A 19th century former courthouse in Maldon, converted into an utterly charming family home
The austere exterior the Old Court House has disguised the charming family home within since its conversion in 1992.


Lady Justice meted out her judgements in the ancient town of Maldon, Essex (where the sea salt comes from), for more than 130 years, until the county court was closed in 1992.
Now superbly converted, the Old Court House is on the market with Savills at a guide price of £895,000.
The Old Court House is a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1858. After the closure of the court and its purchase by the current owners, it was transformed into a stunning town house with many features retained from its previous occupation. The stone royal arms stand proudly on the top of the parapets. The old judges’ Robing Room has been transformed into a bedroom.
Hints of antiquity complement the more modern décor; a chandelier sits in the dining room and one of the bedrooms and the severity of the old Court Room has been lightened by pastel-coloured panels.
The 4000 square feet of accommodation comprises of four bedrooms (two of which have the opportunity to be converted into living or dining rooms), three bathrooms, a kitchen which doubles as a family room and the impressive main reception room, converted from the former Court Room.
The Court Room, the name of which reveals its previous purpose, is a stunning double-height room that functions as a beautifully lit living area and a library, with a 20ft ceiling and a viewing gallery which is currently being used as a games room. Of particular note is the roof terrace, which looks out over the estuary and surrounding rooftops.
The kitchen is beautifully modern, providing a lovely contrast to the old fireplace that stands in the adjoining family room. A carefully tended courtyard garden provides a lovely bit of outside space, perfect for summer barbecues or twilight evening drinks.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Credit: Knight Frank
The former gaol which became the finest, most historically significant private residence in Guildford
South Hall, a former goal-turned-governors-residence, provides the exciting opportunity to own and expand upon one of the most historically significant
A windmill with 900 years of history that has become a delightfully quirky Sussex home
If you're looking for a two-bedroom home that offers something a bit out of the ordinary, the Windmill at Barnham
Credit: Adam Boother
Four glorious gatehouses for sale, from under £325,000
If owning your own stately home is out of reach, living in the gatehouse can offer much of the charm
Credit: Strutt & Parker
A beautiful Grade I-listed manor pre-dating the Domesday Book, with 243 acres and a party barn
Morwell House is a beautifully restored manor house, peaceful and secluded, set in the middle of its 243 acres of
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
By Country Life Published
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
By Toby Keel Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated