Saffron Walden’s most prestigious residential property is on the market, following a painstaking restoration which has seen it restored to its period glory.

1 Myddylton Place is on the market with estate agents, Mullucks Wells.

The Grade I listed property dates back to 1497 and in its 600-year history it has been a merchant’s house, a maltings, a shop, a school for evacuees and a youth hostel. The house is believed to be Saffron Walden’s oldest inhabited property and one of Essex’s most photographed buildings.

The current owners, Tony and Julia Chapman, bought the property from the Youth Hostel Association nearly three years ago. Since then they have restored and renovated the building to create a stunning family home.

Mr Chapman said: “We had always loved this building, and it’s one of just four Grade I listed properties in Saffron Walden. So when we heard it was coming up for sale, we had to take a look.

“Having been used as a youth hostel there was a lot of work to do to make it a home. All the bedrooms were laid out as dormitories and the fittings were very dated. As it’s listed, we worked really closely with English Heritage and the National Trust who were very supportive and enthusiastic about what we were trying to do.”

The couple have renovated the building into a seven bedroom home with self-contained two bedroom annexe. The renovation has included restoring period features such as the building’s main diagonal ‘dragon beam’, two medieval shop windows and an 18th Century sack hoist.

The importance of the property and these period features were highlighted in last year’s BBC TV programme Town with Nicholas Crane. The presenter visited and filmed at the house as part of the episode about Saffron Walden.

Mr Chapman added: “As a surveyor I’m passionate about old buildings and I’m so pleased with what we’ve achieved here. It was regarded as one of the saddest buildings in the town, but we’ve been proud to bring it back to life.”

Mullucks Wells’ director David Emberson said: “This is more than just a fabulous home; this truly is part of Saffron Walden’s history.

“The restoration carried out by the owners has transformed the building and now the work has been done, there’s an ideal opportunity for the new owner to simply enjoy this landmark property.”

1 Myddylton Place is on the market for £1,650,000. For information, contact Mullucks Wells on 01799 520520.