3 bed detached house for sale

Gate House, Thorndon Park, The Avenue, Brentwood CM113 CM13

In a unique and truly picturesque setting, this former gate lodge to Thorndon Hall, dating from around 1764, features the original Lion Gates with impressive piers and reclining lion sculptures. Situated on the edge of the magnificent Thorndon Country Park, this former gatehouse is an exquisite Grade II listed residence that offers a remarkable blend of heritage charm and refined contemporary living. Surrounded by more than 500 acres of protected woodland, the home provides a rare sense of privacy and seclusion while remaining only 1.1 miles from the vibrant amenities of Brentwood High Street and convenient rail connections to London via the Elizabeth Line.

Set within approximately a one-third acre of beautifully landscaped private gardens, the Lodge offers a warm and inviting interior arranged across two floors with three bedrooms. As a Grade II listed building, the property is rendered beneath a slate roof with working chimneys, while the ground floor features wood flooring throughout with the added comfort of underfloor heating. The interior has been thoughtfully designed to balance elegance and practicality, with beautifully proportioned living spaces that provide both comfort and versatility.

At the heart of the home lies a stunning open-plan kitchen and breakfast room, carefully designed to create a sophisticated yet welcoming environment for both everyday living and entertaining. Bespoke cabinetry is paired with contrasting work surfaces to create a timeless yet contemporary look, while a central breakfast bar and tailored bench seating with integrated storage add both functionality and style. A full suite of integrated appliances ensures a seamless and modern finish, all set above wood-effect flooring with underfloor heating. The elegant main reception room is stylish and welcoming and features a fireplace with inset woodburning stove, large sash window overlooking the garden and period touches such as a ceiling rose, with stairs leading up to the first floor. A further reception room creates an ideal quiet space for relaxation, or as a home office/studio. The ground floor also includes a further bedroom, a stylish bathroom with shower and freestanding roll top bath. There is also a ground floor cloakroom/wc and an adjoining useful utility/storage room.

The first floor continues to impress, offering two further bedrooms, including a principal suite that benefits from its own en-suite shower room, providing a comfortable and private retreat within the home.

Outside, to the side of the Lodge, a private driveway leads to electronically operated wooden gates opening into a parking area with a covered carport. The formal gardens are a particular highlight of the property, forming a peaceful and secluded sanctuary. A tranquil pond, manicured lawns and mature planted borders create a picturesque landscape, while a generous patio terrace provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining and outdoor entertaining. A detached timber outbuilding, currently used as a gym, adds further flexibility and enhances the overall appeal of the outdoor space. The property is offered with no onward chain.

The location itself is equally special. Immediately on the doorstep, Thorndon Park offers 500 acres of woodland and ancient parkland with meadows and ponds, managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, providing beautiful surroundings for cycling, walking and enjoying nature. Historically, the central iron gates were removed during the World War II when the park was used as an army camp prior to d-Day. The gates were taken down to allow wide military vehicles to pass through and were subsequently lost, although a side pedestrian gate and sections of the railings still remain today.

Despite its tranquil and secluded setting, the property enjoys easy access to the excellent facilities of Brentwood, including well-regarded schools, a variety of shops and restaurants, and mainline rail services into London. Road connections are also convenient, with access to the A12 and A127 as well as the nearby M25 motorway, making this historic home ideally placed for both countryside living and commuting.