ESSEX TURNS ON ITS PERIOD CHARM Paul Beresford reports

Upstairs Downstairs or Downton Abbey? Let the battle commence as they say. I know it is already in my house on Sunday evenings!

Both TV series, set in sumptuous period properties in London and Hampshire respectively, will send aspirations soaring to live the much-coveted lifestyle of a lord or lady of the manor.

One of the many highlights of my job at Beresfords is visiting some of Essex’s finest period properties, meeting the owners and hopefully finding a new one to add to the home’s very own history.

Hutton Hall, a Grade II listed property on the outskirts of Brentwood is one such gem which we have on our books.

The Georgian country estate is impressive by even the most discerning standards and includes a five bedroom main house, four bedroom Victorian wing known as ‘Beadles’, two large apartments, various outbuildings and a two bedroom lodge.

There is even a duck pond and part-moated grounds.

Hutton Hall is on the market for £4.25million and would make a magnificent family estate, beautiful hotel or wedding venue.

Garnish Hall in Margaret Roding, which also has a moat in the south facing grounds where a stunning handkerchief tree is growing, stands at the end of its own 100 metre tree-lined avenue.

The eight bedroom country house also has a coach house and stables. Neighbouring St Margaret’s Church, originally built as a chapel for the hall, is the finishing touch to this quintessentially English scene.

Demand for period properties such as these comes from all quarters and includes local residents wishing to downsize and stay in the area as well as busy City professionals on the hunt for a more manageable slice of British architectural history.

Thorndon Hall in Ingrave, Essex, is a former Palladian Georgian mansion now converted into 37 luxury apartments that will meet this particular aspiration.

Residing in 16 acres of communal gardens with Thondon Country Park and Thorndon Park Golf Course as neighbours, it’s possible to live as a country squire but be within easy reach of London.

Beresfords is selling a three bedroom apartment in Thorndon Hall currently on the market for £359,995 and is another fine example of the county’s treasure chest of property gems.