House For Sale £1,295,000
Cresswells is a substantial listed property, believed to date from the early 15th century, enjoying an elevated position on this quiet street, within this popular and well served North Essex village. The property offers unrivalled versatility in terms of accommodation, with two separate detached single storey dwellings and a variety of other substantial outbuildings. In addition, there is extensive meadow land, woodland and two impressive lakes, which essentially form a mini estate.
The principal dwelling is steeped in history, and displays fine period detailing throughout, to include, ovlo mullion windows, vaulted ceilings, a king post, and two important wall paintings, which are believed to date from between 1620 and 1640, one of which is an image of the escape from the burning city of Troy, and the other believed to be an illustration from characters in Shakespeare's play King John Act 5, scene 7. Whilst the house would potentially benefit from some updating, it is a spacious and comfortable home, and with the added benefit of the other dwellings, is a truly unique opportunity.
There is an imposing oak front door which accesses the sitting room, however the owners tend to access from the rear, to an inviting reception hall which has oak stairs rising to the first floor. The sitting room is delightful, with an impressive arch topped fireplace, and a wood burner on a tiled hearth. There are heavy moulded oak beams to the ceilings and attractive oak panelling to the walls. An oak door leads to the family room, which has an open fire, views to the front garden, moulded beams to the ceiling, a large cupboard, and a door to an adjacent wet room with shower enclosure.
A lobby with a feature arch leads to the dining room, situated in the oldest part of the house, which has views to the front garden, an impressive inglenook fireplace, moulded beams and oak panelling. The kitchen/breakfast room is situated to the rear of the property, in what is believed to be the old dairy, it has a part vaulted ceiling with two large cross beams, and a dual aspect overlooking the garden. There is a tiled recess which could readily house a range cooker, a larder cupboard and a stable door to the rear garden. A feature arch leads to a utility area, which has units with wooden worktops and a Belfast sink, beyond here is a pantry cupboard and a laundry room which has plumbing for a washing machine.
The first floor is equally charming, and has a galleried landing with a dual aspect giving views over the grounds, exposed beams and a chimney breast. The principal bedroom has views to the front, a detailed stone fireplace with arch lintel, ovlo mullion windows, bracing and beams to the wall and ceiling, and there is an oak door to a large walk-in cupboard. The second bedroom has ovlo mullions, bracing and beams to the walls and ceilings, and views to the front. The third bedroom, is situated in the original 15th century portion of the house, and has a vaulted ceiling with a king post, a stone fireplace, views to the front, and the two aforementioned wall paintings. There is a bath/shower room with a white suite, shower cubicle and doors to a large linen cupboard. A further cloakroom can be accessed from the landing.
The two further dwellings on site are situated to the rear of the property, and are both detached, and arranged in a courtyard style. The annexe is attached to a large home office/studio, which has brick and flint elevations under a tiled roof. It has oak effect flooring, a range of floor and wall mounted kitchen units, an electric hob, and a sink. In the corner is a door to a cloakroom with a white suite.
The Annexe:
This was converted from a former agricultural building, and provides spacious and characterful accommodation, with attractive features to include exposed oak frame work. It comprises a reception hall, kitchen, sitting room with a wood burner and doors to the garden, two generous double bedrooms and a bathroom. It has its own private garden which backs onto the woodland owned by the property.
The Bungalow:
Once more this is an attractive building with brick and flint elevations under a tiled roof, and it has an ornate circular chimney stack. The sitting room is particularly impressive with French doors overlooking the garden and meadow, a large red brick fireplace with oak lintel, a wood burner, and oak panelling to the walls. A feature arch opens to the kitchen/breakfast room which has floor and wall mounted units, an extractor hood, stainless steel sink, views and a stable door to the garden. There is a spacious double bedroom with a dual aspect, which has a wardrobe and linen cupboard, and an en-suite bathroom with a matching suite and separate shower cubicle.
The garden is delightful and has a westerly aspect with views over the grounds towards the lake. The boundary is defined by mature mixed hedging, there are large expanses of lawn, rose bushes, a terrace and decked area, and a garden storage shed.
There is a bespoke summerhouse, having weather boarded elevations under a tiled roof, with an attractive veranda supported on heavy oak posts, French doors open to an inviting area with handmade bookcases and cupboards beneath, and a row of pew style seats with cupboards underneath.
