Dedham Vale Vineyard offers an opportunity to build a unique country residence on the edge of the Stour Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planning permission for an exceptional 9,000 sq ft home has been approved and implemented on the Dedham Vale Vineyard Estate, which has 38.49 acres of woodlands, lakes, meadows and productive vines. The property is a stunning former wine tasting and making premises, but now the setting for two beautifully presented single storey residences overlooking a picturesque lake.

Approached over a sweeping gravel and tree lined avenue, bordered by open fields and woodland, the site comprises of a range of existing buildings including barns and office, as well as the former winery which could also be utilised as garaging or further storage. Subject to the necessary consents, these outbuildings also offer further potential for development.

In addition, there are currently two beautifully presented single storey residences overlooking a picturesque lake. Willow Lake Cottage has holiday let use, comprising two bedrooms, two shower rooms and an open-plan kitchen/ family room overlooking the lake with stunning balcony decking area ideal for al fresco dining. Winemakers Cottage has residential use and comprises a bedroom, shower room and open plan kitchen/sitting room, again with outdoor balcony offering an impressive view. Both offer light and spacious accommodation throughout with spectacular views from all aspects. Whilst providing future income potential, they also allow for living on site should a buyer wish to complete the approved planning.

As well as the buildings noted above, the site allows a new owner the opportunity to create a truly unique country residence with the additional potential to run events, a hobby size winery or holiday let business alongside. Positioned in the most incredible setting amongst wild meadows, woods, lakes and vineyard, the property would truly be a dream home.

For further details on the planning permission please refer to the information within these particulars under the planning heading.

The Planning
Dedham Vale Vineyard is a 38 acre estate with consent for a significant, modern country house of approximately 9,000 sq ft. The consented house allows for a large double height principal reception room and entrance hall, with a large kitchen allowing for an open floorplan, each sited with westward views across lawns to the lake.

The accommodation is highly flexible with the principal bedroom, en suite and large dressing room on the ground floor, which includes lift access to both the upper floor and a spa pool on the lower ground floor. There are two further en suite bedrooms on the first floor, along with a study and large studio area which could be converted into two further bedrooms if desired.

In addition to the living accommodation, there is approval for a large workshop and 4 bay garage. A large lower ground floor, conceived as a wine store, could be put to alternative uses. The proposed house will benefit from a private elevated setting, which is quite separate from the single-storey dwellings and outbuildings. It is sheltered with a wooded backdrop and looks over attractive lakes with grass paddocks to vines beyond. The drive to the proposed house forks away from the main drive to the existing buildings ensuring further privacy.

Consent for this building was granted on appeal (ref: APP/A1530/W/15/3130567) for the erection of a vineyard estate managers house and ancillary accommodation, together with access road and ancillary facilities. A later amendment to planning (190614-1911210 see attached) allowed the inclusion of a lift and spa pool as described above. More recently the Council has approved the discharge of condition 5 of the permission, which was the only pre commencement condition and has therefore been lawfully implemented.

General
Local Authority: Colchester Council
Services: Mains water and electricity supplies. Property has private drainage as a septic tank, which the vendor has suggested does comply with the relevant regulations.
Council Tax: Winemakers Cottage - Band A.
Tenure: Freehold
EPC - C and E

With stunning views across open countryside, the land totals 38.49 acres and is an incredible mix of vines, numerous grass paddocks, woodlands and lakes. Having been established in 1990 the vines lie immediately to the north of the winery buildings and comprise a broad range of cold climate grape varieties. The vines are surrounded by large areas of attractive grass meadows that are interspersed by mature hedgerows, with broadleaf trees and enviable views over the remainder of the land. Running through the heart of the vineyard are lakes, surrounded by alder and willow trees and a tributary to the River Stour. A backdrop of broad leaf woodland to the north and south boundaries provides complete shelter and privacy.

The site for the new house is on the opposite side of the Lake to the current cottages and vines, giving it separation and privacy should you wish to continue a business on the site.

The Estate’s rural location on the edge of Boxted, on the Essex/Suffolk border is exceptionally positioned in an attractive and rural area known as ‘Constable Country’, where the 19th Century artist painted many of his celebrated landscapes. The property lies on the south side of the Stour Valley on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, approached via hedge-lined country lanes and surrounded by farmland interspersed by blocks of woodland. The property belies its peaceful tranquillity by being highly accessible. The historic regional centre of Colchester lies 5 miles away and provides a wide range of commercial and retail services. The town’s main line station lies on the North side, is particularly accessible from the vineyard, and has regular train services to London (Liverpool Street) taking approximately 45 minutes. Junction 30 of the A12 lies about 4 miles to the east and provides access to the M25 and motorway network beyond. Air travel is available from Stansted Airport (37 miles), Southend (44 miles) and London City Airport (60 miles).