Put your mark on this former manor house in Lexden
Own a slice of history with the western part of a former manor house, situated close to the heart of popular old Lexden in Colchester.
Lexden Manor House, built by the Papillon family over 250 years ago, includes parts that date back to the reign of King Charles I. The Manor House was rebuilt during the 18th Century, and once belonged to the Lord of the Manor, the Reverend John Rawstorn Papillon, who was an acquaintance of Jane Austen, and whose niece married Jane’s brother Henry.
This is a unique opportunity to own one half of this impressive property, which surprisingly doesn’t have listed building status, so a new owner can look forward to adding their own personal touch to an already enchanting home.
Split into two parts during the 1960s and sympathetically modernised by professional architects, the house has retained much of its character. Inside, there are five double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, three good sized reception rooms and two bathrooms; it is ideal for a family.
There are period features throughout this captivating family home. In particular, the spacious landing and corridors feature original wooden floorboards and exposed timbers.
Elsewhere, the sitting room has a beautiful half bay window with shutters, and the generous entrance hall includes attractive parquet flooring, with a brick-built fireplace and original sash windows.
It has been a happy family home for over 50 years and the owner’s daughter, Jane, who grew up in the property with her two brothers, has fond memories of it: “We were eternally happy growing up in the house; be it winter, spring or summer. We had a giant ping pong table in the hall, and could play soft ball or cricket in the upstairs corridor. We could do as many things inside as we could outside.”
Outside, there is a south-facing rear garden that is mainly laid to lawn and not overlooked. For the car or DIY enthusiast, there are two garages – one of which is attached to the house – while the walled, shingle driveway and courtyard provide ample parking for several vehicles.
Located just a stone’s throw from the heart of old Lexden Village – one of Colchester’s most popular areas – this house also benefits from open views across Lexden Springs, a protected open space within the Colne Valley.
Jane continues: “The area is very convenient with access to both the town and station. You can walk out of the front door and take your dog for a walk across the field opposite too. My parents loved that the property overlooked Lexden Springs. It is such as rare thing to come across, as so much of Colchester has been built on now. It is a luxury to have such a big field opposite.”
For dog walkers, there is also Lexden Park Nature Reserve just around the corner; for families, some of the best schools in the county are nearby; and for those who enjoy going out for a meal now and then, there is a popular pub – The Lexden Crown – a short walk away. For everything else you could possibly need, Colchester is only 2.5miles away, offering a mainline station with trains into London Liverpool Street, as well as a plethora of bars, restaurants, shops and more.