- Highly appointed three bedroom cottage +
- Detached double garage with studio & planning for annexe conversion +
- Far-reaching views over farmland +
- Beautifully planted gardens on a plot of about 0.3 acres +
- Approx 5.5 miles from Chelmsford city +
- Surrounded by miles of footpaths and bridleways +
- EPC Rating = D +
A beautifully situated country cottage, in stunning gardens with countryside views.
Description
A hidden gem accessed from a small country lane/bridleway which serves a handful of houses. The cottage has been the subject of refurbishment and a two-storey extension, with the emphasis on the principal bedrooms, kitchen and living room overlooking open farmland and miles of open views. The gardens form a particular feature of the house, planted for all-year colour and interest.
A welcoming hall provides access to a cloakroom and adjacent coat cupboard; there is a lovely view into the sitting room and out over the farmland. To the front of the house is a sizeable study or snug, overlooking the front gardens, and there is access into the hall and kitchen. The kitchen/dining room, extending the depth of the house, is fitted with modern units with contrasting tops. Appliances include a double oven, a fridge and freezer and an integrated dishwasher. Separating the dining area is a peninsular work area which includes a hob.
A partial timber stud partition separates the sitting room, a light-filled room with skylights and floor to ceiling double-glazed bifold doors framing far-reaching views to the rear and into the gardens.
The first floor has three good-sized bedrooms. The principal bedroom occupies the western end of the house with dual-aspect windows over the gardens and farmland. There is a dressing area and an en suite shower room. Two further bedrooms are situated at the front of the house, one has an original fireplace and both have fitted wardrobes and are serviced by a large family bathroom.
Outside
The gardens are a particular feature of the house, designed and planted by the current owner to provide textures and colour all year. Pathways of lawn have been woven through established beds leading to a dell surrounded by mature trees. There are four steel and timber-edged raised beds in the vegetable garden. A vine-covered pergola separates a 'dry garden' from the principal lawns, also leads to a garden terrace with an adjacent double-glazed studio and a potting shed. At the rear the area is designed with gravel and pathways linking stocked beds and a mature hedgerow separating the farmland. A double garage occupies one corner of the plot and includes a studio over, and adjacent is a gravelled area for additional parking. Planning permission for conversion of double garage to an annexe has been granted – Chelmsford City Council ref 23/01224/FUL.
Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil-fired central heating.
Private drainage.
Agent's Note
Photos taken August 2023.
Location
Writtle village: 3 miles; A12: 5 miles; Chelmsford city: 5.5 miles (rail service to Liverpool Street). All distances approximate.
Millbanks is situated in a beautiful hamlet to the west of Chelmsford, enjoying a large, west-facing plot overlooking open countryside with far-reaching views.
Close by there is a popular country pub, the Fox and Goose, which also has an attached restaurant, The Bakehouse. In the neighbouring village of Roxwell there is a local shop and an infant/junior school, whilst Writtle village to the east has a wider range of traditional shops, good restaurants and pubs. Writtle is also home to Writtle College, one of the largest land-based university colleges in the U.K, offering a range of land-based, animal, sport and health courses. The city of Chelmsford, just over 5 miles away, has a bustling and cosmopolitan centre which includes Bond Street shopping mall, with a John Lewis and other high-end shops and restaurants. Chelmsford has a variety of schools for all ages, including two grammar schools.
Square Footage: 1,480 sq ft
Acreage: 0.33 Acres
Directions
What3Words: ///memo.spared.sudden
Additional Info
Local authority: Chelmsford City Council. Council tax band= E (with improvement indicator).