Tollesbury

An elegant and imposing 4670 sq ft former Vicarage with substantial annexe, barn and 2.65 acres of secluded grounds (stls)

What We Think at The Zoe Napier Group

We fell in love with this property the moment we walked through the front door! If you have ever dreamt of owning a country residence that possess the perfect combination of elegance and grandeur, then this is the property for you. The sprawling 4670 sq ft of accommodation, really does offer a bang for your buck and is as versatile as it is impressive with an abundance of sumptuous period features, whilst distant views over the Blackwater Estuary really are the icing on the cake.

What the Sellers Says

It has been a pleasure and privilege to be custodians of this magnificent home for the last 25 years, the village community is fantastic and having such an impressive array of amenities on our doorstep has been incredibly convenient. Being surrounded by one of largest nature/ bird reserves in the country has allowed us to enjoy some quite magical country walks and scenery, something that we will dearly miss, the spacious adjoining cottage next door has provided us with a very useful income over the years but could quite easily be utilised as a self-contained annexe for elderly relatives, au pairs, or teenagers.

History & Background

This sensational Georgian Grade II listed, former Vicarage was originally constructed in 1769, with a substantial grey-brick Regency facade added to the front in around 1820. The beautifully proportioned accommodation includes two grand receptions in the front elevation with full height sash windows, high ceilings and open fireplaces with a particularly impressive feature being the  marble mantlepiece in the drawing room – fascinatingly, salvaged from County Hall in London. At the rear is a snug and family kitchen / diner.

The house offers versatile accommodation, currently arranged with two studies, which could easily be repurposed as bedrooms (providing a maximum of eight bedrooms on the first and second floors). Other original features which have been preserved include the internal and external doors, wood and flagstone floors, numerous additional fireplaces (two of which feature log burners), coving and cornicing, recessed cupboards, shutters and numerous cast iron radiators.

Sympathetic renovations and modern additions mean that the property functions well as a modern family home. The bathrooms were refitted in recent years and in 2021, a water softener, a brand-new oil-fired boiler and a high-pressure water system was installed in the cellar. The high specification kitchen includes an impressive island, a mix of stone and wood surfaces, a gas range cooker, a series of solid wood, hand-crafted units all beneath a lantern roof. The floor was strengthened for an Aga should any new owner wish to have one installed.  

Setting & Location

The property is accessible via a long track in a quiet, tucked away location along Church Street within a conservation area on the outskirts of the village within easy walking distance of the village centre and surrounded by sumptuous Nature/ bird reserves. The village boasts two village stores, a pharmacy, a marina with two sailing clubs, a chandlery, The Kings Head Public House, a butcher, a doctors surgery, a bakery, art gallery, bookshop, café, garage and petrol station, and a Primary School which is currently rated Good.

There is also a salt pool with a beach which is open throughout the summer. A series of local footpaths connect to Tollesbury Wick Marshes and the Blackwater Estuary. For more extensive services, Maldon is ten miles from the property whilst Colchester and Chelmsford are twelve and twenty miles away respectively.

Kelvedon Station is just over eight miles from the house, whilst Witham is twelve miles away, where services to London Liverpool Street run very regularly with journey times of just above and just below fifty minutes respectively. Regular bus services run from Tollesbury to Maldon, Witham, Colchester and Kelvedon and a bus stop is located only a minute's walk from the house.

As well as good local schools, there are a number of excellent private schools within driving distance including New Hall in Chelmsford and St Marys (for girls), Holmwood House, Oxford House, Colchester High School, and the two highly rated grammar schools in Colchester.

Ground Floor Accommodation

As you enter the property, you can’t help but be instantly impressed by the entrance hallway, a vast space with traditional exposed timber flooring, elegant recency staircase and classic glazed side  windows to the front providing ample natural light. The drawing and dining rooms, both in the front elevation of the property, are breathtaking rooms boasting high ceilings, classic cornices, and  exquisite open fireplaces.  Fascinatingly, the grand Regency addition is believed to have been constructed for the local Vicar for entertaining purposes. The sitting room is situated centrally, a splendid room incorporating a library area to the rear and open fireplace housing cast iron wood burner, perfect for cosy up in front of during those long Winter months! Located in the rear wing of the property is inner lobby with stairs down to the cellar and access to the generous kitchen/ breakfast room, fitted with a range of locally made high specification timber base and eye level units, granite and timber worktops and useful central island unit with the adjoining utility room and cloakroom providing additional useful space.

First Floor Accommodation

There are two principal wings to the property on the first floor, with two staircases allowing access to the versatile accommodation that could be utilised in a variety of different ways. The principle bedroom is located in the front elevation, a gorgeous room with it’s own en-suite facility and enjoys delightful views over the adjoining grounds and recreation ground, whilst the two adjacent bedrooms are serviced by the spacious family bathroom. The rear wing offers an additional suite with double bedroom and recently fitted ensuite bathroom, whilst the two remaining bedrooms are both well proportioned, bright and airy rooms and are currently being used as a study and sitting room.

Second floor Accommodation

With three excellent size bedrooms and a further family bathroom, this floor provides a superb space that could quite conceivably be utilised as annexe accommodation for an au pair, teenagers or elderly relatives and boasts some breathtaking views over the Blackwater estuary.

The Cottage

Accessible via a separate driveway, Glebe Cottage is held on a separate title from the Glebe House. The spacious cottage is in good decorative order and includes a generous sitting room with a log burner, dining room, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room on the ground floor, as well as a double bedroom and spacious bathroom. On the first floor there is a second double bedroom with an adjacent shower room. The property enjoys ample off-street parking to the front and generous secluded grounds to the rear.

Please note: The property is currently let out on a short-term tenancy.

Grounds & Outbuildings

This property really is a gardener’s paradise with grounds extending to 2.65 acres (sts). Glebe House is accessible via a sweeping, tree-lined drive that runs along the southern and eastern boundaries.

The gardens for the house are private, face south and feature an enormous variety of ancient trees including two impressive Scots Pines. Wisteria grows on the frontage either side of Ionic pillars and the large lawn is ideal for outside events. Situated to the rear of Glebe Cottage is a large, detached barn/ work shop which could potentially be converted into additional accommodation (subject to the necessary consents). A private courtyard with a pergola is located off the eastern elevation which is perfect for breakfast in the summer months. There is ample parking and turning for numerous vehicles, a wood store and a garden shed. There is also space to build a cart lodge (subject to planning).

Agents Notes:

• Our client has completed a Propertymark questionnaire which provides additional information about the property, subsequently helping buyers to make a more informed offer.  Please request this from the selling agent.
• Council Tax Band G (main house) B (cottage) If combined back into one property, Band H for entirety.
• The property is located within a conservation area.
• New boilers were installed in the house in 2021 and the cottage in 2020.
• We understand that there is a restrictive covenant on the property, restricting building another dwelling in the grounds without permission of the Diocese of Chelmsford
• Glebe Cottage is let out on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) and can be sold with vacant possession, or with the existing tenant remaining on a new AST. The tenant has been in situ for several years and has indicted that she would like to stay if possible.
• The property is on four titles

Services

Mains Water, Electricity and Drainage.

Oil Fired Central Heating

PLEASE CALL FOR A FULL BROCHURE

EPC rating: Exempt. Tenure: Freehold,