Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh

Enjoying a secluded and private location, only a short drive to the village of Ardleigh and ten minutes to Colchester City centre and train station, is this quintessential thatch cottage that has been lovingly maintained and updated by its current owner over the last nine years.

A pretty three double bedroom 18th century quintessential chocolate box thatched cottage occupying a generous plot of approximately 3/4 acre (stms), with mature private gardens, useful summer house single garage and driveway for 3 to 4 vehicles.

The garden benefits from a fully functioning fresh water well with pump, perfect for keeping the lawn and flower beds healthy and colourful.

Internally there are three reception rooms, integrated kitchen, two bathrooms, including a principle en-suite and dressing room. This home offers a wealth of original period features, exposed timbers and has been maintained and updated to a very high standard and providing a very private setting.

This charming English country cottage is the epitome of pretty, character, and quality home. A rare gem on the market, it’s clear that the current owners have treasured their time here and are only moving to due to vocational needs. They have relished the convenient location and the warm, cozy atmosphere that this home provides. Their fond memories include hosting delightful garden parties in the summer, making this a place filled with joy and cherished moments. Without a doubt, this home has been a cornerstone of happy times in their lives, and it is now ready to bring happiness to its next owners.


ACCOMMODATION

Ground Floor

Entrance is gained at the side of the property through a barn style door into the kitchen. The fully integrated kitchen is finished in a modern farmhouse style with exposed iron hinges, light cabinetry and a dark granite worktop. The floor is tiled with under floor heating. Fully integrated kitchen with plumbed American fridge-freezer, dishwasher, double range oven and external hood and wine cooler. Plumbing and space for washing machine and dryer.

A door to your left leads through to an inner lobby to the pantry and downstairs bathroom. The bathroom has a contemporary antique suite with roll top claw foot bath, pedestal basin, free standing shower and wc. The tiled floor is heated and white tile walls with a red trim finish the modern look.

Back from the kitchen a further door leads in through to the dining room. The main focal feature is a large inglenook fireplace with mellow brick and oak Bessemer. The room is floored with quarry tiles and to the left of the fireplace you will find a storage cupboard and a further door which hides one staircase ascending to the first floor.

Moving further on to the spacious lounge which measures approximately 25 x 15 ft. This beautiful room has solid oak flooring throughout, exposed timbers and a further feature inglenook fireplace with inset multi-fuel burner. It is divided into two areas that include a study. This room is equally welcoming on those cold winter evenings with roaring fire or hot summer days where you can open the door to circulate cool air through the house. This rear door leads out into the back garden. The second wooden staircase ascends to the first floor.


First Floor

Ascending the stairs from the living room you arrive on a small landing which to your right you will find bedroom three. Crossing a small step you'll find a room adorned with a wealth of attractive timbers and space for a double bed. Back across the small landing you arrive into bedroom two, an attractive room with exposed beams and studwork and a window overlooking the gardens, which is a light and airy room.

Although the main entrance to this room is from the main landing there is also a door leading through to principle bedroom. Immediately to the right are the stairs that descend to the dining room. Giving the principle bedroom is own independent access from the ground floor. The pitched wall showcases further attractive exposed timbers and studwork.

One of the key features that has been added over the last 4 years is the addition of the en-suite bathroom and dressing room. Without doubt a much needed, important and added bonus feature. Light filled with large walk-in shower, sink and wc. The dressing area provides useful storage outside of the main bedroom.

OUTSIDE

Blue Barns Cottage occupies a corner plot next to the Old Ipswich Road and Harts Lane. A large paved driveway provides off road parking for a number of vehicles inclusive of a wooden single garage and EV charge point.

The grounds are bordered by an array of mature trees and laurels providing a high level of seclusion and privacy. Only really the thatch of this 18th century cottage is visible from the main road. From the driveway double wooden gate separates the drive from the garden area, ideal should you wish to utilise some of the rear garden for additional parking.

The south west facing rear garden is split into three distinctive areas.

The main area adjacent to the lounge is laid mainly to lawn predominantly used as an entertaining area which includes an attractive summer house with tiled floor that has power, light and internet access, making it equally useable as a home office. Adjacent is a stylish decked patio area split into seating to one side and dining to the other. Perfect for al fresco dining. This fresh water well is also in this part of the garden.

Immediately to the rear of the garage is a further lawn area, with the final part of the garden being a fenced vegetable patch. In all a generous garden that is fairly easy to maintain.