An affluent village located between Hatfield and Hertford, Essendon is a sought-after address. Madeline James found out more
Overlooking the valley of the River Lea, located in the south east of Hertfordshire, is the beautiful hilltop village of Essendon.
City life is not far away, meaning this little village is brilliant for those who are looking for the best of both worlds.
Property
The streets of Essendon are lined with handsome properties, many of which are extremely expensive. Homes currently on the market in the village include Lakeside Manor on West End Lane, a country estate with its own leisure complex set in 7.5 acres – yours for £5 million. Then there’s the Grade II listed Essendon Manor, which is on the market for £4,950,000, and Warrenwood Park, a five bed house with three-bed lodge for £3 million.
There are a few properties available at the more affordable end of the market, however, including a one bedroom flat on School Lane for £234,950.
Transport
Regular bus services can connect you to other quaint villages and to Hatfield station which is about half an hour from London King’s Cross. Potters Bar station is also close by, with fast trains to King’s Cross taking about 15 minutes.
History
Pockets of history remain within the village, most notably around St Mary the Virgin church; Norman fragments discovered during its 1883 rebuild suggest there had been a church there since the 12th century.
During the largest air raid of the Great War, 16 airships struck Essendon farmland, village and parts of the church. The subsequent restoration project ensured that the church was quickly restored with many of the original features replicated.
It appeared after the bombings that two young sisters died close to their family home as a result of the attack on the village. They were laid to rest in the churchyard, where their memory lives on today as a reminder of wartime Essendon.
Mill Green Forge is a family run business of three master blacksmiths which was originally established in village in 1980.They have used their historic skills and knowledge to create unique, bespoke iron pieces for the village and beyond. The trio’s remarkable work has been featured on screen in The Phantom of the Opera and the Hollywood blockbuster, Saving Private Ryan.
Food and Drink
The Rose and Crown pub has a great reputation amongst locals and visitors alike, with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals made from fresh, locally sourced food.
This friendly, traditional country pub has previously been a Herts Gastro Pub of the Year nominee, resulting in people from all over Hertfordshire wanting to sample the menu. And as a reconstructed traditional coach house, The Rose and Crown pub also links to Essendon’s extensive history.
The Candlestick is another popular local gastro pub, located in the neighbouring hamlet of West End.
Education
Essendon is perfect for families settling in the area, with Essendon C of E Primary School rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted. This small village school has two year groups in each class, and pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of extra curricular activities such as tennis, debating and art clubs.
‘Good’ secondary options include The Sele School in Hertford and Chancellor’s School in Brookmans Park.
Leisure
Set in a 400-acre estate, Essendon Country Club has two courses to play on, tuition, a clubhouse restaurant, a pro shop and regular events.
Essendon prides itself on the function of its local village hall, which regularly hosts events, parties, play groups and meetings.
With beautiful scenery, strong community-spirited villagers and an immense history, Essendon offers unlimited opportunities.
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