Cresswells is approached via a drive, which runs to the side of the property, where it terminates in a courtyard to the rear, adjacent to the bungalow, annexe, office and summerhouse. To the front of the house is a walled garden, designed with low maintenance in mind, which is accessed via a wrought iron gate, with a brick path to the front door. There are a variety of shrubs and trees which provide form and interest. The rear garden benefits from a westerly aspect, and has an attractive brick and flint wall to the side, and an arched top iron gate providing access. A herringbone brick path accesses the rear and kitchen door, either side of which are well stocked herbaceous borders. Beyond this are expanses of lawn, flanked by further beds with roses and perennials, a mix of trees to include walnut, oak and fir provide focal points.
There is a large bespoke detached workshop, which is equipped with power and light. Beyond the hardstanding a pair of five bar gates access the meadow and woodland, and there is a detached double garage. The grounds are truly impressive, and provide a haven of peace and tranquillity, not only for the owners, but for an abundance of wildlife as well. There are two large swathes of woodland, with attractive wide glades for walking, which were planted under the woodland grant scheme (this has now expired). There is a wonderful variety of trees which include oak, silver birch, field maple, sweet chestnut, ash, beech and hazel. A large meadow lies between the two swathes of woodland, which gently rolls down to the beautiful two-acre lake, which has an abundance of water lilies. Surrounding the lake are a variety of native species, which include crack willow. A further pond to the south westerly elevation drains into the lake when full and this provides another focal point.
The grounds are absolutely stunning and back onto open undulating fields, and they could be suitable for a variety of purposes, depending how a new owner wishes. It is extremely rare to find a property that is within walking distance of the village amenities, whilst offering such diverse space and privacy.
In all about 13.65 acres (sts).
Agents notes:
There is a public footpath that comes up the drive, then veers south and then west along the boundary.
The annexe has a separate electricity supply. The bungalow has a split supply from the house with a separate meter.
There are a number of cricket bat willows growing on the land which are harvested on a as and when ready basis by Wrights of Chappell, the owners receive payment for the harvested product.
The property benefits from a right of way from the Wethersfield Road which accesses the property on the northerly boundary.
Council tax bands as follows:
Main house – D
Annexe – A
Bungalow - B
reception hall 18' 0" x 5' 8" (5.50m x 1.75m)
sitting room 16' 9" x 12' 11" (5.13m x 3.95m)
family room 17' 0" x 10' 2" (5.20m x 3.10m)
wet room 7' 10" x 3' 5" (2.40m x 1.05m)
lobby 5' 8" x 3' 3" (1.75m x 1.00m)
dining room 19' 4" x 10' 5" (5.90m x 3.20m)
cloakroom
kitchen/breakfast room 20' 4" x 10' 5" (6.20m x 3.20m)
utility room 5' 8" x 4' 5" (1.75m x 1.35m)
laundry room 6' 2" x 4' 1" (1.90m x 1.25m)
pantry 4' 3" x 4' 1" (1.30m x 1.25m)
galleried landing 19' 0" x 9' 8" (5.80m x 2.95m)
principal bedroom 13' 9" x 12' 11" (4.20m x 3.95m)
bedroom 16' 10" x 10' 7" (5.15m x 3.25m)
bedroom 11' 5" x 10' 5" (3.50m x 3.20m)
bathroom
cloakroom
office 23' 9" x 12' 9" (7.25m x 3.90m)
workshop 24' 1" x 11' 7" (7.35m x 3.55m)
annexe
reception hall 22' 3" x 8' 8" (6.80m x 2.65m)
sitting room 17' 10" x 11' 9" (5.44m x 3.60m)
kitchen 14' 1" x 8' 6" (4.30m x 2.60m)
bedroom 18' 4" x 13' 9" (5.60m x 4.20m)
bedroom 14' 6" x 13' 9" (4.42m x 4.20m)
lobby 8' 2" x 3' 3" (2.50m x 1.00m)
detached bungalow
sitting room 19' 0" x 15' 8" (5.80m x 4.80m)
kitchen/breakfast room 17' 4" x 14' 3" (5.30m x 4.35m)
bedroom 17' 4" x 10' 11" (5.30m x 3.35m)
bath/shower room
summer house 15' 5" x 15' 1" (4.70m x 4.60m)
double garage
The principal dwelling is steeped in history, and displays fine period detailing throughout, to include, ovlo mullion windows, vaulted ceilings, a king post, and two important wall paintings, which are believed to date from between 1620 and 1640, one of which is an image of the escape from the burning city of Troy, and the other believed to be an illustration from characters in Shakespeare's play King John Act 5, scene 7. Whilst the house would potentially benefit from some updating, it is a spacious and comfortable home, and with the added benefit of the other dwellings, is a truly unique opportunity.
