A Georgian mansion on the Suffolk/Essex border with racing-yard-quality stables, ripe for a lifestyle business
A hugely versatile home that offers plenty of scope for a lifestyle business is on the market on the Suffolk/Essex border. James Fisher takes a look.


Buyers on the lookout for a property on which to keep horses are very often thinking of show jumping and gymkhanas. But for those who are more interested in how quickly a horse can run, rather than how high it can jump, look no further than seven-bedroom Greenstead Hall, a handsome Georgian home set in about 51 acres with racing-yard-standard equestrian facilities.
The house, land and facilities are for sale at £3.75m via Zoe Napier.
The estate itself dates back to at least 1086, having been mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the main house was built in 1695, before being remodelled in 1875 to give it its Georgian façade.
There are wonderful touches, as you’d expect: huge windows and a wide, sweeping staircase in the hall which curves its way to the upper floors.
Interestingly, the property is not listed, meaning that substantial improvements could be easily made and, as well as the racing yard with its 21 boxes and veterinary treatment centre, income can be garnered from the recently restored hall, which can be used as a wedding venue.
The equestrian facilities could just as easily be the subject of your business, while for those who are interested in a different type of horsepower, there is 1,500sq ft of garaging on the site.
The agents pick up on exactly this point, saying that, ‘this property is amazing, both in terms of its setting and the versatility of uses it offers buyers. The vendors ran a wedding business here, and while the licence has expired they are confident that it could be renewed fairly easily — though an exit driveway would apparently need to be constructed.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Greenstead Hall is a mile from the market town of Halstead, nestled in the Colne Valley, on the Suffolk/Essex border. Stansted Airport is 24 miles away, and while Halstead has no station, it’s a short drive to Braintree from where trains London Liverpool Street take just over an hour.
Greenstead Hall is for sale at £3.75m via Zoe Napier — see more pictures and details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
Rust-free romance: hire a classic, not the headaches
Want to drive a classic car, but don't fancy the headaches of ownership? Why not borrow one for a day and explore the most beautiful parts of England while you're at it.
By James Fisher Published
-
Mastiffs: Gentle giants revered by Shakespeare, feared by thieves, adored by families
The mastiff is England’s gentle giant.
By Victoria Marston Published
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country Life
Our regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul Getty
Chestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castle
From hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
By Toby Keel Published
-
How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same time
The houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published