4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale

With the delights of Earls Colne, a quaint village in the picturesque countryside of the Colne Valley right on your doorstep, discover a character home that has been renovated, reloved and renewed, bringing traditional comfort in line with modern living.

Character and contemporary combine

Welcome to 'The Old Dairy' a charming Grade II listed building dating back around 500 years; a home that has been lovingly and sympathetically updated by its current owner.

Nestled directly off the main road, close to the church, The Old Dairy enjoys a prestigious position in the village, with all the amenities within close walking distance. Parking is available to the rear of the property via the drive on the right-hand side, which also leads to the large, double garage. The garage is spacious and is fitted with power, shelving and lighting, with power-controlled door.

OWNER QUOTE: "As soon as I entered the Old Dairy, I felt at home."

A home that has evolved over the years, at one point it featured a stabling house to the rear, before its latter tenure as a dairy. The Old Dairy is a warm and comfortable home with space to allow it to grow and provide for its owners as needs change.

A warm welcome

The front door leads you to the entrance hallway, where warmth and welcome await in the spacious family room. This is a bright and inviting space with original features including a brick fireplace to snuggle up in front of.

Deep pile, carpet comfortably cushions each step, whilst the incredible beams, exposed and restored, are etched in history, each one unique, adding a homely warmth. A wonderful space to relax and unwind with family and friends, whatever the weather outside.

Secondary glazing is a feature throughout the home.

Light filled living

Follow along the hallway past the stairs you will reach a door that opens into a light-filled porch, where cleverly fitted shelving provides storage, and is currently being used as a small library.

Freshen up in the downstairs WC on the right, with vanity unit storage beneath the wash basin. Also serving as a utility room, there is space and plumbing for both a washing machine and dryer or could alternatively be converted into a downstairs shower room if need be.

OWNER QUOTE: "I tend to visit all the rooms throughout the day and love the 'strollability' from room to room."

Versatile spaces

A wonderful home, with easy flow, there are ample opportunities to come together as a family or seek a moment's quiet repose. Across from the porch, discover the drawing room, a cosy yet spacious room filled with light and overlooking the comings and goings of the peaceful high street to the front, through traditionally paned windows.

A fantastic focal point, the enormous inglenook fireplace with its downlighting and solid oak bressummer beam, houses a traditional, gas, log-burning stove, issuing an abundance of warmth throughout the room. Read a book or listen to music whilst warming yourself in its toasty glow.

Entertain with ease

The drawing room, such a well-proportioned room, is cleverly zoned to serve as a dining room to one side.

Wine and dine family and friends, before gathering in front of the fire with a drink after dinner. Throughout the home, the warmth and antiquity of the exposed beams is perfectly balanced by the fresh, light décor, bringing character and contemporary light-filled living together in harmony.

Reconnecting with the hallway, The Old Dairy reveals its spacious flexibility once more in the snug, where there is an exposed brick chimney breast. The snug can serve as an office space or even an extended dining area, connecting seamlessly on into the bright, contemporary kitchen.

The heart of the home

Refurbished, the crisp white kitchen is the sociable hub of the home, offering instant access out to the garden for alfresco dining and barbecues in the summer months.

Light, warm, and modern, with a host of cupboards offering an abundance of storage. Under cupboard lighting adds an ambient glow, with a fitted wine chiller and built in wine racks adding to the sociability of the room.

There is an Everhot range oven (not included in the sale, but can be negotiated) which enhances the cosy atmosphere. There is also space for and American style fridge-freezer.

Nestled off the kitchen and peacefully tucked away from the main entertaining flow of the home is the office, which could also serve as a fourth, ground floor bedroom, with French doors opening out to the sheltered and secure courtyard garden.

And so to bed…

From the family room, stairs lead up to the landing, where directly ahead, Italian tiles gleam underfoot in the pristine shower room. White metro tiles harmonise with the traditional style fittings in the large shower, with wall mounted tap cascading its flow down into the vanity unit mounted wash basin.

Next door, sanctuary awaits in the sublime principal suite, where a large dressing room with views out over the village, furnished with fitted drawers, dressing table, wardrobes and eaves storage, leads to the main bedroom.

OWNER QUOTE: "The dressing room to the master bedroom is a luxury. I feel like I'm being spoiled every time I go in there."

Original beams peep through the bedroom walls, a warm reminder of the heritage of this home. Wake up rested before refreshing in the Heritage ensuite, where Italian tiles flow underfoot and to the walls, and relaxation awaits in the rolltop free standing bath. There is also a large, walk in shower, demisting mirrors above the double wash basin and storage cupboards.

Across the landing, bedroom three overlooks the rear garden. With ample space for a double bed, this room is characterful and cosy courtesy of its exposed beams and chimney breast.

Next door, bedroom two also features exposed beams, and is spacious and bright, with views out over the High Street to the front.

A home with warmth, comfort and character, it serves all generations, with ample space for children to play. A walk-in linen cupboard on the landing is shelved, providing plenty of storage space.

Outdoor oasis

Outside, the low maintenance garden serves as an extension of the soothing and sociable space within. Safe for children and pets, secure, six-foot high fencing provides privacy and seclusion for the sheltered, garden, where you can soak up the sunshine on the corner patio until late in the afternoon.

Another dining patio features outside the kitchen door, ideal for alfresco dining and sipping your favourite drink with family and friends throughout the summer months.

Raised beds are perfect for growing flowers and vegetables, whilst the large cherry tree, roses and lavender burst into bloom in spring and summer, filling the garden with fragrance.
The large garage is accessed via French doors, and also via a gate, to the electric up and over door vehicular access point.

A spacious garage with potential for conversion, it could be easily converted to create an additional room, perhaps a study, gym or a separate bedroom, if desired.

Out and about

Step outside and discover all that lies on the doorstep, within easy walking distance of The Old Dairy.
Nestled within the enchanting village of Earls Colne, named after the gently flowing River Colne upon which it stands, Earls Colne is steeped in history, which you can discover more about in the Earls Colne Heritage Museum.

Everything you need is within easy walking distance, including a doctors' surgery, Boots chemist, and an optician. Local shops include a Coop, grocery store with Post Office which is due to be re-opened in the coming months. There are also hairdressers, beauty salons and a grooming salon for pets.

With a number eateries on the doorstep, including a fish and chip shop, Riverside Spice (Indian Cuisine), three popular pubs and two Chinese takeaways, you can also call in for brunch at Table, voted best Essex coffee shop.

A myriad of footpaths, through open countryside and the local conservation area and farmland, lie waiting to be explored, with Chalkney Wood to the top end of the village and river walks around the Colne Valley Golf Course to the lower end. Essex Golf & Country Club, with health club and spa, is also down the hill, should you wish to perfect your swing or enjoy a leisurely afternoon of pampering.

Close by, pay a visit to the historic church of St Andrews, which also provides a great social amenity.

Ideal for families, The Old Dairy is perfectly positioned for the local primary school which is near the church. Well reputed secondary and grammar schools are within a short drive or bus ride. It is also ideal for commuting, being 15 minutes' drive to Kelvedon Station and Marks Tey Station, which can connect you to London within the hour. There is also a regular bus service along the High Street.

Warm, welcoming, and charismatic, The Old Dairy is a versatile home with so much to offer all generations.