This fabulous Queen Anne house, set in 3½ acres of glorious grounds, makes a wonderful location for a week long holiday or weekend retreat. The well-furnished accommodation imparts a feeling of an old country house and the beautiful country garden offers a grass tennis court, croquet lawn, stables and horses. Completely secluded and rural, it provides the perfect backdrop for a quiet family holiday or a celebration gathering. Just 15 minutes from Chelmsford and the M25, 10 minutes from Billericay, 5 minutes from the A12 and 30 miles from Trafalgar Square and the heart of London, this makes a good base from which to explore the surrounding areas. The old town of Maldon lies on the ridge above the Blackwater and has a strong nautical theme, and here, carefully restored 19th-century Thames sailing barges can often be seen at their moorings. The riverside promanade overlooks a shingle beach offering delightful views of the town. Sailing-barge races are held here from July, August and September, and cruises are available from March to October. Marsh Farm Country Park in South Woodham Ferrers occupies 320 acres of low-lying reclaimed marshland. Visitors can tour the farm, which specialies in cattle, sheeps and pigs and shows how a modern farm works. With many traditional Essex farm buildings, over 3 miles of riverside walks and a nature conservation zone, where migrant birds such as Brent geese can be seen in Winter, this is a wonderful day out for the family. Colchester is nearby and offers many interesting attractions to visit such as the towns honey-coloured Castle and museum, open-air market, Tymperleys Clock Museum and Hollytrees Museum. There are many pretty villages to visit such as The Hanningfields, Danbury, the Ongars and the Baddows to name but a few, and they all offer a range of excellent public houses and restaurants. Other attractive towns on the Crouch are Burnham, Wallasea, Paglesham and on the Blackwater are Heybridge and the Merseas. The picturesque villages of Higham, Stratford St Mary, Dedham and Flatford are all within an hour's drive.

Large living room with open fire in marble surround fireplace. Games room with snooker/pool table. Large farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga for cooking. Utility. Snug with sofa. Boot room. Cloakroom/W.C. First floor: Two double bedrooms, each with 5ft bed. Two twin-bedded rooms, one with en-suite bathroom/W.C. Bathroom/W.C. with over-bath shower.

*Elec, full oil CH and oil Aga incl *Open fire - fuel incl *Parking (for 6 cars) *Shops 1½ miles *Satellite TV *Video *Auto wm *T/dryer *M/wave *Freezer *H/chair *Snooker/pool table *3½ acres of garden with patio, furniture and three unfenced ponds (toddlers beware!) *Large kitchen garden *Barbecue *Grass tennis court *Duvets with linen and towels *Friday to Friday