Mashbury Road, Great Waltham, Chelmsford, CM3

Beautifully situated and versatile listed property of the highest order.

Description

A fine Grade II listed barn of great character and charm, set within a very discreet location in countryside between the villages of Great Waltham and Pleshey.

Fitzjohns Barn is an early example of a 14th century timber framed barn having been carefully enhanced and extended for 21st century living, enjoying light-filled and versatile accommodation on a grand scale. Constituting a valuable source of historical architecture and listed as Grade II, the property provides in excess of 7,000 sq ft (650 sqm) of luxury accommodation including a remarkable glazed reception room linking two distinct areas, allowing for multigenerational living. There are six bedrooms and well proportioned reception spaces including a beautifully designed and functional kitchen.

Externally, there is a garage complex with an adjoining studio room, swimming pool and landscaped gardens and grounds of about 1.21 acres.

Fitzjohns Barn is entered from the front with the reception hall occupying the centre of the barn, overlooked by the galleried landing with a bespoke oak, dog-leg staircase rising to the first floor.

One of the principal reception rooms has been designed to overlook the gardens and grounds at the rear, north-west orientation with a charming, lower level dining room providing a delightful formal dining space with some fine examples of exposed studwork. There is a comfortable study, making for a lovely work-from-home environment, with the kitchen/family room taking up a large proportion of the original, eastern elevation. The kitchen has been styled for modern-day convenience with a wide collection of bespoke light-coloured storage units and stone worktops. The stylish design incorporates LED lighting and a range of high-end integrated appliances. To the rear of the room is an informal dining space overlooking the garden and a separate utility room.

The east wing lends itself as a potential annexe, with its own entrance from the courtyard, and is a truly stunning space expertly designed providing curved glazed elevations, providing light-filled space on a grand proportion. From here is the games room, cloakroom, a further reception room and separate kitchen area. A pool room with bi-folding glazed doors opens to a private terrace and the swimming pool beyond.

The first floor is equally charming offering four bedrooms and a bathroom. The principal bedroom suite, orientated to overlook the grounds and countryside, has its own en suite room. The guest bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and enjoys en suite shower facilities. Concluding the accommodation are two further bedrooms to the upper level and a further shower room.

Outside
Fitzjohns Barn is approached over wide shingled driveway providing parking facilities for numerous vehicles. A cart lodge provides a three-bay garage with a separate room which is currently being used as a home gym.
The barn sits relatively central within its plot, which has been thoughtfully designed and planted with a collection of specimen trees and established hedging, giving a great sense of natural seclusion. To the eastern part of the garden, extending from the glazed pool room and sitting room, is an Italian stone terrace incorporating a fully tiled swimming pool, providing an ideal space for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
The remainder of the garden is predominantly laid to lawn with a further terrace extending from the rear of the barn, providing picturesque views over the garden and surrounding countryside.

All in around 1.21 of an acre.

Location

Great Waltham: 2.1 miles; Pleshey village: 3.6 miles; Felsted: 6.8 miles (A120: 11 miles); Chelmsford: 6.5 miles (London Liverpool Street from 36 mins); Great Dunmow: 9.9 miles; A12 (Boreham Interchange): 12 miles. Stansted Airport: 15.1 miles. All distances approximate.

Fitzjohns Barn occupies an extremely peaceful and private setting to the west of Great Waltham village, with direct access and breathtaking views over miles of open countryside. Great Waltham benefits from a post office, a village shop, a café, a hairdressers, a British Legion hall, two public houses, a cricket and football pitch, a primary school and a large playground alongside the village hall. There is a vibrant village community with many social, sporting and cultural events taking place throughout the year. From gardening and art clubs, concerts and children’s sports, to regular exchanges with the French twin town of Ceyrat, there are countless opportunities to socialise.

3.6 miles away is the small historic village of Pleshey, built around the site of a former motte and bailey castle that was once the ancestral home of Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex, one of the 25 Magna Carta barons. It remained an important place in English history for many years and is mentioned in Shakespeare's Richard II with the line 'With all good speed at Plashy (sic) visit me.' The village pub (the Leather Bottle), Holy Trinity Church and the Village Hall are the hub of the community.

Pleshey lies to the northwest of Chelmsford, which offers a wide variety of facilities including a bustling shopping centre and a good choice of excellent private and state schools, including two grammar schools and private schools at New Hall School and Felsted. Chelmsford also enjoys excellent transport links, with a station on the main line to Liverpool Street and access onto the A12.

Square Footage: 7,080 sq ft



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