An inspirational setting

Surrounded by open countryside, mid-way between the market towns of Great Dunmow and Braintree, Felsted is an historic village in the picturesque Uttlesford district of Essex.

At its heart is one of the UK’s leading public schools, known simply as Felsted School, which dates back to 1564 and has informed and inspired the village since its inception. Quite apart from the impressive architecture of the Victorian Senior School, the perfectly manicured cricket pitches and playing fields provide verdant backdrop to village life.

Beyond the school, Felsted boasts a wide array of amenities, from the post office and general store to the Wood Cottage Tearoom (for a delicious slice of cake) and Rumblebees (for coffee, books and music). Amidst the quaint olde worlde buildings, you’ll find a choice of pubs – the Swan Inn and The Chequers both serve food – friendly churches, a thriving village hall and a wealth of clubs and societies that underline the vibrant community spirit. Felsted Primary School is just a short walk from Foxglove Place; options for secondary school children include Alec Hunter Academy in Braintree and Forest Hall, Birchwood High, St Mary’s, the Hertfordshire and Essex High School and Bishop’s Stortford High School.

A wider range of shopping and services are available in both Great Dunmow and Braintree, the former boasting one of the few remaining high streets in the country to host only independent retailers (for convenience, the Tesco superstore on the edge of town is open 6am-10pm). Braintree hosts two shopping centres: George Yard is right at the heart, with regular entertainment at the bandstand, while Braintree Village is an American-style stand-alone designer outlet hub on the southern edge of town. Restaurants, cafés and gastropubs abound, with many of the popular chains represented, while establishments like The House by Hilly Gant offer truly memorable experiences. The Flitch of Bacon, in nearby village Little Dunmow, comes highly recommended, serving up exquisite dishes with a side order of local history.

Dunmow is home to the historic Maltings Museum, an annual carnival and the extraordinary Talliston House and Gardens, with beautiful gardens to be explored at Easton Lodge. Braintree’s District Museum and Warner Textile Archive celebrate an area steeped in history, from Bronze Age and Roman settlements to the industrial successes within the wool, silk, lace and weaving trades. With its own carnival every June, the multiplex cinema and a choice of theatres provide entertainment throughout the rest of the year, while the nearby bowling alley is popular for all the family. Slightly further afield, attractions include the magnificent medieval barns of Cressing Temple, jousting knights at Hedingham Castle and steam trains at Colne Valley Railway. Chelmsford’s pedestrianised High Street and superb shopping centres are packed full of luxury brands, while Thaxted, Saffron Walden, Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge are within easy reach.

The immediate area provides access to miles of footpaths and bridleways: the Flitch Way offers an important greenway and wildlife corridor between Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford, while Great Notley Country Park, Hatfield Forest and the banks of the River Chelmer are ripe for exploring. There are tennis, cricket, hockey, football and rugby clubs in the area, along with a choice of golf courses and leisure centres, and Felsted Equestrian (among others) offers riding lessons. In addition, residents can avail of the superb sports and fitness facilities at Felsted School.