Little Baddow

A delightful historic Grade II Listed thatched cottage with wonderful gardens located in Little Baddow

What We Say at The Zoe Napier Group

This is a rare opportunity! This charming much-loved home is extremely unique and offers stunning gardens and seclusion but is close to Danbury village and its amenities.  If you are looking for a large garden, in a wonderful location and dream of living in a country cottage, then this is the perfect property for you.

What The Owners Say

We have loved and cherished this home over the last 40 years, and I will be extremely sad to leave.  Our cottage oozes warmth and character and many a family Christmas has been enjoyed in front of the large fireplace. The gardens have brought us so much joy and are a gardeners dream with separate areas and terraces.  Breakfast in the courtyard and tea in the main garden capturing the afternoon sun makes for a wonderful outside space.

History & Background

This historic thatched Grade II Listed home was originally three millers’ cottages and dates to 1640.  The fabric of the building still reflects this with beams throughout and many unused doorways accessing the exterior. The original features are still in situ and are an integral part of the property.  The versatile living space could allow for a downstairs bedroom if required with easy access to a shower room.  The large open fireplaces and characterful beams create a homely ambience and perfect winter retreat.  There are two staircases, one winding staircase is hidden behind a door, servicing two of the bedrooms in the eaves, and the other wooden narrow staircase leads to the third, also in the eaves. Sitting on a large plot, glorious gardens wrap around the cottage, offering privacy and seclusion and deliver a wonderful tranquil oasis.   The sweeping shingle driveway provides parking for numerous cars and there is a single wooden garage/workshop that could be easily converted.

Little Baddow is an extremely desirable village, with protected woodlands and fabulous walks.  The preparatory schools and local primary schools are in much demand and the local amenities of Danbury are within easy reach. 

Setting & Location

The cottage is situated on small country lane and shielded from the road by numerous shrubs and holly bushes. The surrounding countryside, historic woodlands, Lingwood Common and Heather Hills provide fabulous country and woodland walks with country pubs within easy walking distance.  Paper Mill Lock is a short drive away with its tearoom, the lock and water activities on hand.  Danbury village, one of the highest points in Essex, is in close proximity, with various amenities, including a dentist, supermarket and village hall.

Little Baddow is a highly sought-after location, approximately 7 miles east of Chelmsford City Centre and close to Danbury village. The area provides a country escape, yet is so accessible for the A12, Chelmsford City’s Park & Ride at Sandon, Queen Elizabeth Line at Shenfield and for educational needs. The nearest private school is Elm Green, Little Baddow. Chelmsford City has excellent Grammar and High School education and there is also New Hall School at Boreham and Felsted School is a little further, just 13 miles away. The A12 (Sandon or Boreham junctions) further provides great access for Brentwood and Colchester.

Ground Floor Accommodation

The property is approached by a shingle pathway, leading to a pretty overhang thatched porch area, allowing for seating and potted plants.  The main front doorway is the original latch door stepping down to an attractive dining hall with a stunning bressumer  beam open fire place.  To one side there is an inner hallway with a narrow wooden staircase leading to one of the first-floor bedrooms. A charming sitting room is situated to the front with another character fireplace and a black fireplace hood.  Gas is connected.  A study leading to a shower room is located to the back of the property.   The shower room is fully tiled and has a glazed window overlooking the garden.  To the right side of the dining hall is a door accessing a winding staircase leading to two first floor bedroom.  The attractive country style kitchen is located next the dining hall with useful utility room/laundery room, housing a washing machine and a dryer with work surface above.  There are numerous cupboards, cloakroom space, with a pretty window overlooking the front garden.  The square shaped kitchen is country style with space for a good-sized table and chairs.  The gas fired aga has an attractive tiled splash back and a red brick surround. There are double windows above the sink providing a stunning view of the west facing main garden. An external door allows access to the sunny terrace to the back of the property.  A step leads to a small integral hall and a large art deco style fully tiled bathroom, with a heated towel rail, storage, wc in an arched recess, bath with shower above. The elegant part vaulted light and airy drawing room is located to the back of the house with French doors leading to the main west facing garden.  A redbrick fireplace is a main focus to the room and windows overlook the back garden.

First Floor Accommodation

The first winding staircase accessed by a door splits with steps leading either side to two double bedrooms situated in the eaves of the property.  There is some restricted headroom.  Both rooms overlook the garden and have plenty of space for storage.  The principal bedroom has built-in wardrobes. The third double bedroom is accessed by a narrow wooden staircase with space for a wardrobe and storage above the stairs.  These quaint, characterful bedrooms are part of the charm of this lovely home.

Grounds

The generous grounds wrap around the cottage allowing sun all day long.  The large, gravelled driveway has parking for numerous cars, and the wooden single garage with electric is currently being used for storage and a workshop.  To the front of the cottage is a pretty gravelled pathway which is situated from the lane and accessed through a picturesque Holly Bush archway with a white wooden gate.  The front is completely screened by the large Holly Bush, allowing for complete privacy,

Behind the garage is a chicken run and storage area with a beautiful specimen tree.  To the front of the property are various boarders and a gravelled pathway leading around the entirety of the cottage. The west facing garden to the side is well stocked and completely secluded with an attractive pergola, terrace and shed.  To the back of the garden is a lovely courtyard terrace area and a raised pond.  The box edged pathway leads to a green house and an additional pretty garden area with established borders.

The gardens are horticulturalists dream with various specimen plants, attractive herbaceous borders and trees.  There are outside water taps allowing for good irrigation for the keen gardener.  The owners often participated in the Little Baddow Open Garden scheme. 

Agents Notes

• Originally Three Millers Cottages
• Thatch replaced recently and inspected Feb 2024
• Gas Fired Aga

• Our client has completed a Propertymark questionnaire providing additional useful information for those looking to make an offer on the property. Please request these details from the selling agent.

Services

Mains Drainage

Mains Water

Mains Gas

Mains Electricity

 

EPC rating: Exempt. Tenure: Freehold,