There is an imposing oak front door which accesses the sitting room, however the owners tend to access from the rear, to an inviting reception hall which has oak stairs rising to the first floor. The sitting room is delightful, with an impressive arch topped fireplace, and a wood burner on a tiled hearth. There are heavy moulded oak beams to the ceilings and attractive oak panelling to the walls. An oak door leads to the family room, which has an open fire, views to the front garden, moulded beams to the ceiling, a large cupboard, and a door to an adjacent wet room with shower enclosure.
A lobby with a feature arch leads to the dining room, situated in the oldest part of the house, which has views to the front garden, an impressive inglenook fireplace, moulded beams and oak panelling. The kitchen/breakfast room is situated to the rear of the property, in what is believed to be the old dairy, it has a part vaulted ceiling with two large cross beams, and a dual aspect overlooking the garden. There is a tiled recess which could readily house a range cooker, a larder cupboard and a stable door to the rear garden. A feature arch leads to a utility area, which has units with wooden worktops and a Belfast sink, beyond here is a pantry cupboard and a laundry room which has plumbing for a washing machine.
The first floor is equally charming, and has a galleried landing with a dual aspect giving views over the grounds, exposed beams and a chimney breast. The principal bedroom has views to the front, a detailed stone fireplace with arch lintel, ovlo mullion windows, bracing and beams to the wall and ceiling, and there is an oak door to a large walk-in cupboard. The second bedroom has ovlo mullions, bracing and beams to the walls and ceilings, and views to the front. The third bedroom, is situated in the original 15th century portion of the house, and has a vaulted ceiling with a king post, a stone fireplace, views to the front, and the two aforementioned wall paintings. There is a bath/shower room with a white suite, shower cubicle and doors to a large linen cupboard. A further cloakroom can be accessed from the landing.
The two further dwellings on site are situated to the rear of the property, and are both detached, and arranged in a courtyard style. The annexe is attached to a large home office/studio, which has brick and flint elevations under a tiled roof. It has oak effect flooring, a range of floor and wall mounted kitchen units, an electric hob, and a sink. In the corner is a door to a cloakroom with a white suite.
The Annexe:
This was converted from a former agricultural building, and provides spacious and characterful accommodation, with attractive features to include exposed oak frame work. It comprises a reception hall, kitchen, sitting room with a wood burner and doors to the garden, two generous double bedrooms and a bathroom. It has its own private garden which backs onto the woodland owned by the property.
The Bungalow:
Once more this is an attractive building with brick and flint elevations under a tiled roof, and it has an ornate circular chimney stack. The sitting room is particularly impressive with French doors overlooking the garden and meadow, a large red brick fireplace with oak lintel, a wood burner, and oak panelling to the walls. A feature arch opens to the kitchen/breakfast room which has floor and wall mounted units, an extractor hood, stainless steel sink, views and a stable door to the garden. There is a spacious double bedroom with a dual aspect, which has a wardrobe and linen cupboard, and an en-suite bathroom with a matching suite and separate shower cubicle.
The garden is delightful and has a westerly aspect with views over the grounds towards the lake. The boundary is defined by mature mixed hedging, there are large expanses of lawn, rose bushes, a terrace and decked area, and a garden storage shed.
There is a bespoke summerhouse, having weather boarded elevations under a tiled roof, with an attractive veranda supported on heavy oak posts, French doors open to an inviting area with handmade bookcases and cupboards beneath, and a row of pew style seats with cupboards underneath.
