Water Lane, Bures, Essex, CO8

The Secretary’s House is an exceptional residence occupying a secluded position in the village of Bures Hamlet and is set within a walled garden of just over one acre.

History

The Secretaries buildings are Grade 2 listed and it is believed there has been a house on this site since the time of the Romans. The origin of the name is very uncertain but it is possible the house acquired its unusual name in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I when she visited the locality and her secretary liked the house to such an extent that he decided to remain and live in Bures.
There is a finely preserved 1796 estate map belonging to the house showing the extent of Secretaries Farm at that time with a marvellous illustration of the house much as it remains today.

Accommodation

Ground Floor

A generous reception hall creates a great first impression with high ceilings continuing over two levels and an exceptionally attractive William and Mary pitch-pine staircase. The hall gives access to each of the south-facing sitting and dining rooms with generous sash windows and period features.
Adjacent to the dining room is a spacious kitchen/breakfast room which features handcrafted wooden units and a gas fired four-oven Aga: the kitchen leads on to an adjacent comfortable snug with large window.
The reception hall leads into a very attractive inner hall with a striking harlequin tiled floor leading onto the main garden patio through French doors: the ground floor cloakroom is adjacent for easy access from both the house and the garden.
The hall gives access to a large utility room providing further access to the rear patio, a multi-function outside room and workshop building.

First Floor

Ascending the returning staircase a landing gives way to five double bedrooms – all have generous dimensions and appealing features. The master ‘four poster’ room has a garden view from two large windows, an extensive handbuilt wardrobe and en-suite shower room with window.
Bedrooms two and three are south facing with easy access to a unique bathroom on the landing. Bedroom three has a large built-in storage cupboard with a door to a separate inner room currently used for linen and bedding.
From the landing a door leads to the west wing comprising two double bedrooms and a large bathroom which could provide accommodation for independent living.

Second Floor

This floor is within the roof space accessed from the first floor landing by a heritage staircase and is currently not utilised.

The Coach House

This beautiful Georgian building has been subject to a sympathetic structural restoration and refurbishment preserving its original appearance and most of the integral features: services include power and water.

The top floor has been converted into an unrivalled office with panoramic views, air conditioning and ultra-fast broadband. The ground floor encompasses a spacious garage and to either side are large rooms suitable for a variety of uses.
The adjacent garden room has a w/c and a range of fitted units and worktop.

Outside

The property sits back from the road behind an all-encompassing red brick wall with electric gates leading to a sweeping carriage drive to the front of the house: there is also a rear access. The walled garden offers complete privacy with mature trees, beech hedging, extensive lawns, a large sun terrace and a pavilion barbeque facility.

What’s Nearby

The property is in the heart of Bures village on the River Stour situated between Sudbury and Colchester with good local shopping and recreational facilities - augmented by easy access to the Stanway retail centres, Braintree Freeport and Stratford Westfield.

Education

Bures has an excellent primary school and is a feeder school to secondary schools in Sudbury. It is also within easy reach of a significant number of independent schools within the locality and at both Colchester & Chelmsford highly regarded Grammar schools: Culford school in Bury St Edmunds offers a range of day and boarding options.

Transport

Bures Station is a few minutes walk away, providing services to Marks Tey Station where commuters can connect to the direct service to London Liverpool Street. The new Elizabeth line is available at Shenfield offering direct links to the West End and Heathrow.
Health & Fitness

Bures has a GP surgery and pharmacy supported by a group practice in Sudbury where a Community Health Centre provides a wide range of easily accessible services. Colchester has a well regarded general hospital and a substantial private health facility.
Bures has a wide range of ‘circular’ walks and easy access to notable public woodland areas: cycling is much enjoyed in the surrounding network of country lanes. Sudbury offers a variety of sport and leisure opportunities and there is an extensive range of diverse facilities in other within easy reach of the village.

Summary

This is an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire a property that is uniquely situated in the heart of a village with easy connections to London: the house is very well featured and maintained and available to purchase for only the second time in close to 80 years which is testimony to its enduring appeal