Treasures of the East

East Anglia appears to be full of wonders, from carriage driving and an escaped puma to a Harrods pavilion and ancient forests, as these houses show

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ALAND criss-crossed by streams, springs, ponds and lakes on the edge of one of Essex's most heavily wooded areas, the former rural parish of South Weald on the western edge of Brentwood was owned by Waltham Abbey in medieval times. Following the Dissolution, it became part of one large estate centred on a 16th-century manor house, Weald Hall, which was twice remodelled in the 18th century. According to the Victoria County History of Essex, it continued to dominate the parish until 1946, after which the estate was broken up, Weald Hall was demolished and the surrounding 500-acre park, now the Weald Country Park, was taken into public ownership.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, several grand new houses were built for the gentry, who were attracted to South Weald by its picturesque landscape, easy access to London 18 miles away and the proximity of Weald Hall with its ancient forest and parkland. Located within the picturesque St Vincent's Hamlet on the western boundary of the country park, imposing Hou Hatch in Weald Road takes its name from the ancient forest gates or 'hatches' that were used throughout the area to prevent cattle straying from the forest. Impeccably restored by its current owners, the handsome, mainly Georgian country house, set in 35 acres of gardens, grounds and parkland with distant views towards Canary Wharf, is now for sale through Barclay Macfarlane of Savills (07779 905904) at a guide price of $8 million.