Old Barn Road, Mount Bures, Bures, Essex, CO8

Justifiably listed Grade II as being of architectural or historical interest, Herds Pasture is a wonderful example of historic vernacular architecture, with origins reputed to date back to the 14th/15th Century as an ‘open hall’ benefiting from a later high-status 17th Century jettied cross-wing demonstrating and displaying the wealth and status of the original owner. Of original timber frame construction with rendered and colour washed elevations under a pitched and hipped gablet peg tiled roofline, the house has been significantly extended in more recent years to provide generous and flexible accommodation retaining a host of original characteristics including a wealth of exposed timbers, lead-light windows and fine open fireplaces.

In common with properties which have remained in the same family ownership for many decades, today, various aspect of the accommodation are undoubtedly ‘somewhat dated’ by modern standards and the house would benefit from updating and refurbishment with possibly the kitchen being relocated to the position of the current garage and further reconfiguration.

Irrespective of the investment made in refurbishment of the house, it would be nigh impossible to make Herds Pasture too good for the setting and location the property enjoys. Standing in grounds in excess of 3.5 acres comprising formal gardens and woodland and with no immediate neighbours, the position affords the occupants a superb degree of privacy together with wonderful far-reaching views to the rear over undulating countryside and woodland beyond. Accessed via a spur from the main driveway, a relatively modern detached barn sits in rear corner of the grounds providing excellent storage, workshop, or subject to the relevant planning consents, outstanding scope to be converted into ancillary annexe accommodation.

Located on top of the hill Mount Bures is approximately a mile south of the historic village of Bures. Sitting on the Suffolk/Essex border, Bures St Mary and the neighbouring Bures Hamlet (divided by the river Stour) have a thriving community and are well served by a good range of everyday amenities including village stores, post office, historic village inns and the magnificent parish Church of St Mary. The village further benefits from a rail link via Marks Tey to London’s Liverpool Street.