Wicken Road, Arkesden

Property Details: - Type: House - Bedrooms: 5 - Bathrooms: 0

Agent: The Modern House - London Phone: 020 3641 7254

“A statuesque presence defines this home, sculpted with utmost care and precision”<br/><br/>This arresting home is set within the quintessential village of Arkesden in northwest<br/>Essex. Designed in the style of the ever-popular ‘upside-down’ house, the main living<br/>area is set on the upper floor, while the five bedrooms are intimately positioned on the<br/>floor below. Unfolding over some 3,449 sq ft, a refined material palette takes centre<br/>stage and is applied throughout. The strategic positioning of double-height and floor-to-<br/>ceiling windows enables clear lines of sight from one room to another and out toward<br/>the garden.<br/><br/>The Building<br/><br/>The house has been finished with a decidedly contemporary design; bold for its distinctly rural setting. Crisp, white-rendered cubic forms are offset by planes of vertical African hardwood timber cladding and broad expanses of glazing, creating a composition that feels both sculptural and remarkably understated. The warm timber softens its sharp geometry and allows it to settle naturally into the mature gardens, melding together modern architecture with a distinctly ecological sensibility.<br/><br/>The Tour<br/><br/>The front door opens to an entrance hall that connects the home and sets the tone for what unfolds beyond; a refined use of material and space places double-height volume over an oak, open-tread staircase, framed by a glass balustrade and broad rooflights. Oak floorboards extend seamlessly through to an open-plan kitchen-living-dining space to the left and an additional living room at the far end.<br/><br/>The living area is flanked by floor-to-ceiling glazing that provides access to an intimate terrace on one side and a garden on the other, making it particularly well suited to warmer months. A Smallbone kitchen sits at one end of the plan, centred by a generous island. A much deeper colour palette of rich walnut cabinetry and veined Brazilian marble is applied here, softened by abundant light. The space is well-appointed with Miele appliances, and a separate utility and pantry.<br/><br/>Underfloor heating runs throughout, and there is a useful WC just off the entrance hall.<br/><br/>The central staircase descends to a lower-ground-floor landing, from which are accessed five bedrooms, each with well-appointed en suites. In each room, a palette of neutral, calming tones decorates the surfaces, while the two larger bedrooms have access to a terrace.<br/><br/>In the principal bedroom, a dramatic wall of glazing creates a wonderfully bright space, and there is a designated dressing area. The en suite bathroom is finished with pale geometric tiling, simple white vanity units with a double sink, and a generous walk-in shower.<br/><br/>The front-facing bedrooms have views inward concealed by a low exterior wall, another thoughtful element of the design, while light is a central consideration throughout.<br/><br/>Elsewhere, spacious, versatile rooms are currently arranged on the upper and lower-ground floors as an office and additional living spaces.<br/><br/>Outdoor Space<br/><br/>The house sits within generous, carefully landscaped grounds that reinforce its secluded setting. A sweeping gravel driveway defines the approach, providing ample parking.<br/><br/>The gardens wrap around the home, with broad lawned areas and established planting. Large terraces extend directly from the principal living spaces, creating a natural continuation of the interiors and making full use of the peaceful, private setting.<br/><br/>The Area<br/><br/>Valentine's occupies a peaceful position on the edge of Arkesden, one of north-west Essex's most sought-after villages. Characterised by winding lanes, period cottages and open countryside, the village has a strong sense of community centred around the medieval church and the well-regarded Axe & Compasses pub. Footpaths extend into the surrounding landscape, offering excellent walking and cycling from the doorstep.<br/><br/>The historic market town of Saffron Walden, around five miles away, has an excellent selection of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as a twice-weekly market. Cultural highlights include Audley End House and Gardens, the Fry Art Gallery and the Bridge End Garden.<br/><br/>Families are well served by several highly regarded schools, including Saffron Walden County High School, Dame Bradbury's School and Joyce Frankland Academy.<br/><br/>Rail services from Audley End railway station reach London Liverpool Street in around an hour, while the M11 provides straightforward access to Cambridge, Stansted Airport and London.<br/><br/>Council Tax Band: G<br/><br/>