THE elegant facade of this five-bedroom property in Finchingfield, which has just gone on the market, gives little indication of the impressively well-preserved historic ovens still in place at the house.

Haddon House dates back to the 17th century but the ovens are a later addition.

Mark Wagstaff from selling agent Mullucks Wells said: “It’s thought they started life in a separate building but are incorporated into what is now the large kitchen/breakfast room of the property.

“We have little idea whether it was originally a village bakery or simply a set of ovens used exclusively by this house. But going by their style it’s estimated they are late 19th century or early 20th century.

“Either way, they escaped being ripped out and are now a wonderful historic feature you don’t see very often.”

A local company seems to have been responsible for manufacturing them – Barnard and Lake of Rayne. The iron foundry was operating until 2001 and the smoke stack on the site was only demolished two and a half years ago to make way for a housing development.

Haddon House is on the market with Mullucks Wells on 01371 872117 for �649,950.