Nestled in the heart of north Essex is a historic village with "remarkable character" that was once home to a group of culturally significant artists.
Around nine miles from Braintree and 19 miles from Saffron Walden lies the village of Great Bardfield.
Estate agent Jackson-Stops describes Great Bardfield as a "village of remarkable character and enduring appeal".
The site previously hosted an annual horse fair from 1262 through to modern times, drawing livestock traders from across the country every June.
Jackson-Stops adds: "This historic settlement combines the tranquillity of rural living with excellent connectivity to urban centres.
"The village offers residents a unique blend of artistic heritage, outstanding natural beauty and a strong sense of community.
"With its rich history dating back to medieval times and its cultural significance as home to the renowned Great Bardfield Artists, this village presents an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a countryside lifestyle without compromise."
Much of the village is designated as a conservation area and the village centre contains several listed buildings, many of which date back to medieval times.
Some of the earliest structures originated in the 14th century.
The architectural landscape includes "wonderfully varied houses and cottages that create enormous charm throughout the settlement", according to Jackson-Stops.
The Grade II-listed Great Lodge is said to have housed Anne of Cleves and stands alongside a Grade I-listed barn within 1,000-acre grounds.
It can be hired out for weddings and other events.
The village itself was once a royal manor, assigned to Edward IV's mother - the Duchess of York, in 1460.
In the 20th century, the village gained "national prominence" as the home of the Great Bardfield Artists - a group of English artists including Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious and Michael Rothenstein.
During the 1950s, thousands of people flocked to the village to visit a series of open house expeditions, establishing Great Bardfield's "cultural reputation".
The village is also surrounded by "scenic countryside" and plentiful walking routes.
Great Bardfield's High Street offers a duo of pubs - The Bell Inn and The Vine.
Described as a "modern British tavern" on its website, The Vine serves a range of "divine burgers" and has an average Google rating of 4.5 out of five stars.
The Bell Inn "blends 16th-century charm with modern comforts" and scores an average of 4.7 out of five stars on Google.
According to data from Rightmove, properties in Great Bardfield sold for an overall average of £510,213 over the past year.
Detached homes made up the bulk of sales, with an average of £518,273, while semi-detached properties averaged £380,602 and terraced homes £940,000.
Sold prices were six per cent lower than the previous year and 31pc below the village's 2022 peak average of £737,581.
Share