A LANDMARK building which was used as an army base during the First World War has been put up for sale for a whopping £2.85million.

Grade two listed Frettons, in Danbury, dates back to the early 16th Century.

The seven-bedroom property in the centre of the village is listed as being of both architectural and historical interest.

It is understood to have been used as a base for soldiers during the First World War, and was mistakenly bombed by a German Luftwaffe plane during the Second World War.

Stephen White, of estate agents Savills Chelmsford, said: “Frettons is a landmark property and whoever buys it will be taking on a home that is brimming with history.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming its new custodians.

“The centrepiece of the house is a magnificent oak panelled great hall, including a wonderful inglenook fireplace.”

There is also a drawing room, a “stunning” sitting room with a vaulted ceiling and some exposed timbers at the back of the house and a beautifully proportioned dining room.

Mr White said: “It’s a wonderful house with masses of potential and – subject to planning – could also provide commercial opportunities such as an events venue or somewhere to stay.

The property has almost ten acres of private land, including a two-storey annexe, courtyard, swimming pool, pool house, stable block and greenhouse.

Mr White added: “Since the housing market has re-opened, properties in well-connected villages such as Danbury – with plenty of access to the countryside, but also close enough to London for when trips to the office are essential – have been incredibly popular.

“We have been surprised at the extent to which lockdown has made people reassess their housing needs and, more pertinently, act upon them.

“The experience of working from home has made people more aware of the limitations of their existing properties, and increased space – both inside and out – has become an all-important driver of demand.”