Location

Colne Engaine: 1.5 miles; Halstead: 3.9 miles; Kelvedon: 8.5 miles; Sudbury: 8.7 miles; Colchester: 10.6 miles; Chelmsford: 22.2 miles. All distances approximate.

The property is discreetly set back from its country lane setting via a sweeping carriage drive, situated within the charming hamlet of Countess Cross. Countess Cross House is orientated well within its grounds providing far-reaching easterly views and nearby access to a network of footpaths and bridleways, providing walks through scenic Essex countryside.

Despite its rural setting, the property benefits from proximity to Kelvedon train station, which is only 8.5 miles away. The station offers frequent and convenient train links to London Liverpool Street, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.

The semi-rural village of Colne Engaine is approx. 1.5 miles away and offers a range of amenities, including a post office/shop, a primary school, a church and a popular local pub.

For additional amenities, the nearby town of Halstead provides a wider selection, including three supermarkets and a variety of national and independent shops and education facilities.

For a broader range of recreational, shopping, and educational facilities, the historic city of Colchester is approximately 10 miles away. Known as the oldest recorded city in England, the city is also home to excellent schools. Notable independent preparatory schools in the area include Holmwood House and Littlegarth. Colchester also boasts St Mary's Senior School for Girls, Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls. Further independent schools include Felsted (18 miles), New Hall School (21 miles) and Orwell Park School (22 miles).

Description

Countess Cross House is an elegant family home with rendered elevations beneath a slate roof. The property benefits from notably high ceilings and large sash windows, which flood the rooms with natural light and offer views over the gardens, grounds and countryside beyond.

The house was sympathetically reconfigured in 2014 to create a delightful open-plan kitchen/dining/family room providing an ideal space for both family life and entertaining, with both north and south access to the landscaped gardens. In addition to a grand and welcoming reception hall, there are four further reception rooms.

The accommodation extends to approximately 5,248 sq ft (487.6 sq m), which includes a cellar and up to six bedrooms on the first floor, accessed via two independent staircases, offering flexibility and suited to multi-generational living.

The home has been well maintained, with period detailing and interiors thoughtfully updated in a natural colour palette.

The property is approached from the front via a lobby opening to a spacious reception hall with stairs rising to the first floor and access to the cellar. The principal reception rooms, including a sitting room and drawing room, which face south, feature beautiful bay windows with both rooms having original fireplaces.

To the middle section of the house, the expansive kitchen/dining/family room forms the heart of the home and has been thoughtfully designed and benefits from underfloor heating. This open-plan space features high-end kitchen fittings centred around a large island and AGA. Glazed elevations provide views and access directly onto the terrace and gardens. From the kitchen, there is a large, walk-in pantry with stone worktops, fitted cabinetry and space for appliances. There is also a comfortable snug which is located to the rear.

A rear hallway leads from the kitchen to the secondary staircase and utility areas. A large utility room connects through to the courtyard, outbuildings and garden. This side of the house can operate independently if desired, with its own external access and staircase to the first floor. A cloakroom and WC are also positioned conveniently off the hallway.

To the first floor, the principal bedroom suite is found at the far end of the landing and offers a dressing area and a dual aspect en suite bathroom. Four further bedrooms are arranged along the landing, with a family bathroom serving these rooms. A secondary landing with fitted wardrobes provides a further bathroom and bedroom.

A collection of outbuildings are arranged around a central courtyard to the rear of the house, including three individual stables, tack room, and office. A large barn, currently serving as storage, presents outstanding potential for a range of future uses, subject to the necessary consents. The plant room is located nearby, along with a timber-built store used for wood storage.

Adjoining the cart lodge is a self-contained annexe comprising a reception room with kitchenette, a double bedroom and an en suite bathroom. While functional, the annexe would benefit from updating and offers an excellent opportunity to create a guest suite.

Outside
Accessed via a sweeping carriage driveway encircling a central lawn, the outside features a modern three-bay cart lodge positioned to the side of the house. There are several sections of garden comprising a private courtyard which adjoins the kitchen. Its centre is a circular lawn surrounded by shingle borders and neat box hedging, planted with a variety of herbs and shrubs.

To the south of the house lie the formal gardens, where a wide paved terrace steps down onto a large lawn. This space provides well-stocked borders with a variety of flowers and mature shrubs. Beyond the formal garden lies a paddock, which includes a tennis court in need of refurbishment. A traditional five-bar gate opens onto a second, much larger paddock, which also has its own gated access to the road.

To the east, an attractive period stone wall separates the formal garden to an area used as a kitchen garden which comprises a practical area with an Alitex green house.

All in about 3.2 acres.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Private sewage treatment plant. Gigaclear broadband 180+MB.

Local Authority
Braintree District Council. Council Tax Band: H (with improvement indicator)