Exceptional contemporary family home in a peaceful location.
An outstanding family home providing stylish and contemporary accommodation set in gardens of approximately 2.3 acres, occupying a peaceful setting within commutable distance of Chelmsford with far reaching countryside views.
Constructed to an exacting standard with a striking architectural design, this outstanding family home combines sustainable credentials with luxurious living. Lifetime Homes build standards, including external and internal low level entrance thresholds, wide door access and area for through floor lift. The home has been designed to minimise environmental impact while remaining virtually maintenance-free.
Arranged over three floors, the accommodation is both expansive and versatile, with four bedrooms and a variety of elegant, light-filled living spaces. The heart of the home is a remarkable open-plan reception room, vaulted and extending to approximately 118 sq m (1,270 sq ft). This impressive space features full-height windows, overhead skylights and light-toned marble flooring with zoned underfloor heating, creating a bright and welcoming environment ideal for both entertaining and everyday family life.
The bespoke kitchen is fitted with American black walnut cabinetry, a suite of premium appliances, and features a striking copper island with stainless steel work surfaces and copper extraction hood. Full-width glazed doors open to a porcelain tiled terrace, framing beautiful views across the gardens and grounds.
The principal suite and a second bedroom are located on the ground floor, each benefitting from en suite facilities. The principal suite also enjoys twin walk-in wardrobes. A stylish cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation. Two American white oak staircases rise independently to the upper level, where bedroom three enjoys an open-plan en suite, fitted wardrobes and a distinctive roof structure, alongside a home office/study offering a peaceful work-from-home environment.
The extensive lower ground floor offers superb open plan living and entertainment area with one further bedroom and an additional room currently being used for gym/fitness purposes, each with en suite facilities. There is also a well-equipped utility/laundry room. This level can be adapted for multigenerational living or as a self-contained space for teenagers or guests, providing excellent flexibility.
Outside
The property has been thoughtfully orientated to maximise its peaceful setting, with far-reaching views across the landscaped gardens incorporating a range of fruit trees, swimming pool and open countryside beyond. The grounds are further enhanced by expansive porcelain-tiled terraces which wrap around the property, incorporating a striking blue mosaic-tiled swimming pool (10m x 5m), complete with Paramount recessed safety cover. A garden room houses the pool equipment and provides additional storage.
Discreetly positioned off a quiet country lane, the house is approached via an electric sliding gate with intercom entry system, leading to a generous shingle driveway providing parking for multiple vehicles.
A substantial triple-bay garage with automated doors offers extensive ground floor space, with a staircase rising to a versatile first floor storage area, ideal for a variety of uses. The house is set within approximately 2 acres of formal gardens and a wildflower meadow.
Services
Mains water and electricity are connected to the property. A+++ rating Energy Efficient. Ground Source Heat Pump servicing underfloor heating and domestic hot water. Solar thermal panels servicing heating and domestic hot water. PV solar system. Receiving Feed-in Tariff payments for PV Solar panels. A rated Energy Efficient Log Burner. Bio-Pure sewage treatment unit and rain water harvesting system. Full fibre broadband.
Agent's note
Furniture, as well as gardening equipment, is available under separate negotiation.
Local authority
Chelmsford City Council. Council tax band = G (with improvement indicator).
View payable Stamp Duty for this property
The Retreat is a truly outstanding example of modern rural living - combining a bespoke architectural design, energy efficiency and luxurious interiors, all set within a remarkably private and peaceful position.
Karl ManningProperty agent