Runsell LaneDanbury, Chelmsford, CM3 4NZ

One of the area’s hidden gems and available for the first time since 1980, when Savills sold the house to the current owners.

Offering incredible privacy, the grounds border hundreds of acres of National Trust, and private woodland - the latter owned by the property. Beyond the immediate grounds is a single block of land extending to about 5.8 acres which may work for equestrian use and has access from within the grounds, or from the adjacent road – Hopping Jacks Lane.

The house is orientated so that the principal reception rooms and bedrooms overlook the grounds with a southerly aspect. Adjacent to the house is the garaging and a range of useful outbuildings.

A fine hall runs across the front of the house and includes a cloakroom and WC. Across the back of the house are four reception rooms, all with panoramic views of the grounds. Notable rooms include a bespoke fitted study and a spacious sitting room, light-filled and with access onto the terrace. The west wing has an open-plan kitchen/ breakfast and day room. The kitchen is fitted with light-toned Shaker-style units with contrasting worktops and incorporates some built-in appliances and a useful walk-in pantry. Adjacent is a large utility room with two external doors.

The first floor is approached over a fine staircase to a galleried landing. There are five bedrooms, four are at the rear overlooking the gardens and woodland. The principal bedroom has a good range of fitted wardrobes and an en suite bath/shower room. The remaining bedrooms are served by a bathroom, a shower room and a cloakroom.

Outside
Oak electric gates open into a broad gravel drive which provides extensive parking and in turn leads to the detached double garage. Behind the garage, integrated within the building is a gardener’s WC and steps to a loft/games room over the garage.

Beyond are useful barns for machinery storage and gardening equipment, and an in-ground water storage facility for irrigation within the grounds.

Immediately behind the house is a deep flagstone terrace. The lawns gently slope away from the house to a rose garden with box hedging creating colourful 'rooms'. Beyond, a former lawn tennis court provides a flat lower tier, ideal for outdoor games. Beyond is an inground pool with paved surround and an adjacent pool house. To the east is a block of privately owned deciduous woodland extending to about 3 acres. Further on is a grassed field of about 5.8 acres, which could offer the potential for equestrian use.

Tucked away, but close to the house is a one-bedroom cottage with B-folding doors, providing far-reaching views of the gardens.

In all about 11.5 acres.

Services
Mains water, gas central heating, private drainage (modern system).

Local authority
Chelmsford City Council. Council tax band = H (with improvement indicator).

View payable Stamp Duty for this property