The Heath, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7

Occupying a prime position overlooking the unspoilt landscape of Dedham Vale, Hillside is an elegant Victorian residence of considerable charm. This handsome double-fronted red brick home is set within mature, well-tended gardens and offers a rare combination of period character, privacy, and sweeping views across one of North Essex’s most celebrated rural settings.

The ground floor of the house flows with a quiet confidence, balancing period elegance with practical, well-considered space. At the front of the property, two well-proportioned reception rooms enjoy generous natural light through traditional sash windows. The sitting room is centred around a classic fireplace, with decorative detailing that reflects the home’s late Victorian heritage. The adjacent dining room features original built-in cabinetry and a cast-iron fireplace, creating a refined setting for entertaining.
To the rear, the kitchen and breakfast room extend along the back of the house, with terracotta-toned flooring running through to a bright, informal garden room that opens directly onto the lawn. The kitchen itself is fitted in a traditional style, with timber cabinetry and tiled surfaces, offering ample workspace and views of the garden.
A dedicated study is positioned at the front of the house, offering a quiet and comfortable workspace with a pleasant outlook.
A rear hallway leads to a utility room, neatly appointed and practical in layout, and a cloakroom completes the ground floor arrangement.
The first floor presents a well-balanced layout, offering both space and flexibility. The principal bedroom enjoys a sense of quiet seclusion, enhanced by a dual aspect and an adjoining en-suite, fitted with twin basins, walk-in shower and bespoke cabinetry.
Four further bedrooms are arranged off the central landing, each with its own distinct character and generous proportions. A family bathroom is traditionally styled with high-level tiling and period-inspired fittings and completes the accommodation on this floor.
The house is perfectly positioned on the crest of Castle Hill, commanding uninterrupted views across the Dedham Vale National Landscape, immortalised by John Constable. The gardens wrap around the house in a series of distinct spaces, from formal planting near the garden room, to a more relaxed, informal lawn bordered by mature trees and flowering shrubs. A winding path leads through the garden to a detached summerhouse, quietly set to take full advantage of the far-reaching landscape. A gravel driveway provides ample parking and access to a traditional double cart lodge. The setting is both private and picturesque, with the countryside unfolding directly beyond the boundary.