Church Hill, Hempstead, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10

Dating back to the 16th Century, Pollards Cross is an exquisite, timber-framed period country house, perfectly complemented by a versatile detached Coach House – an ideal arrangement for multigenerational living or guest accommodation. Once the home of the Governor of the Bank of England, this exceptional residence benefits from beautifully appointed and character-filled living space. Recently renovated and substantially extended to the highest standards, Pollards Cross combines modern luxury with an abundance of original period features: exposed timbers and studwork, leaded windows, fine 17th Century panelling and linenfold doors, impressive inglenook fireplaces, and ornate chimney stacks.

On the ground floor, three elegantly proportioned reception rooms and a dedicated study provide abundant space for formal entertaining and everyday family life. The impressive open-plan kitchen, breakfast, and family room benefit from French doors opening on to a box-hedged patio and the swimming pool area. The kitchen features a four-oven Aga, Miele oven and grill, butler sink, expansive central island, and granite work surfaces. A generous utility/book room and a stylish cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation.

The first floor offers two principal bedrooms plus two additional king-sized bedrooms, one of which could be transformed into a dressing room if desired, and there are three beautifully styled contemporary bathrooms. The second floor houses two further spacious bedrooms. The detached Coach House provides superb flexibility, with two bedrooms and a bathroom on the ground floor. In contrast, the upper floor forms a fully self-contained apartment, comprising an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area, a large bathroom, and a generous double bedroom – ideally suited as an annexe for extended family, grown-up children, a nanny/au pair, or a stylish home office/studio.

Outside
Approached via remotely controlled wrought iron gates, a sweeping gravelled driveway provides extensive parking and leads to both the main house and Coach House. The beautifully landscaped grounds are well maintained, featuring a walled rose garden with topiary bushes and a charming gazebo, south-west-facing paved terraces framed by box hedging – ideal for al-fresco dining, gently sloping lawns, and an orchard. For sports and leisure, there is a hard tennis court with sports fencing, as well as a heated outdoor swimming pool set in an elevated, walled position with a summer house containing the pool equipment, shower, and WC.

Pollards Cross is in a secluded, private setting within the historic village of Hempstead – famously the birthplace of Dick Turpin. The sought-after town of Saffron Walden, just 6.6 miles away, offers a vibrant twice-weekly market, a wonderful community atmosphere, and has been voted the best place to live in the UK. Audley End station (8.8 miles) provides fast connections to London Liverpool Street (55 minutes) and Cambridge (25 minutes), while Stansted Airport is just 17.2 miles away. Families will appreciate the area's outstanding educational opportunities, with highly regarded schools including Dame Bradbury's in Saffron Walden, and The Leys, The Perse, St Mary's, St John's,
and St Faith's in Cambridge - many of which offer local bus services.
(All times and distances are approximate).