St. Johns GreenChelmsford, Essex, CM1 3DZ

The house is a timber framed and plastered house of 16th century origin, built on an L-shaped plan and with a gabled wing at one end. It is Grade II listed and a quote from the listing states 'Altered in the C18. 2 storeys. 3 window range, double-hung sashes with glazing bars. A C20 three-panel double door has an architrave and cornice hoof on brackets. Roof tiled. All the listed buildings in St John's Green form a group.'

Whitebears has been in the same hands since 2004 and during their first few years in residence the owners undertook a substantial extension to the property. The building now extends to some 3,095 square feet and the proportions of the rooms throughout the house are impressive, with an abundance of deep sash windows, a wealth of original features and additional detailing all coming together to create an elegant yet comfortable and inviting family home.

The substantial reception hall runs the depth of the house and has parquet flooring and an easy-rise staircase leading up to the first floor landing. The two principal reception rooms, the dining room and the drawing room all open off the hall and enjoy east/west dual aspects and the benefit of impressive open fireplaces. A study across the hall commands a lovely view of the front garden and would make a superb snug.

The kitchen/breakfast room lies behind the hall and gives on to the garden. It has an Amtico floor, a wide range of hand painted units with granite work surfaces, a range cooker and integral appliances and also has plenty of space to accommodate a large table and chairs. Towards the back of the hall there is a cloakroom and a door leading out into the garden.

The first floor rooms are arranged around a split-level landing and consist of five principal bedrooms facing east and west, with views over the grounds and village Green, a large family bathroom with freestanding bath and two additional shower rooms. A second staircase leads up to the second floor and a charming attic room that could be used as a playroom or office.

The house is set behind St John's Green and is positioned towards the front of its plot behind a mature beech hedge and attractive white railings. A gravel sweep provides parking in front of the garage and box hedging lines the pathway leading to the front door. A large paved terrace hugs the back of the house and leads onto the formal lawns, which are flanked by beautifully tended herbaceous borders, mature hedging and an old high red brick wall with, in the far corner, a 'secret' folly set behind a magnificent apple tree. There are also two useful garden stores and an outbuilding currently used as a small gym.

Services: Mains gas, electricity, water and drainage.

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