Property description
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Dating back to the 1700’s, this delightful timber-framed six bedroom property is packed full of charm and character. Sitting within an acre of landscaped gardens and grounds, it is surrounded by mature trees and open rolling countryside, and is just on the edge of the pretty village of Latchingdon in the Crouch Valley. Inside, the rooms are light and spacious and there is a lovely flow to the open plan living space downstairs, whilst in the garden, sheltered patios, jasmine scented walkways and sunny seating areas take full advantage of the views.
Last Orders
The current owners have lived at the property for over 13 years, but they can still remember the first time they pulled into the large gravel driveway to the front and admired its traditional black and white timbered elevations. Built in the 18th Century as a local coaching inn, the property was only converted for residential use in the 1970’s, and in the study one of the original old red-brick fireplaces can still be seen today. “We believe that this fireplace would have originally warmed the regulars in the snug. We love the character of the place and the fact that it has such a history, although we have yet to discover the cellar!” Set back from the road and sheltered by a wonderful mix of mature trees, such as silver birch, conifers and ash, it an attractive and welcoming home.
Room for All
A picturesque rose strewn porch leads you through into a large central hallway off which the main reception rooms radiate. Immediately to the left you have the large sitting room that is flooded with natural light from two triple bay windows to the front. At the centre is a large brick fireplace, above which sits a solid wooden mantelpiece that has been crafted from an old railway sleeper. The sitting room then opens through to the dining room, making this a lovely large open plan space if required., and in here two large windows offer views out across the garden. “This is a fabulous family room, great for gathering together at weekends to watch the match, or when everyone comes over at Christmas and we have the tree up and dining table all laid out for dinner.” A door to the side of the dining room leads you back out into the hallway, past the downstairs cloakroom and then through to the family kitchen.
Fun & Games
This is another light and spacious room, and it has only recently been re-designed and fitted out by the current owners. The pale floor tiles perfectly compliment the stylish light wooden units that are to be found along three sides and, with cupboards both above and below the sleek black work surfaces, there is plenty of storage. Double glass panelled doors open off the kitchen into the breakfast/family room, again making this a very versatile space. The owners are currently using this room as a games room and it is kitted out with a pool table and darts board but, with French doors to the garden, it would be perfect as a breakfast room or sunny garden room. Off the kitchen you also have a utility room that then leads out to the garden via a separate back door; very useful for hanging up wet coats and shutting away muddy wellies and dogs.
A Perfect Landing
Across the hallway from the sitting room is the study, another well-proportioned and sunny room. Fitted units have been built in along one wall offering brilliant storage space, and the feature fireplace gives the room warmth and character. “It is a great room to tuck yourself away from the rest of the house, and would also work well as a second sitting room or teenage den.” Upstairs the six bedrooms radiate off a wide central galleried landing, over which a beautiful crystal chandelier proudly hangs. Two of the bedrooms are en-suite, including the master bedroom which also has a walk-in dressing room attached. Next to this is the smallest bedroom, which would be ideal as a nursery if required, and then the other four bedrooms are all doubles. The guest room has an en-suite shower, while the other three share a large family bathroom that has twin sinks, a bath and a shower. All of the bedrooms have fabulous views out across either the surrounding countryside, or the garden and beyond to the River Crouch.
A Place in the Sun
The gardens are to be found mainly to the side and rear of the property, and offer a multitude of places to sit and enjoy the views. Just out from the French doors of the family/games room is a small patio which catches the morning sun. “This is a favourite spot for coffee; with the water feature bubbling away and the scent of the honeysuckle in the summer it is just lovely.” To this side of the garden there is also a sauna and solarium, and then the lawns extend out past established flower beds and herbaceous borders down towards a summerhouse at the bottom. “The summerhouse is large enough to accommodate a 3-piece suite, so with the door open we can sit in luxury and enjoy the warmth of the evening sun. It’s so peaceful and quiet down here, all you can hear are the birds singing, and a clear day we can sometimes see the sails of the boats as they cruise along the river.” The garden to the side of the property is mainly laid to lawn, great for kicking a footie around, and this links to the main garden via a trellised walkway adds interest as well as privacy to the rear garden. This is a very versatile house, with beautiful open plan reception rooms that can be opened up to accommodate family and friends, or closed up for a more intimate feel, and, with its tranquil setting and large garden, it is definitely worth a visit.
Property Features :
- Charming Period Family Home
- Kitchen Breakfast Room, Separate Utility Room
- Spacious Sitting Room with Feature Fireplace
- Dining Room & Study
- Triple Aspect Family / Games Room