TILBURY COURT

Tilbury Court is an exceptional historic house, set in about 7.25 acres of stunning grounds, with outbuildings, a swimming pool, tennis court, ponds and woodland. The house, which is not listed, dates from 1882 and was built for Lewis John Way, known as the good old squire, who was a Deputy Lieutenant for Essex and, at the time of his death, the oldest Justice of the Peace in the county. Tilbury Court has been a much-loved family home of our clients for nearly 50 years and, though now requiring some modernisation has been well maintained throughout this ownership.

The building has attractive, red-brick elevations with wooden windows and a tiled roof. Tilbury Court is included Pevsner’s guide to Essex’s historic buildings, which notes that it has been sheared of its service wing. Typical of the period, the accommodation flows well and comprises superbly proportioned, rooms with remarkable ceiling height throughout and many original architectural details.

The panelled front door opens into the generous reception hall, with numerous original features including an original patterned tiled floor, chimneypiece and magnificent staircase. Doors lead to the kitchen/breakfast room, sitting room, drawing room, originally called the music room, provides a more formal entertaining space, study and cloakroom. The well-proportioned kitchen/breakfast room has ample storage, an integrated oven and hob, and an AGA; three windows fill the room with natural light and doors lead to the laundry room, off which is a substantial quarry tiled boot room, and directly to the sitting room.

The bright, spacious sitting room has a dado and picture rail, alcoves and original moulding to the ceiling as well as an attractive bay window which overlooks the beautiful, south-facing lawns. The elegant, double-aspect drawing room provides a more formal entertaining space, with a handsome wooden chimneypiece and sash windows; a glazed doors leads out to the gardens.

The first floor landing has an impressive vaulted ceiling and large Gothic style arched window; it leads on to five splendid double bedrooms, each with its own original chimneypiece, and two bathrooms. The principal bedroom is especially delightful, with a bay window offering fabulous, south-facing views over the gardens, and a particularly pretty, tiled chimneypiece. There are a further two bedrooms, presently used as an office and additional storage, on the second floor. Accessed via steps outside, Tilbury Court has a capacious cellar.

OUTSIDE
Tilbury Courts is set within 7.25 acres, consisting of verdant lawns with mature trees, an orchard, paddocks, a pond and woodlands. There are numerous outbuildings, including a two-storey workshop and store with, now lapsed, planning to convert into an annexe

The stables are located close to the paddock, perfect for the equine enthusiast. The generous sized garage has space for up to eight cars. There is a covered swimming pool with a changing room, and the a former tennis court (requiring renovation). Between the stabling and the garage there is a good sized orchard containing mostly traditional English apple tree varieties, with pear and plum trees. To the front of house is a turning circle and there is ample parking to the side.