An elegant listed house in the heart of the city.

Description

Southborough House is a landmark family home providing six bedrooms and generous reception space, thoughtfully arranged for flexible family living and entertaining, in a prime central position.

Constructed in 1908 by renowned architect C.H.B. Quennell, for Francis Crittall, the metal window manufacturer, who was considered a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. The property was awarded Grade II listed status in 1984 and features rare instances of Crittall banding within the fittings and finishes. As a commissioned work, it was ahead of its time and the restoration and modernisation of this property has been sympathetically carried out to reveal stylish and elegant features. The dining room is of particular interest, incorporating Crittall's familiar metal work, wood panelling, wooden staircase with window seat on the landing and fine decorative plasterwork, all of which have been preserved.

The elegant accommodation is arranged over three floors, with planning permission to create a fourth floor incorporating basement accommodation and an extensive kitchen/family room. An oak panelled door with decorative scroll work and marble sills leads into the quarry tiled entrance porch with panelled walls which provides access to the reception hall serving the principal reception rooms and the Edwardian style cloakroom.

The sitting room is a beautifully decorated and a light-filled space with French doors to the rear giving access to the conservatory and music room. The dining room is a wonderful entertaining space positioned opposite the kitchen with oak panelled walls with Critall banding and glazed top panels. The walls and ceilings have superb mouldings with a beautiful ceiling rose, which are complemented by oak parquet flooring. The kitchen/breakfast room has a range of storage units and polished black granite worksurfaces, as well as a central island with breakfast bar, perfect for informal dining. There is space and plumbing for a range of kitchen appliances and doors lead out to the rear garden. Beyond the kitchen is a study/snug and an additional family room/bedroom.

An oak staircase ascends to the first floor landing which provides access to five bedrooms and a shower room. All of the bedrooms are of extremely generous proportions with bedrooms one and two benefitting from en suite facilities. Bedroom one has a staircase which leads to a dressing room with a range of fitted wardrobes and the impressive en suite facilities, with a large jacuzzi bathtub, WC, sinks and shower cubicle. The dressing room provides access to a further level where the current owners have created a children's playroom.

Outside
The property is approached from the front through a wrought iron gate opening to a driveway and a single garage. The drive is shared with 'The Lodge', a neighbouring property. Extending from the rear of the house is a Yorkstone terrace opening to lawn and lined with mature hedging and trees with a large brick barbecue and seating area. Beyond is a 'sunken garden', believed to be part of the original garden design.

Agent's note
In 2019 planning permission was obtained for a part single and part two storey rear extension and a basement level application number 19/01388/LBC. Further details available upon request and can be found on Chelmsford City Council planning website.

Services
All mains services are connected.

Location

Moulsham Street shops and restaurants: from 0.3 of a mile; Chelmsford city centre & railway station: 0.8 of a mile; A12 (Junction 15): 3.4 miles; Anglia Ruskin University: 1.3 miles.

The property is situated in a highly convenient city centre location on the corner of Southborough Road and New London Road, near to Moulsham Street known for its independent shops and restaurants. In addition the property is close to Oaklands Park and Museum.

The city provides an excellent choice of recreation and facilities and a wide range of shops including John Lewis and other notable brands in the Bond Street shopping precinct. The area also boasts Moulsham High School, offering an outstanding education (Ofsted 2020), and opposite the property is Chelmsford College and Dovedale Sports Centre.

The property is also close to three highly regarded prep schools, two outstanding grammar schools and the independent New Hall School situated on the northern fringes of the city.

Square Footage: 4,905 sq ft



Directions

Procced south from the city centre via New London Road where Southborough Road will be found as a turning on the left hand side.

Postcode: CM2 0AQ

Additional Info

Local Authority: Chelmsford City Council, Council Tax band = E.