Greys Hall
SIBLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX
A unique Grade II* Listed Georgian property with a piece of Disney history
'When Dodie Smith wrote her famous children's book, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, at her cottage in Finchingfield, Essex, in 1955, she found a scary-looking house nearby that seemed perfect for the devious fur-snatcher Cruella De Vil's lair.'
- The Mail on Sunday
Built in 1714, the Georgian Greys Hall is located in the Essex village of Sible Hedingham. Approached by a 200-feet tree-lined driveway, Greys Hall required a full top-to-bottom restoration of the property and grounds. The house is situated in under an acre and flanked with cast iron gates, with its principal gardens a host to willow, oak, eucalyptus, mature pear tree and holly bushes.
The property has six bedrooms, a library, panelled drawing room, substantial Georgian reception rooms, roof terrace with panoramic views, carved oak staircase, custom-built kitchen, outbuildings and original sash windows. Greys Hall was designated as a Grade II* Listed building in 1962. The property is listed as a building of note in Bentley & Pevsner's The Buildings of England.
'Painted brick, c.1714. Pedimented door case [and] three full storeys; central staircase tower with two tall windows.'
- Bentley & Pevsner, The Buildings of England
Greys Hall was constructed during the reign of George I, yet the property showcases some significant Queen Anne period features. Initially the residence of Rev. Moses Cooke (died. 1732), the building has historically been home to several prominent local families. Most notably, Greys Hall served as the inspiration behind Cruella De Vil's Suffolk manor, 'Hell Hall' in the 1956 novel, The Hundred And One Dalmatians, and the 1961 Disney feature film. The author of the novel, Dodie Smith, lived in the neighbouring village of Finchingfield, and local legend states that Walt Disney himself visited the property in preparation for the animated film.
The Restoration
When McCabe & Abel purchased Greys Hall, the property had not been in residential use and was a children's day nursery. The roof in particular required immediate replacement, and the carved oak staircase was in considerable disrepair. The original Georgian panelling underwent a sensitive restoration, which resulted in a comfortable period family home.
