5 bedroom detached house for sale

High Elms is an extended stylish and modern family home that over the last 12 years has undergone a further extension, reconfiguration, modernisation and updating to a very high standard and in keeping with the needs and wants of today’s family lifestyle. Although this ideally is a large family home, with the flow and layout it is also perfect for any couple who simply want the privacy and space and would like to have accommodation to cater for visiting and entertaining friends and family.

We believe the original house was built in the 1930s, originally as a small thatched cottage. Photographs shows many tall elms nearby from which the property took its name. The transformation to today’s home is incredible and unrecognisable.

Situated equidistant from Colchester and Chelmsford, this deceptively spacious family home and, is hidden away from the quiet country lane, with a range of trees and high hedging. Offering a high degree of privacy and solitude, in a peaceful, semi-rural and convenient location. Great Totham is a much sought after village, less than five miles to mainline station at Witham with approximately 45-50 minutes commute direct into London Liverpool Street

A five/six bedroom stylish extended detached family home. Four reception rooms, four bathrooms, 35’ x 25’ bespoke kitchen/diner/sitting area opening up onto the south facing garden. Double garage and off street parking for several vehicles. The gardens are approaching four acres, the majority on three sides of the house. The views to the front and rear are across open fields and farmland. Overall total accommodation is approximately 4681 sq ft. There are few neighbouring properties, those there are, are set back and hidden from view.

Lapsed Planning for recreation, leisure and study accommodation (includes internal pool) - 13/00838/HOUSE

There is lapsed planning, 2013, through Maldon District Council, to replace the existing double garage with a recreation, leisure and study accommodation (games room, hobby room, home office) plus adding an internal pool to the right hand side of the main house. We believe that if this was resubmitted then there should be no reason that it wouldn’t be approved again (details available on request)

ACCOMMODATION - Internal accommodation is just under 4,000 sq. ft.

INTERNALLY

Ground Floor

There are two front entrances to the home. Left hand side takes you straight into the kitchen/dining area, typically for everyday use and, the main entrance, on the right hand side. The moment you come into the home via either entrance you immediately sense the quality finish, space and light filled rooms. It feels homely and welcoming and you could simply ‘move straight in’.

The main entrance takes you into a spacious hall, with doors to the back right into the dining room. Should you not have the need for a formal dining room, as there is considerable space in the kitchen, the this would serve well for a variety of uses including - home office/study, TV room or playroom

To the bottom of the main hall is the elegant panelled lounge with feature stone fireplace and double doors onto the rear patio.

Back to the entrance hall, double doors lead to the 35’ x 25’ bespoke kitchen/diner/sitting area. A bespoke handmade kitchen, with contrasting light Corian work surfaces and fitted integrated Miele appliances. This area is the hub of the house - cook, eat, relax and entertain. With space for a large table and with a generous seating area to the back, with bi-folding doors opening up onto the rear garden. In the summer, great to bring the outside in and perfect when hosting a summer barbeque.

Off the seating area is the snug or playroom but could be used for multiple other purposes.

The utility leads to the downstairs shower room and into the large converted double garage that is now office/studio. With close proximity to the shower room, if there is a need for a downstairs bedroom or combined bedroom / living area, for an elderly or disabled friend or family member, then this space is perfectly suited to this. It also benefits from double doors onto the rear patio and garden.

First Floor

Five bedrooms, four of which are double, four that look out onto the rear garden. Shower room and a family bathroom. The jewel on the first floor is the large principle suite.

To the far end of the landing is this spacious and bright bedroom suite with walk-in wardrobe, three piece en-suite and large sturdy balcony with glass balustrades, a delightful and relaxing view overlooking the rear garden and open fields beyond. Perfect for that romantic or relaxing night cap or evening meal or simply to watch the sun set or rise.

EXTERNALLY

Approached via a secure electric gate, with fencing, bordered by high trees, shrubs and hedges you get a mere glimpse of the house until you reach the driveway. The driveway provides off street parking for multiple vehicles and includes a good size detached double garage.

The majority of the land is to the rear and sides of the home. The gardens are split into three distinctive parts.

Immediately to the rear and left of the house are the formal gardens with large patio and landscaped path with attractive topiary and remaining mainly laid to lawn. The left had side originally was used, with a selection of greenhouses and raised beds, very successfully to grow a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, so could easily be reinstated.

To the far bottom of the garden is a small part fenced ‘paddock’ that would be perfect for chickens, ducks or geese, with removal of some of the trees possibly an ideal spot for a tennis court or outdoor pool, subject to planning.

Finally to the right of the house is a large area that did had an abundance of conifers and fir trees, when grown for commercial use. There still remains a good stock of trees that not only attract wildlife, and the annual Christmas tree, but provide cover and privacy from the field beyond.
This area has a separate entrance from the main lane and would, with approved planning, be an ideal area for ancillary accommodation – e.g. either a pre-built or bespoke annexe, or additional garaging or as on the lapsed planning an indoor pool complex.

WHAT'S NEARBY

This home is a short walk to the village shop and The Bull restaurant and public house. You can also walk to the nearby Forrester Park Golf and Country Club with its 18-hole golf course with tennis courts, plus food & drink in the clubhouse.

Great Totham is a respectable Essex Village, south of the City of Colchester set between the village of Tiptree and the historic waterside town of Maldon. With two public houses, a village shop and post office, primary school, village hall and village cricket green. There is a real friendly village community, mixture of families, older and young couples and, activities for all age groups.

There is also three local farm shops all offering a range of local and fresh products, including sea food at the nearby Great Braxted Farm Shop

There are countryside walks, dog walks and cycle rides on your doorstep

For weekly shopping Tiptree or Maldon have a good selection of boutique shops and supermarkets, both within 4 miles. Maldon having the widest selection including Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Asda and Marks and Spencer 'Simply Food' Tiptree and Maldon both offer a variety of public houses, eateries and take-away facilities, doctors and dentists.

The nearest railway stations are Witham or Kelvedon which have a fast and frequent service to London Liverpool Street. Witham being the primary choice, approximately 15 minute drive to the station, then 45 minutes to London Liverpool Street. Access to the A12 North and South is a 10 minute drive.

For health and leisure and golfing the clubs and courses at nearby Foresters Park, Braxted Park, Benton Hall and the Five Lakes Country Club. Benton Hall, a 10 minute drive has a superb mix of golf and leisure facilities (including indoor pool) and in house restaurant.

WITHIN EASY REACH

Less than a 10 minute drive to the charming village of Goldhanger on the Blackwater Estuary, where you can safely swim and pick samphire on the shore line or simply goes for a walk down the back of the church and on to the sea wall.

Nearby Heybridge Basin is a haven for sailing and boat lovers and those who like a picturesque canal walk, while the market town of Maldon is also within easy reach with plenty to do for the maritime enthusiast. The district is also rich in wildlife and has many natural attractions including Salt Water Marsh

Maldon also has its promenade park and historic quay and the enjoyable sea wall walks at nearby Heybridge Basin and Goldhanger.

The historical City of Colchester is a 20 minute drive north and provides a wider range of boutique shops and larger national stores, plus a wider range of amenities and services.

Equally, the City of Chelmsford, which is south of the village and 25 minute drive does offer comparable services and shopping as Colchester.
For true sailing enthusiasts nearby Tollesbury and Mersea Island provide a variety of facilities and moorings.

The A12 North and South are a 10 minute drive
The M25, via the A12, is to the south west with a journey time by road of approximately 40 minutes

SCHOOLS

Great Totham is well known for its highly regarded local primary school, which maintains a very high standard of education.

Maldon, Witham or Tiptree offer a choice of secondary schools

Private schooling at Maldon Court Prep School in Maldon or Holmwood House in Stanway Colchester, approximately 10 and 20 minute drive respectively. Private and prep education at Felsted School is just 35 minutes away.

Great Totham does fall into the catchment for both Chelmsford Grammar Schools - KEGS and County High School for Girls, with local pickup bus services.

There are also school buses to Colchester Royal Grammar School and the Girls High School.

The Independent school at New Hall, Boreham is only a 15 minute journey by car.

INFORMATION

TENURE - Freehold
COUNCIL TAX - G
LOCAL AUTHORITY - Maldon District Council

SERVICES
Mains electricity, water and drainage, oil fired central heating

Disclaimer

Chewton Rose Estate Agents is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.