Cresswells is approached via a drive, which runs to the side of the property, where it terminates in a courtyard to the rear, adjacent to the bungalow, annexe, office and summerhouse. To the front of the house is a walled garden, designed with low maintenance in mind, which is accessed via a wrought iron gate, with a brick path to the front door. There are a variety of shrubs and trees which provide form and interest. The rear garden benefits from a westerly aspect, and has an attractive brick and flint wall to the side, and an arched top iron gate providing access. A herringbone brick path accesses the rear and kitchen door, either side of which are well stocked herbaceous borders. Beyond this are expanses of lawn, flanked by further beds with roses and perennials, a mix of trees to include walnut, oak and fir provide focal points.
There is a large bespoke detached workshop, which is equipped with power and light. Beyond the hardstanding a pair of five bar gates access the meadow and woodland, and there is a detached double garage. The grounds are truly impressive, and provide a haven of peace and tranquillity, not only for the owners, but for an abundance of wildlife as well. There are two large swathes of woodland, with attractive wide glades for walking, which were planted under the woodland grant scheme (this has now expired). There is a wonderful variety of trees which include oak, silver birch, field maple, sweet chestnut, ash, beech and hazel. A large meadow lies between the two swathes of woodland, which gently rolls down to the beautiful two-acre lake, which has an abundance of water lilies. Surrounding the lake are a variety of native species, which include crack willow. A further pond to the south westerly elevation drains into the lake when full and this provides another focal point.
The grounds are absolutely stunning and back onto open undulating fields, and they could be suitable for a variety of purposes, depending how a new owner wishes. It is extremely rare to find a property that is within walking distance of the village amenities, whilst offering such diverse space and privacy.
In all about 13.65 acres (sts).
Agents notes:
There is a public footpath that comes up the drive, then veers south and then west along the boundary.
The annexe has a separate electricity supply. The bungalow has a split supply from the house with a separate meter.
There are a number of cricket bat willows growing on the land which are harvested on a as and when ready basis by Wrights of Chappell, the owners receive payment for the harvested product.
The property benefits from a right of way from the Wethersfield Road which accesses the property on the northerly boundary.
Council tax bands as follows:
Main house – D
Annexe – A
Bungalow - B
reception hall 18' 0" x 5' 8" (5.50m x 1.75m)
sitting room 16' 9" x 12' 11" (5.13m x 3.95m)
family room 17' 0" x 10' 2" (5.20m x 3.10m)
wet room 7' 10" x 3' 5" (2.40m x 1.05m)
lobby 5' 8" x 3' 3" (1.75m x 1.00m)
dining room 19' 4" x 10' 5" (5.90m x 3.20m)
cloakroom
kitchen/breakfast room 20' 4" x 10' 5" (6.20m x 3.20m)
utility room 5' 8" x 4' 5" (1.75m x 1.35m)
laundry room 6' 2" x 4' 1" (1.90m x 1.25m)
pantry 4' 3" x 4' 1" (1.30m x 1.25m)
galleried landing 19' 0" x 9' 8" (5.80m x 2.95m)
principal bedroom 13' 9" x 12' 11" (4.20m x 3.95m)
bedroom 16' 10" x 10' 7" (5.15m x 3.25m)
bedroom 11' 5" x 10' 5" (3.50m x 3.20m)
bathroom
cloakroom
office 23' 9" x 12' 9" (7.25m x 3.90m)
workshop 24' 1" x 11' 7" (7.35m x 3.55m)
annexe
reception hall 22' 3" x 8' 8" (6.80m x 2.65m)
sitting room 17' 10" x 11' 9" (5.44m x 3.60m)
kitchen 14' 1" x 8' 6" (4.30m x 2.60m)
bedroom 18' 4" x 13' 9" (5.60m x 4.20m)
bedroom 14' 6" x 13' 9" (4.42m x 4.20m)
lobby 8' 2" x 3' 3" (2.50m x 1.00m)
detached bungalow
sitting room 19' 0" x 15' 8" (5.80m x 4.80m)
kitchen/breakfast room 17' 4" x 14' 3" (5.30m x 4.35m)
bedroom 17' 4" x 10' 11" (5.30m x 3.35m)
bath/shower room
summer house 15' 5" x 15' 1" (4.70m x 4.60m)
double garage
