Beautifully situated former water mill set in river fronting gardens.

Description

A substantial and versatile family home with four or five bedrooms over two floors, and a large attic space, five bath/shower rooms, three reception rooms, one on the first floor. The accommodation is spacious throughout, with an abundance of deep sash and casement windows providing lovely views both up and down the river; the river runs along the entire length of the garden. There remain some beautiful original features of the house which include fireplaces, exposed beams and an axle to the mill wheel.

The house is entered on the western side into a lobby/boot room, with access to the cloakroom. Alternatively, there is a front entrance from the lane. The kitchen enjoys morning and afternoon light and has fine views over the garden. Fitted with pine units topped with stone-faced surfaces, the room is open-plan to a breakfast area. Lying next to the kitchen is a dining room, a spacious room open to a reception area which contains an illuminated viewing gallery into the mill race; beyond is the staircase and a utility/boiler room. The drawing room includes a red-brick fireplace, part panelled walls and exposed timbers. There are fine views up and down the river.

First floor
A large, flexible landing incorporates a study area and features glazed double doors overlooking the gardens and river. To the west is a cosy sitting room with a fireplace, exposed timbers and views to the front and back. On the opposite side are two bedrooms (one used as a study) and a shower room. The principal room has a walk in cupboard and en suite bathroom.

Second floor
Again with a spacious landing used as a library and music room. There are three en suite bedrooms, each with a vista over the river and garden.

Attic floor
Approached via open-tread stairs to the lucam void, open and closed attic spaces providing a great deal of storage space.

Gardens
The property owns land opposite the house which also adjoins the river and provides a protected outlook. In spring there is a mass of daffodils and a flowering cherry tree, then apple blossom. In the summer climbing roses emerge.

The principal garden benefits from a partly covered sitting out area with two brick storage sheds to the side and views of the garden, house and river. The garden has been created over many years and provides all-year colour and interest. It fronts onto the river and herbaceous plants fill the long bed parallel to the water’s edge. There are climbing roses, clematis, cherry trees and white ribes. Hedges of Portuguese laurel, yew and euonymous divide the garden into sections. Laburnums provide colour in June, and there is a large copper beech tree. Weeping silver pear trees frame the path towards the pool house. There are spectacular white cherry trees, black bamboo, and a lovely silver birch near the river. A sunken garden contains fuchsias and hydrangeas.

About 0.5 acres

Pool house
The pool house is a substantial pine framed building containing an exercise/indoor pool, shower room, changing room and a large games room.

Parking and Garage
Adjacent to the house is a drive-in parking area for off-lane parking with access to the garage. The garage roof has solar panels.

Historical note
The house is listed of Architectural or Historical Interest Grade II, with distinct weatherboard elevations, relieved by ground floor red brick at the front with an upper level timber supported lucam (a structure which housed a hoist for winching up sacks clear of the mill) on the end elevation.

Although the house is no longer in use for milling - this ceased in about 1886 - the mill race passes through the centre of the building, under the floor and behind glass panels, providing the sound of running water in the hall and two principal reception rooms and a marvellous sight. Braxted (Bracteda) Mill is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086. There have been several buildings on the site since. The current one was erected in about 1750. Little Braxted Mill is mentioned in "The buildings of England, Essex" by James Bettley and Nikolaus Pevsner.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil-fired central heating. Please note under current legislation the private drainage system will need replacing with a compliant treatment plant and it will be the responsibility of the incoming purchaser to install this.

Agent's Note
Part of the drawing room is subject to a flying freehold from the adjoining property.

Location

A12: 0.6 miles, Witham: 1.6 miles (45 minutes to London Liverpool Street), Chelmsford: 11 miles, Colchester: 13 miles. All distances approximate.

Little Braxted Mill occupies a delightful situation on the River Blackwater. Little Braxted village is also known for its Grade I listed medieval church of St Nicholas, dating from the twelfth century. Little Braxted is surrounded by some beautiful countryside and is a haven for walkers and cyclists.

Square Footage: 3,655 sq ft