Sprawling country house set in its own parkland for sale in Essex

A secluded country house set within its own parkland has gone on sale in Essex for £4.5 million.

The entrance to the grand Pharisee House is impressive, with electric wrought-iron gates opening into a long estate drive passing well-tended lawns to a substantial courtyard boasting a spectacular water fountain turning circle.

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The vast home offers over 8000sqft of space, with seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. The decor is a mix of traditional and contemporary, with the classic-style reception hall featuring a sweeping oak staircase, with matching panelling and ceiling timbers.

Pride of place goes to the beautiful modern kitchen and orangery, enjoying views towards the lake and water feature.

In contrast, the dining, drawing and snooker rooms occupying the east wing have a more traditional feel with exposed ceiling timbers, brickwork and grand hand-carved fireplaces.

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At the far end of the east wing is a self-contained wing with its own stairs, reception room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. The first floor has four bedrooms, three of which are en suite. The master suite includes a walk-in dressing room and en suite bathroom with separate shower.

The grounds to the north include a beautiful lake with a romantic stone bridge (very Turner-esque), vast swathes of lawn and a hard, enclosed tennis court.

There are some practical and pretty outbuildings, including an entertaining barn with dance floor, bar and adjoining rooms.

Stephen White, a Savills property agent, says: 'I particularly love the winding, long private drive that passes through lightly wooded grounds. The house forms 'the jewel in the crown' standing proudly at the centre of its own parkland.'

Pharisee house is set amidst beautiful open countryside on the outskirts of Great Dunmow. To the east of Pharisee Green is the market town of Great Dunmow, a quintessentially English town, which provides a good range of shops, traditional shops, pubs and restaurants.

For a more comprehensive range of facilities, Bishop's Stortford and Chelmsford are close by. There are schools for all ages in the three towns and private schooling can be found at Felsted and Chelmsford, the latter with two grammar schools. The renowned Bishop's Stortford College lies within 15 miles.

The home is on the market with Savills for £4,500,000.