Stunning Essex mansion on the market for £6.5million comes with historical secret

A STUNNING Essex mansion that is up for sale for £6.5million comes with a historical secret.

The 13-bedroom Grade II-listed Tudor House boasts six bathrooms, a swimming pool, the remains of a historic chapel as well as beautiful gardens.

The Stanstead Hall located in Pebmarsh, near Braintree, has a long history behind it.

The most interesting part is that it was once the home of Henry VIII’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr.

The property’s history dates back to the reign of Edward the Confessor in the 11th century.

Over the years it has changed multiple owners and when William the Conqueror annexed all the land, farms, and estates, it was given to Robert Malet, who held the office of Chamberlain of England in 1092.

But it was later seized and he was banished from the realm es seized for his part in the conspiracy to undermine the authority of Henry I.

The estate changed a number of hands until 1341 when the Bouchier family obtained a license to turn it into a castle.

The manor was passed to Sir William Parr, Earl of Essex and grandfather of Catherine Parr.

The Stanstead Hall has seized again when Sir William Parr supported Lady Jane Grey in her bid for the throne.

However, Queen Elizabeth restored it to him and he sold it to Sir William Waldegrave days later.

Today the manor has retained some of its original features but it also has some modern ones such as a pool house with bar and pizza oven and a terrace.

Property agent Tim Phillips, from the country house department at Savills, said: “Set in a little over 45 acres with beautiful gardens and paddocks, Stanstead Hall is a perfect example of a Tudor country house in a private setting which very much feels like a family home.

“Entered via stunning brick pier electric gates, the long driveway meanders to the front of the house through an avenue of trees, with the extensive grounds featuring a walled garden, heated swimming pool, bar, pizza oven and gym, as well as a listed tithe barn.

“The interiors of the property have retained several original features, from wood-panelled fireplaces and corniced ceilings through to tapestry wall hangings and antique furniture which is a further reflection of its rich history.”