Hornells Corner, Little Leighs, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3

A substantial former farmhouse that has been considerably improved to create a superb family home, set amidst 15 acres with equestrian and leisure facilities.

Description

The Oaks is an exceptional five bedroom farmhouse, constructed of traditional methods in the 1970s and having undergone a substantial programme of improvement, offering a unique blend of modern luxury and rural charm.

The property features equestrian and leisure facilities and is set in landscaped gardens and grounds extending to about 15 acres, occupying a private yet convenient setting, 9.5 miles from Chelmsford and 4 miles from Felsted, with convenient access to major road links.

The house has been thoughtfully designed and oriented to maximize its southerly aspect from the rear, overlooking the formal gardens and outdoor pool complex. The house has undergone significant renewable energy improvements which include 54 photovoltaic (solar) panels, air source heating for the pool and ground source heating for the house, ensuring modern comfort and sustainability.

The main front door opens into a vaulted entrance hall featuring a full-height gable window, providing a light-filled reception area. This area, with its upper glass panels and attractive engineered oak flooring, creates a stunning first impression. From the hall, you can access three well-proportioned reception rooms located along the rear of the house, each offering superb views of the grounds and the stunning pool complex.

The heart of the home is the beautifully appointed kitchen/breakfast room, which includes a family area and bi-folding doors that open onto the granite-paved terraces. The kitchen has been fitted with a range of light-coloured units beneath black granite worktops and a range of appliances.

The first floor accommodation is equally as charming and provides a part-galleried landing featuring ample storage cupboards and a walk-in linen room. This area leads to five double bedrooms, each equipped with fitted or built-in wardrobes and offering different views over the grounds.
The grounds surround the property and include numerous outbuildings, such as stabling and car storage.

Outside
The property sits well within its plot which spans a total of about 15 acres of exceptionally well-maintained garden and paddocks. The Oaks is approached via a long, tree-lined drive that leads to the house and extends separately to the outbuildings. Most of the garden areas are located to the rear, offering privacy, with part-woodland boundaries. Extensive granite terraces lead to the outdoor pool complex, featuring a Belgium-produced ceramic swimming pool with a built-in automatic cover. The pool is heated by air source and boasts attractive underwater lighting and a fountain for ambient relaxation. At night, the pool is well-lit and there is a separate pool house/gym, which includes a bar and a changing/shower room, with WC facilities. There is a purpose-built gazebo designed for an outdoor kitchen, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. The grounds are dotted with both young and mature trees, including numerous weeping willows around a natural pond, holm oaks, oaks, and ash trees, among other deciduous varieties like sycamore. Additionally, there is a Koi pond with a waterfall and a banked area ideal for safe archery pursuits and similar activities.

The equestrian facilities are exceptional and have been very well maintained. The facilities comprise four full-size stables, two Shetland pony stables, an open-fronted hay store, feed room, and a superb 60 x 30m floodlit manege.

Services
Mains water (see agents notes). Mains electricity. Air-source heating (swimming pool). Ground source heating (house). Oil-fired AGA. Private drainage system (compliant). 54 solar panels.

Agent's Notes (1) The Oaks has two registered titles: EX628274 (house, garden & drive) and EX928165 (remaining acreage). 2. Planning for a cart lodge with annexe under ref. 20/01165/FUL was granted permission which expired in September 2023. (3) The main water pipe crosses neighbouring land (unmetered) and there is right of way across the neighbouring property. Our client has installed a water pipe up to the road if the buyer wishes to make this a preferred direct water connection with a water meter.(4) The property was officially renamed The Oaks in 2018. Application number with Chelmsford City Council: 18/00625/HNC, formerly Dumney Farm House where some correspondences (including registered titles) will show under the original name.

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

Location

Felsted: 3.8 miles; Braintree: 5.3 miles; Great Dunmow: 8.5 miles; Chelmsford: 9.5 miles; Witham: 10 miles. All distances approximate.

The Oaks is set back behind electric gates, accessed from a country lane within the hamlet of Little Leighs. Little Leighs is a charming area, situated approximately 9.5 miles north of Chelmsford and lies beside the River Ter, just south of the village of Great Leighs. The area provides an attractive medieval parish church with straightforward access to the A131 linking through to the A120 and beyond. The nearby village of Great Leighs includes a village primary school, local store/post office and public house and lies approximately equidistant between the centres of Chelmsford, Braintree and Witham.

For secondary education, students typically travel to nearby towns where there are several options, including Helena Romanes School in Great Dunmow , Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford and several schools in Braintree. The local schools are well-regarded and offer a broad curriculum that supports students through their GCSEs and A-Levels. In the private sector there is Felsted School and New Hall School (Boreham) for boys and girls from age 4-18.

For the commuter there are railway stations at Braintree, Chelmsford and Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street, and access on to the A120 linking with the M11 (junction 8) at Bishop's Stortford

Square Footage: 4,063 sq ft



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