, of late 16th or early 17th century origin, occupied the site where Cranham Hall now stands until around 1789. This former residence was home to the prominent international figure General James Oglethorpe (1691-1781) for 41 years. General Oglethorpe founded the 13th and last American Colony, which is now the state of Georgia. He is buried alongside his wife at the centre of the chancel of All Saints' parish church. Oglethorpe's house was demolished shortly after his death and it is not clear how much, if any, of the old house was incorporated in the present building, with its prominent, late 18th century frontage.

The property is approached via a large reception hall, with space for seating and an attractive, open fireplace. The study lies to the right, entered via double doors. It has a feature stone fireplace and dark stained wooden panelling. Beyond, an inner hall provides access to further reception rooms including the drawing room, swimming pool complex and kitchen/breakfast room. The kitchen is fitted with bespoke cabinets topped with a sleek Corian work surface and incorporates two butler sinks. There is an industrial stainless steel range oven with six hobs. The ceiling is vaulted and ha supporting beams. A door provides access to the secluded walled garden and wide terrace. The neighbouring dining room provides seating for ten and shares the same ceiling height and beams as the kitchen, some of which are engraved and dated. The drawing room is a fine, part-panelled room with an open stone fireplace. Double doors provide access to the indoor swimming pool complex. The impressive swimming pool is set within a marble tiled surround and has an adjoining entertaining area, and access to the exterior terrace. There is an ornate fireplace at one end of the room, a panelled bar area, a cloakroom, a sauna and boiler room. The cellar, on the lower ground floor of the property, provides a children's playroom.

A sweeping staircase leads to the first floor where the principal bedroom suite offers luxurious accommodation, including an en suite bathroom and dressing room with large fitted cupboards. There are a further three bedroom suites on this floor, all with their own adjoining bath/shower facilities. There is also a first floor laundry as well as a large airing cupboard. The second floor comprises a spacious games room presently featuring a snooker table and enjoys wonderful views over the grounds. There is one bedroom positioned on this second floor as well as a separate bathroom.

Wonderfully private and very well protected by its own grounds, the gardens provide the ideal setting for Cranham Hall. They can be divided in to two clear sections: the parkland and the enclosed, more formal garden that is positioned to the side of the house. The most prominent feature of the parkland is the charming lake, stocked with a variety of hand-fed fish. A number of specimen trees include willow and several varieties of pine. The water theme continues with a water feature opposite the front door, very visible upon approach. To the side of the house lies the walled garden, accessible externally via a gate in the brick-built garden wall. Believed to be of 16th century origin, these walls were thought to enclose the garden of the original house and survive almost intact. Ancient yew and pine trees provide shaded spots and the garden is mainly laid to lawn. A wide terrace skirts the side of the hall and provides the perfect area for al fresco dining during the warmer summer months. Outbuildings include the 5,000 sq ft barn which provides ample parking and includes a two bedroom staff flat. A Scandinavian-style log cabin, positioned on the water's edge offers one bedroom and a shower room and a discreet, decked hot tub.

Cranham Hall lies at the head of The Chase, a well regarded private lane next to the All Saints Church and surrounded by well maintained agricultural land, situated only a mile to the east of Upminster which forms the easternmost edge of Greater London. Upminster offers excellent local amenities including shopping and restaurants, an underground (District Line) service and an overground train to Fenchurch Street from 22 minutes. For the road commuter, the M25 lies just over 3 miles away. More extensive local amenities can be found in Brentwood with its wider range of shops and services. Nearby Shenfield is a vibrant town with a good variety of shops and public houses. Schools in the area are excellent and include the renowned Coopers at Upminster, Brentwood School and the Anglo European School at Ingatestone. There is also a good choice of state nursery, infant, junior and senior schools.