3 bedroom terraced house

An Exceptional Period Property Style Family House In A Partially Wooded Plot.

This unusual, detached family house, set in 1.5 acres of well-tended grounds and on the edge of the Roman River Valley Conservation Area, is also of some historical importance and interest. Built to modern standards in the mid-1930s by Vaughans, many of the period features, including exposed stud work and beams and the oak-framed leaded light windows, were reclaimed from three farmhouses demolished for the construction of the Abberton Reservoir.

The approach to the house and the detached double garage, which are well set back from the road, is a shingle drive bordered by azaleas and rhododendrons.

The distinctive porch was built using timbers from the South Ockendon smock windmill and leads to a spacious entrance hall which has a large stone fireplace, grand staircase to first floor, an open-plan study area and a toilet. To the left is the large, attractive and well-lit sitting room with windows on three aspects and a substantial brick fire place and log burner. A smaller room, furnished as a sitting room, leads from the other side of the hall and has a central chimney stack, currently fitted with gas fire. The room has close access to the kitchen, making it an ideal dining room.

The well-appointed kitchen, at the rear of the property, has fitted base and eye-level units with central island, inset sink and drainer, gas hob, double oven and microwave. Beyond the kitchen is the conservatory, sufficiently large to allow both dining and sitting space with a view to the walled terrace and swimming pool.

On the first floor, the attractive vaulted landing has a feature fireplace and a lovely view of the rear garden. Its ample size could provide space for another function such as a library. The principal bedroom is spacious with built-in wardrobes, dual aspect windows and, like its ensuite, has built-in, hand-painted fitted units by Smallbone of Devizes. The ensuite also has dual aspect windows, a separate panelled bath, shower cubicle, pedestal-style wash basin and toilet. The two other double bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and there is a family bathroom to the rear with bath, shower, wash basin and WC.

A generous-sized boarded and carpeted loft room can be accessed from the first floor.

The grounds offer something for everyone. At the front, well-established trees provide cover for spring daffodils, primroses, snowdrops and bluebells, which together with the present owner’s decision to allow the growth of wild flowers and grasses, makes an informal and attractive habitat for wildlife.

The garden to the rear of the property is more formal but offers plenty of scope for the enthusiastic gardener and conservationist. A substantial walled terrace and kidney-shaped swimming pool faces south-west and catches the sun from mid-day to evening. Beyond the terrace the manicured lawn is enclosed by borders of shrubs and flowering plants, including well-established roses. Towards the end of the garden there is a utility area. Mature trees provide another essential requirement for wildlife to flourish.

The Folly, towards the rear of the garden, must count as one of the property’s most unusual and visually attractive features. Although a storage unit at present, it could be converted to office space.

Nightingale Corner is not only fit for modern day living, it is also attractive, historic and unusual, maybe even unique. It boasts power and lighting in the garage, a log store and direct access to a boot room and toilet from the garden for those working or enjoying the peace and seclusion the property offers.

Location
The village of Layer-de-la-Haye lies approximately 4 miles to the south of Colchester. The village has a junior & infant school, a local village shop, community hall, doctors' surgery, tennis courts, and two pubs with restaurants, and the nearby Abberton reservoir with Essex wildlife centre on-site. The position gives easy access to Colchester's town centre with its wealth of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and both railway stations. There is also a country road to Stanway's Tollgate Retail Centre with its mix of national chain restaurants/coffee shops and retail shops. In a southerly direction, the island of Mersea is found which offers sailing and many other water sports. Shops and facilities also exist along with an excellent fish restaurant.

PORCH - 5'2'' x 4'2'' (1.6m x 1.3m)

ENTRANCE HALL - 20' x 14'2'' (6.1m x 4.3m)

DOWNSTAIRS WC - 4'10'' x 4' (1.5m x 1.2m)

OPEN PLAN STUDY - 13'8'' x 6'4'' (4.2m x 1.9m)

LOUNGE - 26'5'' x 16'3'' (8.1m x 5m)

CONSERVATORY - 15'3'' x 11'3'' (4.6m x 3.4m)

SITTING ROOM - 15'10'' x 13'4'' (4.8m x 4.1m)

KITCHEN - 15'8'' x 13'8'' (4.8m x 4.2m)

UTILITY/PLANT ROOM - 8'10'' x 8'3'' (2.7m x 2.5m)

LANDING - 20'7'' x 18' (6.3m x 5.5m)

READING ROOM - 6'6'' x 5' (2m x 1.5m)

BATHROOM - 14'11'' x 6'4'' (4.5m x 1.9m)

BEDROOM - 1 - 16'6'' x 16'2'' (5m x 4.9m)

ENSUITE - 15'10'' x 10' (4.8m x 3m)

BEDROOM - 2 - 15'8'' x 13'3'' (4.8m x 4m)

BEDROOM - 3 - 13'3'' x 12'5'' (4m x 3.8m)

LOFT ROOM - 8'11'' x 26'1'' (2.7m x 8m)

OUTSIDE

POOL - 23'9'' x 15'5'' (7.2m x 4.7m)

FOLLY - 11' x 12' (3.4m x 3.7m)

LOG STORE - 8'4'' x 21'2'' (2.5m x 6.5m)

GARAGE - 21'4'' x 19'5'' (6.5m x 5.9m)

Marketed by: Boydens, Colchester Superior Homes