The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House
The Foreman’s House, located at Oak House, is a pre-1600s Grade II listed property in the picturesque village of Ridgewell. Situated in a Conservation Area in rural northwest Essex, near the borders of both Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, the house has been lovingly restored by its hosts, Ben and Will. Blending its rich history with a modern high-end luxury style, it retains its charming historic features while offering the utmost comfort.
Over four years, we carefully restored, decorated, and styled Oak House with love and attention to detail. Furnished with high-quality, stylish pieces,
Sit Back Relax in this beautiful Charming Historical Home with your friends and family.... Soak up the Charming Character of this beautifully presented holiday home...
The house sits at the heart of the village, overlooking the village green. Behind the property are our design and development Studios Where we run a design, print, and development business focused on environmentally friendly products. Historically, the house has long been linked to these operations; it was once Blyth and Pawsey, a farm vehicle repair centre, and before that, a blacksmith’s. Known as the Foreman’s House, its historical significance endures to this day.
Ridgewell is ideally located for exploring historic villages, towns, and cities, as it borders three counties. Nearby attractions include the charming market towns of Saffron Walden, Finchingfield, Long Melford, Lavenham, and Clare. For those seeking a city break, Cambridge and Colchester are also within easy reach. With so many wonderful places to visit and excellent dining options to discover, this area offers something for everyone.
The house is also a point of interest in the local history society’s talks and walking tours. Built by a medieval carpenter from the area, it boasts historical carvings, including “Witches Marks” (apotropaic marks derived from the Greek word for “averting evil”) designed to bring good luck. If you look closely, you can spot hex symbols carved into the beams above the fireplaces. If you look closely on some of the beams above the fire place you will see the historical Carvings
The Foreman’s House offers a unique blend of luxury, history, and location – a perfect base for your escape.
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Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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Smoking: Please refrain from smoking inside the house. You’re welcome to smoke outside in the garden near the summer house, ash tray provided
Extractor Fan: We ask that you use the extractor fan when bathing or showering to reduce condensation, to preserve the house’s timber-frame structure
Electric Vehicles: Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate electric vehicle charging at the house.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Halstead
Located in Halstead, this holiday home is in a rural area. Haverhill Golf Club and Cineworld Haverhill are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Great Cornard Country Park and Flitch Way Country Park. Colne Valley Railway and Cheeky Chimps Funhouse are also worth visiting.
Imperial War Museum Duxford - 38 min drive - 45.2 km
University of Cambridge - 45 min drive - 49.9 km
Getting around
Chappel and Wakes Colne Station - 23 min drive
London (STN-Stansted) - 49 min drive
Restaurants
White Hart Wedding Venue - 5 min drive
The Red Lion - 6 min drive
The Globe - 6 min drive
Baltic Amber - 7 min drive
SmallTown - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House?
As of 10 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House on 11 Apr 2026 start from AU$439, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
Where is The Foreman's House, Exclusive Adults only Luxury Accommodation, Entire House located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Ridgewell Airfield Museum and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Stambourne Playing Field. Clare Castle Country Park and Sturmer Village Hall are also within 6 miles (10 km).
About the host
Hosted by Ben
I’m from the Essex Suffolk border… a beautiful place, very rural location surrounded by beautiful fields and countryside, yet nestled between historical market towns such as Saffron Walden, Clare long melford, Cambridge, Dunmow
I thoroughly enjoy meeting and greeting new guests…. I like to share my knowledge of the local area also… And most of all see the historical home make memories for guests on their vacation
Ridgewell is apparently the driest part of Essex…..
Why they chose this property
Essex Suffolk border is a beautiful area in north west Essex with rolling countryside Beautiful market towns and villages near by also, yet not too far from major cities such as Cambridge, Colchester, London
What makes this property unique
It’s a historical home It’s grade 2 listed Pre 16 th century Over 600 years old