ITALY is the inspiration for the Orchards.

The multi-million pound country home is based on the design of a traditional Italian villa, with classical architecture and 21st-century interiors.

But it also combines a Georgian flavour in its large rooms, sweeping staircase and high ceilings.

A new property, it includes a galleried reception hall, seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, five dressing rooms and a nursery.

Whoever buys the property will also benefit from the outside pool, tennis courts and parkland setting.

Daryl Parr, of Chewton Rose, which is marketing the Orchards, says every modern luxury has been included alongside superb craftsmanship and exceptional attention to detail throughout. 

He explains the current owners had the property built themselves, making this the first time it has ever been available to buy.

“In the heart of beautiful countryside, close to the village of Great Totham, they have built themselves a modern masterpiece, a spectacular Italian-style villa, complete with palatial entertaining spaces, seven en suite bedrooms, leisure and games areas and two completely separate, self-contained living spaces suitable for guests, relatives or even staff.

“They love the style and splendour of Italian villas and have built similar homes before but never anything on this scale and they also liked its similarities to the British Georgian style.

“Everything about this house is Italian, from the wonderful gardens right through to the architecture and the furnishings inside,” he adds.

The idea for Orchards came about a decade ago when the owners were considering a move and decided to create their “palace of dreams” within the Essex countryside, adds Daryl.

Having fallen in love with the location and plot occupied by an existing house at the Great Totham site, they bought it and set about drawing up plans for a new property to replace the old.

“By carrying out a new build they were able to include every last detail to ensure it met their exact needs and with their extensive experience and keen eye for design they were able to ensure it was given the luxurious finish it deserved,” says Daryl.

“They wanted it to be light and airy, with lots of space throughout; it had to be suitable for both family living and entertaining – and everything needed to be bespoke.”

A great deal of attention was given to making it a house to entertain in.
On the top floor is an opulent party room, complete with its own bar and kitchen while the reception hall is a huge space ideal for welcoming in guests.

All of the reception rooms have ornate detailing, elegant furniture and chandeliers make additional entertaining spaces, and some open up on to the terrace, where summer lunches and cocktails can be taken.

“As soon as people step into the house they are surprised,” she says. “Guests often can’t believe the amount of space there is here, as well as the genuine Italian finish.”

Set within two acres of land, the Orchards has a heated swimming pool within its own wall and tennis courts. Within these grounds there is also a detached one-bedroom bungalow and a detached two-storey pool house with one bedroom.

The village of Great Totham is just a short drive from Braxted Park, Benton Hall and the Crowne Plaza in Tolleshunt Knights as well as being close to Tollesbury, West Mersea and Heybridge Basin.

It also has excellent road and rail links with mainline stations nearby at Witham and Hatfield Peverel and the A12 linking to a number of large towns including Chelmsford and Colchester.

The Orchards is on the market with Chewton Rose, Colchester, at £5,000,000. Contact the office on 01206 564259.