4 bedroom detached house for sale

An attractive four-bedroom family home with glorious gardens and a swimming pool, located in a quiet country lane with countryside views.What We SayThis much-loved home has been the perfect family home for many years. The traditional gardens and terraces are a gardener’s dream, and the large courtyard and swimming pool is fabulous for family gatherings and outdoor entertaining. Situated down a pretty country lane with fabulous views and countryside walks this property delivers countryside living close to amenities.What the Owners SayAfter many wonderful years in our much-loved family home, it’s now time for another family to make their own memories here. The garden has been a true passion of ours, and for over 20 years we’ve proudly taken part in the Wickham Bishops open garden scheme. The heated swimming pool has brought endless joy to our children and grandchildren, providing countless happy days together. This has truly been the perfect family home.History & BackgroundThis attractive four-bedroom family home is situated down a pretty country lane on the edge of Wickham Bishops village. The current owners have resided in the property for over 40 years, even though this is a very spacious property there is massive potential to extend subject to planning permission. An elegant red brick property with an ornamental iron balustrade over the front wing and far-reaching stunning countryside views. A large sweeping frontage with shaped deep flowerbeds, space for plenty of parking and an attached double garage make for an impressive entrance. The house is double-glazed throughout, with high ceilings and cornices creating a light and airy feel.The gardens have been thoughtfully designed, with sweeping lawns that lead to a secluded Japanese garden, a vegetable patch and green house at the rear. The large, heated swimming pool is beautifully positioned within a sheltered walled courtyard, just a short stroll from the house — a perfect spot for both relaxation and family fun.With planning permission permitting there is huge potential to extend and refurbish allowing the incoming buyer to create a substantial family home with stunning gardens in a fabulous location.Setting & LocationThe property is nestled down a pretty country lane in the much sought after Wickham Bishops village. Situated in an enviable semi-rural position offering the combination of village and countryside life and is in a slightly elevated position with far reaching views over farmland and countryside to the front.Wickham Bishops is a village situated between Maldon and Witham and was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The name 'Wickham' means 'dwelling place with a dairy farm' while 'Bishops' reflects the fact that the land once belonged to the Bishop of London. The village combines village charm with good amenities, strong transport links and access to the countryside. 'The Street'—the main road through the village—features a large village hall and array of businesses. There is also a small library and a doctor’s surgeryFamilies are served by nearby schools, including Great Totham Primary School, with further options for schools in Maldon. For commuters, the nearest railway station is located at Witham, just a few miles away, offering direct services to London Liverpool Street, Chelmsford, and Colchester.There are plenty of wonderful country walks on your doorstep and close to Wickham Bishops are several places of interest: the historic town of Maldon, known for its quayside and Thames sailing barges; Beeleigh Abbey, a 12th-century monastery; and the River Blackwater, which provides scenic trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.Ground Floor AccommodationThe main entrance is approached via steps to a red brick pillared porch area, leading to a light and airy hallway with a handy hanging space for coats plus a downstairs cloakroom. The spacious dual aspect lounge is accessed via double doors and features an attractive ornamental fireplace with an electric fire. French doors lead to a good-sized conservatory with underfloor heating, a ceiling fan and a side door leading to the terrace, gardens and swimming pool beyond. A perfect breakfast room with views of the beautiful grounds. A separate dining room with countryside views to the front is ideal for traditional family dining and entertaining, with space for a large table and plenty of guests. This versatile room would also make a perfect playroom or separate sitting room.The characterful country-style kitchen breakfast room offers both charm and practicality, with ample storage provided by painted pine-panelled doors, elegant lattice glass-fronted cupboards, and attractive blue marble-effect Corian work surfaces that provide generous food preparation space. The room includes an integral dishwasher, fridge, a freestanding electric range oven, and plenty of space for a table and chairs — ideal for family meals.The wooden effect Amitco flooring, detailed with an elegant border, continues seamlessly into the adjoining utility room. Here, you’ll find space for white goods, a large fridge freezer, a useful butler sink, extensive work surfaces, and additional storage cupboards, all echoing the kitchen’s style. From the utility room, a back door opens directly onto the terrace, gardens, and swimming pool, perfectly connecting indoor and outdoor living.First Floor AccommodationAn elegant winding staircase with white wooden balustrade leads to a light filled galleried landing. The principal bedroom has far reaching countryside views to the front and a large tiled en-suite bathroom with bath and shower above. There are integral wardrobes and a vanity unit. The airing cupboard is accessed from this room and the main hallway. The three other bedrooms are all doubles and are serviced by the main bathroom, which is partially tiled and has attractive part wooden panelled walls, a large corner bath with a separate shower cubicle.GroundsTo the front of the property is a generous, curved resin bound driveway with parking for numerous cars. The mature flower beds, shrub borders and shaped lawn are an absolute delight, with an established Wysteria trailing around the front of the property. The spacious attached double garage has an automatic electric door, with potential for storage above and a useful gardeners w/c to the rear with separate access. The rear grounds can be accessed by a walkway and a wooden gate to the side of the property. The fabulous gardens are expansive and lead through to various lawned areas and pathways. The impressive walled courtyard area houses the large 19,000 gallon swimming pool, heated by a heat exchange pump. There is plenty of space for lounging and entertaining around the pool area. The heat exchange pump is situated in a pretty summer house close to the pool. A walkway leads to a terrace with a large seating area and a double doored wooden garden room. The various lawns are edged with curved winding mature borders, with various specimen plants. The garden is a joy with a plethora of trees including a rare Indian Beach Tree and Cut Beach Tree. The spring Camellias and Rhododendrons bring a multitude of colour to the garden, and the many Acers add definition in texture and colour. To the back of the grounds is a Japanese garden and with work and care it could be brought back to its former glory. Behind the Japanese garden is a former vegetable area with a green house. There is a useful shower area by the back of the property alongside various storage sheds.Agents NotesOur client has completed a property questionnaire to provide prospective buyers with additional information. Please request this through the selling agent. ServicesMains Electricity, Mains Drainage, Oil Fired Heating Tenure: Freehold,