Historical note

Commissioned by the banker, William Murray Tuke, a Quaker, whose family were Yorkshire tea merchants. The Vineyard was designed by William Beck, who was also responsible for the Saffron Walden Hospital, along with 61 and 63 High Street in Saffron Walden. The Gothic Revival Movement of the mid 19th century was led by architects such as Gilbert Scott and Augustus Pugin, who is famed for his contribution to the new Palace of Westminster. Built in the characteristic 19th century Gothic style and completed in 1865, it is believed that The Vineyard was William Beck's only large scale private building and therefore a unique example of his creativity and love of the Gothic style.

Description

The Vineyard is a Grade II Listed Victorian master piece. Constructed of red brick under a series of pitched tiled roofs this magnificent house stands alonen both physically and metaphorically. The property boasts a striking facade with Venetian Gothic-style windows and Tudor style brick chimney stacks as well as stone sills and blue brick banding. The property is wondefully grand but yet there will be many who have passed close by unaware of its very existence.

As one would hope the internal aspects of this fabulous home are equally as impressive as the outside. The principal reception rooms flow from the Grand Hall which itself boasts 24’10 ceiling heights, a magnificent staircase which leads up to the half landing and three sided upper landing with an incredible stained glass window on the mezzanine level. The main reception rooms have high ornate panelled ceilings and William Beck designed stone fireplaces. The drawing room fireplace is the most ornate, with an over mantle incorporating carved figures depicting popular Victorian virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. The high ceilings are a feature throughout the property and every room is of an enviable scale as well as having superb views over the surrounding parkland.

The accommodation spans three floors and again the bedroom suits are very generous with a magnificent dressing room and en-suite adjoining the master bedroom. Further sections of the first floor could conveninetly be used as guest wings and the second floor provides superb children’s bedrooms with great space and privacy.

Olive's Cottage

Formerly known as The Coach House, but named after Olive Cook, the artist and writer who was the wife of the celebrated photographer Edwin Smith. Converted into a house in 1966, it is now in need of complete renovation, but could be separated if required, as a single private dwelling. Olive’s cottage is being offered as a separate lot but please note that a sale would not be agreed in isolation prior to a buyer being found for the principal property.

This property has 9.5 acres of land.

Outside

The vineyard is approached via a long tree lined shingled drive to a sweeping gravel courtyard to the front of the property. Manicured lawns and mature trees surround the property including a magnificent croquet lawn. The front gardens if formed by a tiered lawn with stone steps and an attractive pond to the side. As well as the pristine lawns there are a number of magnificent trees including lime, beech, chestnut, a superb cedar of Lebanon and an incredibly rare Ginkgo tree. As well as the formal garden there is an additional orchard, lovely woodland walks and a 3.5 acre paddock at the top of the hill proving excellent views across the surrounding countryside and over to Saffron Walden and the church spire. An enclosed tennis court is evident but is in need of some restoration. Two single garages are also found adjoining the house.

Situation

The Vineyard is an historic mansion house which sits in the centre of a beautiful parkland setting at the top of Windmill Hill on the outskirts of Saffron Walden. Saffron Walden is an historic market town with a magnificent Parish Church, numerous period properties and a wide tree-lined High Street. The town provides an impressive range of facilities, including a variety of shops and restaurants, together with excellent primary and secondary schools including the Saffron Walden County High School which is now an Academy School. Other local schools include Dame Bradburys and Friends school. Further schooling is available in Cambridge and with the easy links from Audley End station and bus services to Cambridge many local children are schooled privately at the Perse, St. Johns, St Faiths and the Leys. A good range of sporting amenities are on offer at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre and Saffron Walden Golf Club. Road links to London and Cambridge (16 miles) are accessible at Junctions 8 and 9 of the M11. Train services to London (Liverpool Street - 57 mins) run from Audley End Station about 2 miles and to London Kings Cross from Cambridge (from 45 mins).