Scarletts is four bedroom detached house set in approximately 1.6 acres of beautiful natural landscaped gardens. The rarity and desirability of this property is highlighted with this idyllic location in Layer de la Haye that offers mature woodlands and parkland style lawns that leads down to the banks and the serenity of the Roman River.
There is evidence that an earlier farming dwelling once stood here but now, the property, including garaging, which extends to approximately 3900 sq. ft. is perfectly positioned to enjoy this land and exceptional views from each aspect. The property has been developed with split levels that emulate the rolling countryside it sits within and offers superb living that can make you feel that you are in the middle of nowhere whilst in reality being very close to town and within reach of main roads and the train station. Within walking distance of the friendly village, with its school, pubs and local activities – and just a short drive from Abberton Reservoir, Mersea Island and Colchester – the house is in an exceptionally convenient location.

The entrance to the property is hidden from the entrance driveway and garaging to the side of a row of attractive borders. Once passed the threshold of the front driveway, the vistas surrounding this beautiful property open into the garden and long into the distance where you can see over to the ancient woodland and Roman River. Upon entry into the house bespoke cabinetry allows you to decant coats and shoes and keep the entrance vestibule tidy. Stairs to the right ascend to the first floor and an inner lobby that offer versatile use for a library or office leads to the garden room and living room. Views from each room take in different aspects of the extraordinary cultivated gardens. Leading left from the front entrance there is a downstairs WC and shower room and further on, the cavernous Kitchen / Dining room. French doors lead out onto the sun terrace overlooking formal lawns. Although currently used as a dining room, there is a wood burning stove that can easily see this space used as a further family area. The rear of the kitchen leads into split level accommodation with a handy larder and separate raised utility area with a further set of steps leading up to the home office/ gym.
The first floor accommodation comprises of four double bedrooms and family bathroom with the principle suite offering a en-suite and balcony with views over to the south east and south west.

Arriving through the pillared gate entrance, the sweeping block paved driveway leads to the triple garage where there is room to park numerous vehicles. The outbuilding block with attractive bell tower feature is split into a double garage with stairs leading to useful eaves storage and single garage / workshop with power and light connected.
The lush parkland style gardens wrap around the house and descend gently down to the Roman River below. The design of the gardens immediately surrounding the house have created areas for entertaining with two terraces, one a paved sun terrace which is situated to the rear overlooking the formal lawns and a circular flagstone and decked seating area surrounded by shrubs to the south which take in both morning and evening sun. There is also an enclosed area next to the property currently used as a children’s play area. The northern gardens sheltered behind the garage block gives easy access from the house to the expansive kitchen gardens bordered by an exquisite colourful flowering wisteria. Within the land there is a diverse range of sub-gardens with bold and bright flowering walkways, exquisite formal lawns, woodland walk with woodcutting outbuildings and shed. There is a levelled garden, believed to have once been a grass tennis court which is now laid out as a picnic and camping site complete with camp fire with pleached hawthorn borders. With wilderness areas a plenty the land finally culminates at the banks of the sleepy river where a decked jetty has been positioned to enjoy the serenity of the landscape.
This truly magnificent garden continually transforms throughout the seasons to be enjoyed all year round.

WHATS NEARBY
The popular village of Layer de La Haye has its own primary school, two public houses and a local village store which provides shopping for your everyday needs. There is also an excellent farm shop selling local produce and home reared meat. Within walking distance is Abberton Reservoir and visitor centre, perfect for a family afternoon stroll to discover an abundance of wildlife, particularly the large variety of butterflies, birds and wildfowl. Very popular with birdwatchers and photographers. The surrounding countryside is also very popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. There are many excellent hacking routes around the village.

WITHIN EASY REACH
Layer de La Haye is just outside the Roman town of Colchester which offers a wide range of shopping, recreational and educational facilities as well as a mainline railway station with links to London Liverpool Street with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes. For health and leisure activities the house is 5 minutes to the heath spa and fitness centre at Bannatynes Kingsford Park, very popular with local families and, for more extensive facilities Fivelakes/Crowne Plaza Country Club and Golf Course is only a 10 minute drive.

TENURE - Freehold
COUNCIL TAX - G
LOCAL AUTHORITY - Colchester

SERVICES
Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage