The Sergeants Mess, Royal Cavalry Gate, Dragoon Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7FU

EXCLUSIVE PART EXCHANGE OPTION AVAILABLE. Just released with Show Home available to view. Please call now to book your appointment. Phase One of Royal Cavalry Gate marks the first chapter in the transformation of the former Cavalry Barracks, introducing a carefully curated collection of new homes created within some of the site’s most characterful historic buildings.

The Sergeants Mess introduces an elegant terrace of three bedroom houses within the historic Royal Cavalry Gate development. Carefully designed to respect the architectural character of the original barracks, these homes combine traditional brick façades with contemporary interiors suited to modern lifestyles. Spacious open-plan living areas with impressive high ceilings, well-proportioned bedrooms that create comfortable family homes. These elegant and stylish homes also benefit from enclosed rear gardens and private allocated parking. Set within one of Colchester’s most historic military sites, The Sergeants Mess offers a rare opportunity to own a home that blends heritage with modern design.

Set within the historic former Cavalry Barracks, this exceptional new development brings new life to one of Colchester’s most characterful military sites. Carefully restored and thoughtfully reimagined, the scheme will deliver 70 distinctive new homes, including houses, bungalows and apartments, allshaped by the architectural integrity of the original buildings. The development will be delivered in phases, allowing the character of each historic structure to guide its future use. Phase One focuses on the former forge, hayloft and sergeants’ mess, creating a collection of two and three bedroom bungalows alongside six elegant three-bedroom houses. Later phases will introduce apartments and further homes within the remaining cavalry blocks, stable buildings and former dormitories.

The project is being brought forward by Newell Homes, a developer renowned for creating high- quality homes that respect their surroundings. With a strong reputation for craftsmanship, attention to detail and sympathetic restoration, Newell Homes specialise in developments that blend heritage with modern living.

History of the Site Colchester has a long and distinguished military heritage, but for many centuries its role as a garrison town was largely temporary. Soldiers were traditionally housed in tents or billeted locally, with permanent structures appearing only intermittently during periods of conflict. This changed in the mid-19th century, when the aftermath of the Crimean War prompted a fundamental rethink of military accommodation across Britain. Concerns around sanitation, health and living conditions led to a new generation of barracks designed to be permanent, well-planned and fit for purpose. The Cavalry Barracks were conceived during this period of reform and formally approved in the early 1860s. Built on open land to the south-west of Colchester, the site was laid out in a notably open arrangement, departing from earlier enclosed barrack designs. The complex ultimately comprised more than forty buildings, including soldiers’ quarters, stables, mess buildings, forges, stores and a riding school, all supported by its own water supply and enclosed by a substantial boundary wall along what is now Butt Road. Over time, the barracks became an enduring part of Colchester’s military landscape, closely associated with cavalry regiments and the daily rhythms of service life for both soldiers and horses. Many of the original structures remain today, valued for their architectural quality and their connection to over 160 years of military history. This redevelopment represents the next chapter in the site’s story, preserving the form and character of these historic buildings while adapting them for residential use, ensuring they continue to play a meaningful role in Colchester’s built heritage for generations to come.

Local area Set within one of England’s oldest recorded towns, the former Cavalry Barracks occupies a convenient position close to the heart of Colchester, offering easy access to everyday amenities, green open spaces and excellent transport connections. Colchester city centre is within easy reach and provides a broad mix of shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural attractions. Retail highlights include the established Fenwick department store, alongside independent boutiques and familiar high-street names within Culver Square and Red Lion Walk Shopping Centre. Cultural and leisure destinations such as Castle Park, Firstsite and the historic Colchester Castle further enrich the city’s appeal. The city’s dining and social scene is equally diverse, with well-known venues including the Three Wise Monkeys pub, the long-established China Chef and the historic George Hotel, all contributing to a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Day-to-day needs are well catered for with a range of supermarkets, healthcare facilities, gyms and leisure centres. Families benefit from a choice of primary and secondary schools, along with the University of Essex, offering further and higher education opportunities within easy reach. Green spaces including Abbey Fields and the riverside walks along the River Colne provide opportunities for walking, cycling and outdoor leisure, offering a peaceful contrast to city-centre living. Transport The development is well positioned for commuters and those who enjoy travelling further afield. Colchester North Station provides fast and frequent mainline services to London Liverpool Street, making it a popular choice for commuters. Colchester is also well connected by road, with the nearby A12 providing direct routes to Chelmsford, Ipswich and the wider Essex and Suffolk coastline. Local bus services run regularly through the town,linking residential areas with the town centre, stations and surrounding villages.

Agents note: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

As part of our commitment to meeting UK Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, Harris + Wood are required by law to confirm the identity of all purchasers before a sale can proceed.

To make this process as straightforward as possible, we work with an independent verification service, Clearcheck, who conduct these checks on our behalf. A small verification fee applies for each purchaser.

These checks must be fully completed and verified before we are able to progress with your purchase.

Agents Note: Please be advised that the internal photos are of the show home (plot 55).