We're shining a light on a village with one of the largest greens in Essex and it's only a 50-minute drive from Romford.
Matching, a village in the district of Harlow, is comprised of two main settlements: Matching Green and Matching Tye.
Matching Green is one of the biggest village greens in all of Essex.
Spanning just under 14 acres it is shaped almost triangular and is bordered by mainly detached homes dating from the 14th to the 19th century - and 28 of which are listed.
According to Town & Village Guide, one of the most notable features of Matching is "its beautiful architecture".
The village is home to several historic buildings, including the 12th century St. Mary's Church and the Grade II listed Matching Hall.
It also has a number of "charming" cottages and houses, many of which reportedly date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today the green is used for cricket, football, dog walking and community events.
Sitting alongside the village green is The Chequers - a pub deemed to be serving one of the best roast dinners in Essex by Muddy Stilettos.
The lifestyle magazine said: "The Chequers Matching Green presents itself as a chic destination, perfect for lunch, dinner, cocktails, special occasions, or outdoor dining.
"In the dining room, there’s an atmosphere of subtle elegance – a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe. Meanwhile, the bar exudes a rustic, traditional charm.
"During the summer months, alfresco dining takes centre stage, with the expansive terrace offering gorgeous garden views – a quintessential setting for sun-soaked lunches or dinners."
During the Second World War, an RAF site was built near the green and used by the United States Army Air Forces’ 391st Bombardment Group.
It was opened in 1944 as a standard three‑runway concrete bomber station and closed after the war when the land returned to private ownership in 1946.
Today most of the runways and dispersal areas have been broken up and the site is now mainly used as farmland with some industrial and road use.
Part of the main runway has been incorporated into a public road and other sections survive as tracks used by farm or heavy‑goods vehicles.
A memorial to the 391st Bomb Group stands by the roadside at Anchor Lane near the former airfield and a plaque is also held in Matching Church.
According to Rightmove, house prices in Matching had an overall average of £592,500 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in Matching during the last year were semi-detached and sold for an average price of £567,500.
Overall, the sold house prices in Matching over the last year were two per cent up on the previous year and similar to the peak of £592,383 in 2021.
Share