5 bedroom house

It was clear from the plans that the Grade II Listed building, which was set in a conservation area, offered ample space for his family, including the option of creating an annexe.

"I had been a lover of barns for a considerable time and had been looking for just the right one," he admitted.
"This one seemed perfect and was in a great location for travelling to Colchester, Harwich and Ipswich, as well as to other parts of the country to which I needed to travel for work.
"It was also within easy reach of Manningtree Station, with its mainline trains to London."

HEART OF OAK

Thought to date back to the 16th century, The Barn has a fascinating history, Keith explained.
"The barn originally had a thatched roof and it is said the timbers used to construct it were from ships that limped back to Wivenhoe after the battle of Spanish Armada.
"Evidence of this can be seen from the candle burns on the face of some timbers and the diamond cuts, which reflect the construction of ships' windows dating back to that period."
The Barn was initially part of a working farm and would have been used as a grain store. Walls surrounding the garden are also Listed; one has an arch, where smaller animals, such as pigs, would once have entered.
Yellow bricks used to form the steps to the front entrance were unearthed within the area now used as the study or fourth bedroom.
"All replacement timbers had to be English oak, which meant work often had to be stopped while we waited for the right wood. The timber that forms the main support next to the entrance is said to be from a tree that fell during a storm on Elton John's property!"

CHARACTER HOME

The conversion was carried out in strict consultation with planners and conservationists.
"We created large windows to reflect the barn entrances that would once have been here and to ensure plenty of natural light came into the house," said Keith.
"We wanted it to retain that barn feel, with all the original beams showing, but at the same time keeping it bright, open and clear."
The character of the building is enhanced by the presence of solid oak floors throughout much of the property, as well as terracotta tiles in the kitchen. Flooring on the upper level is made from wood thought to be about 200 years old.
"The sitting room is very much the focal point of the whole house. This is an impressive space, which still feels very much like a barn. It has a high vaulted ceiling and is a gorgeous room."

TRULY RELAXING

As a whole, The Barn has been a superb family home, said Keith.
"The annexe has a separate bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and kitchen, and was initially used by my son - then later my daughter moved in. It has been ideal for anyone needing a little independence," he said.
"While the sitting room is used by all of us on most days, the dining room is really for special occasions and when the whole family is over for Sunday lunch, the rest of the time we eat in the kitchen breakfast room."
He added: "This place has been ideal for all of us. It was a secure home when the children were younger and now we have grandchildren they can also play inside and out quite safely.
"This is one of those places that you can return home to after a busy day, shut the gates and then just let the rest of the world go by."

BACK IN TIME

The Barn has been part of the history of Little Bromley and its farming community for centuries.
The village itself also goes back a long way. The name "Bromley" is Old English for "broomy wood or clearing."
St Mary the Virgin Church, at Little Bromley, is also considered to be a very historic building. Now redundant, it is designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* Listed building and is under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Its name dates from the early 12th century. In the 14th century the chancel was rebuilt. The lower stages of the tower date from the early 15th century.

ACCOMMODATION

GROUND FLOOR ACCOMMODATION

A glazed entrance with central door leads to an impressive open plan reception hall with attractive oak flooring which flows though out the main living accommodation. On one side of the hall is the dining room with exposed oak frame and double glazed windows overlooking the front courtyard and turning stair flight leading up to the master bedroom suite.
On the other side of the entrance is the main sitting room, a magnificent room with impressive vaulted ceiling showing off the impressive oak frame with double height double glazed window. The room also enjoys oak flooring and has a second stair flight leading up to bedrooms two and three.
Also leading off the entrance is a rear room which could be used as a reading room with large picture window overlooking the rear garden. An oak door leads through to the study, again a magnificently timbered room with dual aspect overlooking the gardens and there is also a cloakroom.
Wrapping round the barn is a kitchen/breakfast room an 'L' shaped room with wooden work surfaces with cupboard and drawer units under and range of wall mounted display cupboards. There is a part vaulted ceiling and a wealth of exposed timbers as well as exposed brick work and tiled floor. A striking feature of the room is the blue coloured Rayburn, whilst beyond this is a utility room with door leading out to the front courtyard.

FIRST FLOOR ACCOMMODATION

Two staircases access to the upper areas without the need to remove any of the original timbers. All works have been executed to preserve the existing structure and to ensure that the features are kept. Firstly from the dining room, stairs lead up to the master bedroom suite with split level staircase, one leading up to the bedroom itself with vaulted ceiling, exposed timbers with low window as well as a double glazed Velux roof window.
Steps lead on from this landing up to a dressing room with a range of built in wardrobes along one wall with door leading through to the bathroom, having a bath, basin and toilet. A second staircase leads up from the entrance hall and splits again, with one section leading up to the third bedroom with exposed timbers and double glazed window to rear. The stairs continue round the main landing where the second bedroom is found, again with a wealth of exposed timbers and double glazed window.
Finally there is shower room with shower area, wash hand basin and toilet.

ANNEXE ACCOMMODATION

At the side of the barn is a detached, single storey weather boarded building under a tiled roof forming a one bedroom annexe.
An entrance door leads into the main entrance hall with exposed timbers, vaulted ceiling and oak flooring.
There is a sitting room, again with oak flooring and exposed timbers with vaulted ceiling up to 14 foot high.
The end of the kitchen is exposed to the room providing a breakfast bar whilst the kitchen itself is fitted with roll top work surfaces with cupboard and drawer units under, with space for a cooker and fridge as well as having a sink and drainer.
At the other end of the annexe is the main bedroom, a double room again with 14 foot high vaulted ceiling and double glazed windows to front and rear.
Finally within the annexe is a bathroom with bath, wash hand basin, toilet and separate shower, again having exposed timber framing.

SETTING THE SCENE

The Barn is located off Shop Road in Little Bromley and has a shared shingle driveway leading down to its gated entrance. Proceeding through the gates is courtyard area with parking and leading onto the detached double garage - with eaves storage above and power and light connected. Adjoining the garaging is a store whilst at the other end of the building just beyond the annexe is a further storage area, also housing the oil tank. At the rear of this building is a private lawned garden, enclosed by fencing with mature tree with further lawns leading round to the rear of the barn. In the front courtyard is a split level extensive decked area providing a wonderful area for sun bathing or alfresco dining. The main garden is found at the side of the barn and is predominately enclosed by an old brick wall with decked area with the remainder of the garden laid to lawn. A gap in the wall provides access to a further garden, currently set out as grass. In total the grounds extend to approximately ¼ of an acre, subject to survey.





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