Characterful country home on the edge of the Blackwater Estuary.

Description

From a symmetrical front façade to dormer studded clay tiled cottage elevations, the house has a long and interesting architectural history.

Access is from the front of the house; however the main entrance is from the courtyard into a vestibule. The hall provides access to one of two staircases, a utility and cloak/shower room. The hall separates the family room from the kitchen; a light-filled room featuring deep windows with contrasting louvred shutters and French doors into the garden. At one end there is a fireplace with slate tile surround which contrasts with the oak timber floor. The AGA kitchen/breakfast room is located in the older part of the house, displaying some fine exposed timbers and exposed red brick, contrasting against the fitted Shaker-styles white units. Dual-aspect windows and door overlook the courtyard and garden terrace. To the front of the house is a dining and sitting room The dining room features a floor-to-ceiling red-brick open fireplace, and the deep front window provides a good deal of natural light. The contrasting sitting room is a lovely cosy space, with an open fireplace and dual aspect shuttered windows.

The first floor has an L shaped layout, providing up to five bedrooms accessed by two sets of stairs. The principal bedroom suite occupies the back wing of the house and has its own en suite bathroom. A family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.

Outside
The gated entrance opens into a large gravelled courtyard which wraps around a detached cart lodge. The cart lodge is timber framed with black weatherboard elevations under a clay tiled roof. There are two sets of double doors and an internal set of stairs to a first floor storage area. This area has the possibility of being a great work-from-home space and has far-reaching views over the adjacent farmland. The gardens have been planted with all-year colour and interest. A back sheltered terrace, ideal for outside dining in the summer months, is edged with fragrant plants and roses. Beyond, swathes of lawns are studded with mature trees and incorporate a children’s play area and vegetable garden. The gardens at the rear lie adjacent to open farmland and include a covered patio with open - or enclosed - sides, created for al fresco dining. Beyond, the gardens continue into a small copse, planted with a variety of deciduous trees.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil-fired heating and private drainage.

Location

Sailing on the River Blackwater: 7 miles; Kelvedon railway station: 8 miles; Colchester: 9 miles. All distances approximate.

The house lies in a lovely stretch of open countryside, within the small village of Virley, 7 miles southwest of Colchester and north of Maldon, on the Blackwater Estuary. The village lies just under 8 miles from Kelvedon, which has a mainline railway station into London Liverpool Street.

The surrounding villages also offer a range of primary and secondary schooling. Further afield in Colchester are renowned grammar schools.

For the golf enthusiast, the Five Lakes Golf Club is located in Tolleshunt D’Arcy and there are some beautiful coastal and river walks close by in Old Hall Marshes, whilst for sailing enthusiasts the Blackwater Estuary and West Mersea lie to the south and east respectively. Abberton Reservoir and the Nature Discovery Park are about 2.5 miles from the property, providing a haven for wild birds and numerous country footpaths.

Square Footage: 4,210 sq ft


Acreage: 0.85 Acres

Directions

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