The Old Rectory - Grade II*

Georgian mansion with 8 luxurious bedrooms, elegant bathrooms, and expansive grounds, including a heated pool (May-Sept) Enjoy the outdoor kitchen,BBQ area, and forest walks. Perfect for family gatherings, events, or peaceful getaways. Historic charm meets modern comfort, with upgraded heating and electrics.Close to historic villages, river views, and serene gardens. Accommodates 16 guests comfortably, with additional guests (16+) charged at £70 per person, per night. Please ask for more details The space When guests arrive at The Old Rectory, they’ll pass through the large black gates and down the driveway to ample parking. Entering through the main door into the reception hall with a cozy log burner, to the left is a beautiful kitchen and breakfast area. Straight ahead is the grand dining room with 15-foot ceilings, while to the left is the spacious drawing room and to the right is the library. The basement features a historic wine cellar with over 300 years of history. Upstairs on the first floor are four double bedrooms, including the master bedroom with its own private staircase to an open-plan bathroom with a free-standing tub. There’s also a themed massage room. The top floor holds four more bedrooms, along with a shower room, and offers stunning views of Castle Hedingham and the castle itself. Outside, guests can enjoy the outdoor kitchen, heated pool, and expansive gardens with a treehouse, a river with a bridge leading to the woodland area, Belle & Bonnie our horses, alongside chickens and runner ducks. If you are planning an event, ceremony, photography or filming, or anything else other than a standard stay, please inform me of such before you book as commercial & non staycation events are at a PREMIUM, especially weddings! Guest access We aim to provide as much access to The Old Rectory as possible for our guests. Please note that there will be a locked room on the top floor, one locked office on the ground floor, and one secured area in the basement. Apart from these spaces, you will have full access to the rest of the house. We will be on the grounds during your stay and are available to assist if needed. The property is equipped with a gate intercom system, For safety reasons, we kindly ask that no one enters the area where the horses and dogs are kept. If there are any concerns regarding the animals, please let us know, and we will ensure you feel as comfortable as possible. You will receive a front door key and additional keys for side access, including the outdoor kitchen. During your meet and greet on arrival, we will walk you through everything to ensure you feel confident about accessing the property. As this is our family home, we trust that you will respect the spaces and rules we have set. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your stay! Other things to note Experience Timeless Elegance at The Old Rectory, Sible Hedingham Welcome to The Old Rectory, an exquisite Grade II* listed Georgian mansion in the charming village of Sible Hedingham, Essex. Built around 1714, this historic estate blends classic elegance with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable stay for guests looking to immerse themselves in a piece of living history. About the Space This stunning mansion was originally built as a residence for clergy of nearby St. Peter’s Church and has retained much of its Georgian charm. With its red brick walls, hipped plain tiled roof, and symmetrically placed chimneys, the house is a striking example of 18th-century architecture. A grand entrance flanked by Ionic columns welcomes you into a home that exudes timeless sophistication. The eight luxurious bedrooms are beautifully appointed, offering a perfect blend of historic character and modern comfort. The property features elegant bathrooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool (available during the summer months), and expansive grounds for you and your group to enjoy. Whether you're relaxing indoors or strolling through the estate’s small forest, there's something for everyone to appreciate. Flexible Hosting Options At The Old Rectory, we offer flexible arrangements to suit your needs. Depending on your preference, we can host you by providing full access to the grand mansion while we stay in the guest house, ensuring you enjoy total privacy. Alternatively, we are happy to share the main house, offering opportunities for us to interact, assist, or entertain as part of your stay. These options, along with any additional requirements, can be discussed and worked into the costings. No Pets Allowed! The Old Rectory has a lot of animals separated from your areas of stay, including three dogs (Dalton, Lady, and Prince), Belle the ex-racehorse, chickens, and runner ducks. No visiting animals help ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all. The Old Rectory is Perfect for Gatherings and Events (Over 15 people - an extra £70 per person per night will be charged, up to 20 people staying) We also charge for day visitors rates to be agreed. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a corporate retreat, The Old Rectory offers ample space for up to 50 cars and plenty of room for outdoor activities. Any larger event would only be considered if using the outside space with no more than 20 people using indoors at any time. Always Happy to discuss further. The Harris family has hosted everything from Gatsby-themed parties to live bands, weddings, and movie shoots. The property is equipped to handle events of any scale, offering a versatile and stunning backdrop for your special occasion. One of the most memorable gatherings hosted here was a celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee, where the family opened the grounds to the village. The day included everything from parlour games, treasure hunts, tug-of-war, and antique car displays to a spectacular dog show and woodland walks. Your stay at The Old Rectory can be just as magical, with its spacious outdoor kitchen, perfect for hosting group dinners or barbecues by the pool. Historical Significance with Modern Amenities While the property offers a rich and fascinating history, including being a former residence during the famous NatWest 3 scandal, the estate is fully equipped with modern amenities. Recent renovations have upgraded the central heating, electrics, and all essential systems, ensuring your stay is comfortable without sacrificing the estate’s historic charm. A Family-Friendly Retreat If you’re traveling with children or simply love animals, The Old Rectory is a paradise. The grounds are home to three dogs, Dalton, Lady, and Prince, as well as Belle, the family’s ex-racehorse. You’ll also encounter chickens, runner ducks, and even the family’s son’s pet axolotl, making this a fun and engaging environment for all ages. Explore and Enjoy In addition to its stunning interiors and historic allure, The Old Rectory’s five-acre grounds feature beautiful outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing walks, picnics, or simply soaking in the peace and quiet of the English countryside. The property is bordered by the picturesque River Colne, making it ideal for those who love to be surrounded by nature. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore nearby historic villages or take a short drive to the vibrant town of Colchester. The estate offers a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility, giving you the option to relax in peace or enjoy the many attractions that Essex has to offer. Guest Access Guests will have access to the entire estate, including all bedrooms, bathrooms, the swimming pool (summer months), and outdoor spaces. The expansive grounds are yours to explore, whether you want to host a gathering, enjoy outdoor sports, or relax by the pool. Please feel free to make use of the outdoor kitchen and barbecue facilities for family meals and gatherings. We also offer flexible hosting arrangements, where you can either have full access to the main mansion while we stay in the guest house or opt to share the home with us as we entertain or assist during your stay. Other Things to Note • Event Hosting (Please Read Carefully). The Old Rectory is available for private events, weddings, photo shoots, and more. If you are interested in using the property for such occasions, this must be discussed well in advance. As this is our permanent family home — not a purpose-built venue — event use involves additional planning, insurance considerations, and costs. For this reason, once people explore the practicalities, it often becomes clear that it does not work in the way a commercial venue might, particularly where the expectation is that the event will create a financial gain. We are always open to conversations and will never dismiss enquiries outright; however, the house works best as an intimate setting for up to 16 staying guests, and not for large gatherings. Most successful stays here are small, private, and personal, where everyone present is part of the booked group. • Seasonal Swimming: The outdoor heated pool is available during the summer months only and will be closed at approximately 8pm each evening. • Family-Friendly: The estate is a welcoming environment for families and children. With plenty of space to explore and friendly animals on-site, it’s a wonderful place for kids to make memories. • Guest Numbers, Day Visitors & Gatherings (Very Important): The overnight occupancy is 16 guests, as stated in the listing. Please note that additional daytime visitors, gatherings, celebrations, or people attending who are not included in the booking are not permitted unless agreed in advance and will be charged. This is our forever family home, not an open-access venue. Extra visitors impact insurance, staffing, neighbours, the animals on-site, and general wear and tear. Any plans involving non-resident guests must be declared early, discussed, and formally agreed. Turning up with additional people without prior approval places us in an extremely difficult position and may result in cancellation. • Check-In & Check-Out Expectations: We are frequently asked for early check-in and late check-out. While we understand the request, this is usually not possible. As this is our family home, we need adequate time to move our children, manage animals, and prepare the house properly between stays. Early arrival or late departure should never be assumed and must always be requested in advance. If flexibility around timings is important, we strongly recommend booking two nights rather than one, as this is often the only realistic way we can accommodate a full, relaxed day without pressure. ⸻ Create Your Own History at The Old Rectory The Old Rectory is more than just a place to stay — it’s a home where history comes alive and meaningful memories are made. Whether you’re here for a peaceful retreat, a special occasion, or a creative project, we ask that all stays respect the home, the setting, and the people who live here. We truly want everyone to enjoy our home — clear communication and early discussion are essential to making that possible for everyone.