Langleys

Langleys is a fine early 18th century red brick house built on an H-shaped plan, which includes part of an earlier house from around 1620 in its north wing. It is set within a park of about 100 acres and is accessed by a drive from Chelmsford Road. Samuel Tufnell purchased Langleys in 1711, and the current house was constructed in 1719, as indicated by the date on the rainwater heads.

The house has three storeys, with wings that project at the north and south ends of the west front. The three central bays were altered around 1820 when the entrance hall was added. Architectural features include a panelled parapet, a moulded brick cornice, and a moulded wood dentilled pediment above the central section, which displays an embossed coat of arms. The window arrangement consists of double-hung sashes with glazing bars in a 2:2:1:3:1:2:2 pattern. The central doorway is framed by an 8-panel door within a segmental headed doorcase, flanked by fluted Ionic pilasters and side volutes adorned with garlands that connect the doorcase to the windows above. The first and second storey centre windows are linked by a raised surround.

The east front mirrors the west front but has slightly less projecting side wings. The central pediment with the door and window piece is simpler than that on the west front, and the window arrangement is 2:3:3:3:2. Inside the north wing, there are two unique rooms from the circa 1620 period featuring remarkable strapwork ornamentation, cartouches, and coats of arms, along with elaborately ornamented chimney pieces from the same period.

The house also contains many fine 18th century rooms, with the most notable being the Salon of 1720, which features a two-storeyed design with giant Corinthian pilasters and a tall chimney piece. Numerous fine 18th century fire surrounds can be found throughout the house, which is in excellent condition and well-maintained. Langleys, along with the Garden Block and Stables, forms a group.