Property Details: - Type: Country house - Bedrooms: 5 - Bathrooms: 3

Agent: Zoe Napier Collection - Essex and South Suffolk Phone: 01621 467922

<p><strong>A characterful five bedroom Grade II Listed country home set in an acre of grounds</strong></p><p><strong>What We Say</strong></p><p>This charming and unique spacious cottage offers a wonderful country lifestyle choice, set in a peaceful country lane with gorgeous grounds and space for all the family inside and out. For those requiring multi-generational living the large double garage could make the perfect annexe subject to planning permission.</p><p><strong>What The Owners Say</strong><strong> </strong></p><p>In the summer, the expansive and beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends. During the winter months, the cottage although spacious, takes on a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, with a fabulous separate dining room for family gatherings and a magnificent inglenook fireplace that creates a warm and inviting heart to our home.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>History & Background</strong></p><p>This substantial five-bedroom attached Grade II Listed country home dates in part from 1601 and is brimming with character, charm and history. A truly unique residence, it seamlessly combines period features with the space and comforts required for modern family living. The front of the property has strong curb appeal with its pretty period features.</p><p>In true country-house fashion, the property is accessed via the side/rear entrance, where practical spaces provide the perfect welcome for muddy boots, coats and outdoor pursuits. To the front, the pretty double-fronted façade presents the picture of a quintessential English country cottage.</p><p>Internally, the home is rich in character, with exposed beams and an abundance of original features throughout. Quirky architectural details sit comfortably alongside generous living spaces and luxurious touches, creating a home that is both distinctive and inviting.</p><p>The delightful grounds offer peace, tranquillity and a wonderful connection to nature, with open countryside on the doorstep and an equestrian centre neighbouring the property. Both outbuildings benefit from electricity and water and offer exciting potential for a variety of uses and may lend themselves to conversion into ancillary accommodation or annexes, subject to the necessary planning consents. A rare opportunity to acquire a historic country cottage of exceptional character in an idyllic semi-rural setting.</p><p><strong>Setting and Location</strong></p><p>Nestled along a charming country lane in the sought-after village of Little Totham, this property enjoys a delightful setting surrounded by farmland and open countryside. The village offers a peaceful semi-rural lifestyle with attractive countryside walks on the doorstep. The village pub, The Swan, serves as the social hub of the community. Nearby Tiptree and Maldon provide an excellent range of amenities including supermarkets, cafés, GP services and independent shops.</p><p>Local schools include Great Totham Primary School, St Nicholas CofE Primary Academy and there’s a number of primary schools in Maldon, including Maldon Court Preparatory School. For secondary education, both Plume Academy and Thurstable School Sports College are within easy reach.</p><p>For commuters, railway stations at Witham, Kelvedon and Hatfield Peverel provide regular services to London Liverpool Street station, making the area an attractive choice for those seeking country living with convenient access to the capital.</p><p><strong>GROUND FLOOR ACCOMODATION</strong></p><p>The original front entrance, currently not in regular use, is approached via an attractive porch with a pitched gable roof. As is often the case with country homes, the property is predominantly accessed through a practical side entrance which leads into a useful utility room. This versatile space provides ample room for an American-style fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and additional white goods. Featuring terracotta quarry tiled flooring, wooden work surfaces and extensive storage, it also serves perfectly as a boot room for country living.</p><p>The spacious farmhouse-style kitchen/breakfast room is full of charm and character, enjoying wonderful views over the beautifully maintained gardens. Shaker-style cabinetry, solid wooden work surfaces and terracotta tiled flooring combine to create a warm and inviting country kitchen. There is ample space for a large dining table and chairs, making it an ideal setting for family life and entertaining.</p><p>An AGA, which also provides the property's hot water, takes pride of place within the room, while a Rangemaster range cooker offers the convenience of a double oven. A bespoke handcrafted oak island with a striking resin inset forms an impressive focal point and provides additional workspace and informal seating. An open hatchway connects the kitchen to the formal dining room.</p><p>The downstairs cloakroom is partially panelled and features a striking bespoke handcrafted oak wash area with a copper sink. A useful vestibule leads through to the spacious lounge, which boasts exposed beams and an imposing red-brick inglenook fireplace with a wood-burning stove. Brick seating areas are positioned on either side of the fireplace, while a staircase with open stud beams rises from one side of the room. An inner hallway from the front entrance provides access to the formal dining room, which offers ample space for a large dining table. This elegant, beamed room benefits from a large storage cupboard and an attractive red-brick alcove, further enhancing its character and charm.</p><p><strong>FIRST FLOOR ACCOMODATION </strong></p><p>The landing features a beautiful exposed red-brick chimney breast and splits into two sections. One side lead along a corridor to three characterful double bedrooms, an airing cupboard, and a versatile seating, lounging, or reading area. The other side of the staircase leads to the principal bedroom, which enjoys stunning views over the gardens and incorporates spacious fitted wardrobes stretching the length of the room. This room benefits from a generously sized, partially tiled and panelled en-suite shower room, complete with a power shower and dormer window. Also accessed from this landing is the fifth double bedroom, along with the elegant family bathroom, which is partially tiled and features both a bath and a separate shower cubicle with a power shower.</p><p><strong>GROUNDS</strong></p><p>Accessed via a gated entrance, the property is approached along a sweeping paved driveway that curves to the side of the house and leads to a substantial double garage with power and water connected. Above the garage is an extensive office and storage area, offering exceptional versatility. For those seeking multi-generational living, this space could provide an ideal annexe, subject to the necessary planning permissions and consents. Set within approximately 1.03 acres of private, beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens are a true delight and joy of privacy. Expansive lawned areas are interspersed with a variety of specimen trees, creating beautiful parklike grounds.</p><p>A large pond forms a stunning focal point within the grounds, complemented by a square pagoda, which currently houses a hot tub (available by separate negotiation). The lawns wrap around the rear and side of the property, where a charming sunny seating area and breakfast terrace sit beneath a wooden pergola, providing the perfect space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. The property offers ample parking for numerous vehicles, including a generous turning area adjacent to the entrance gates.</p><p>A spacious timber-framed outbuilding with power and water connected provides an excellent workshop, studio, or storage facility. The building is beautifully adorned with a mature wisteria.</p><p>The front of the cottage is enclosed by a traditional brick wall with a wrought-iron pedestrian gate and space for cottage garden, creating an attractive first impression.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Agents Notes</strong></p><p>Our client has completed a Propertymark questionnaire/declaration for potential buyers to make an informed offer. Please request details from the sole selling agent.</p><p>Tax Band D</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Services</strong></p><p>Mains Electricy and Water</p><p>Oil Tank</p><p>The private drainage may not comply with current legislation. </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p> </p> EPC rating: Exempt. Tenure: Freehold,