Our History
Porters Hall is one of three historic manor houses in the Parish of Stebbing, distinguished by its rare and beautifully preserved moat—a unique feature that sets it apart and reflects its deep medieval roots. Its moat, and the land beneath the house and outbuildings, are protected as an Ancient Scheduled Monument, reflecting the site’s remarkable archaeological importance.
The story of Porters Hall stretches back to 1284, when it was home to the family of Henry Le Portir. Centuries later, in 1947, the property was bought by three brothers—Percy, Len and Vic Moore. The brothers never married or had children, but they were close to their second-cousin, Brian Moore, who grew up in nearby Felsted. Besides running his own small engineering business, Brian spent his life helping on the farm, eventually taking on all the work as the brothers grew older.
When Brian inherited Porters Hall in 2014, the house had sadly fallen into serious disrepair.
Determined to keep it in the family and preserve its heritage, he made the difficult decision to sell some land to fund a full restoration. A portion of the outbuilding renovation was also supported by a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helping to safeguard the site’s heritage for the future.
In 2022, planning permission and listed building consent were granted to transform Porters Hall into a furnished holiday home—an approach that would secure a sustainable future for this treasured monument.
A key part of the restoration was a commitment to honouring the building’s heritage. Wherever possible, original features were carefully retained or thoughtfully brought back to life.
Stained glass found on site was restored and re-used, original floor bricks were lifted and re-laid, and vintage chaise longues were lovingly refurbished.
Even the parquet flooring and an old pew from Stebbing Church were given new purpose within the house, ensuring that the character of Porters Hall continues to shine through every room.
Alongside the heritage work, great care was taken to introduce modern comforts in a way that supports long term sustainability.
A ground source heat pump now provides efficient, low carbon heating throughout the property, complemented by underfloor heating for gentle, even warmth.
Electric vehicle chargers were also installed, ensuring Porters Hall can welcome guests in a way that reflects both contemporary needs and a commitment to a greener future.
Today, the day to day running of Porters Hall is proudly managed by Brian’s three daughters—Fran, Lisa and Nicola. Each brings their own strengths to the business, combining family history, local knowledge and a shared love of the house to ensure every guest experiences the warmth and care that have always defined Porters Hall.
After three years of dedicated restoration work, carried out in close partnership with specialist conservation bodies and including extensive ecological and archaeological surveys, Porters Hall proudly welcomed its first guests in August 2025. It now stands as a beautifully restored piece of history, ready to be enjoyed for generations to come.
