Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5

Occupying a commanding corner position on Coast Road with vista views over the Blackwater Estuary and Anchorage, Besom House is an attractive four bedroom, three storey Edwardian home with an interesting history. Living accommodation 2980 sqft - outbuildings 490 sqft.

History

Besom House, which is named after the adjacent Besom Creek, was built in about 1906 for the artist Arthur Briscoe. Arthur was renowned for his etchings of marine scenes, particularly from the age of sail. Several examples of his work can be found in Besom House. The architect was Howard Messer, who moved to America and, working with his brother, found fame designing many landmark buildings here. He retired to Mersea and designed several buildings there including other houses in Coast Road. He also worked with Edward Lutyens on the War Graves Commission buildings. During World War II the house was occupied by Iorys Hughes, who did much of the early work the Mulberry harbours, the artificial ports towed to France to support the D-Day landings. This was one of Sir Winston Churchill’s pet projects and he is reputed to have visited the house to discuss this with Iorys. In the 1980’s, the house became very dilapidated and was scheduled to be demolished to make way for a small block of flats. However, it was rescued by local builder, Stuart Cock, who restored it to its former glory with modern plumbing, heating, electrics etc.


Accommodation

Ground floor

A storm porch and entrance door leads to a recent addition to the home which is currently being used as the living room with full width bay window overlooking the front garden. A door leads to an inviting inner hallway with wood flooring and wood panelled walls, whilst stairs ascend the first floor. Taking the door to your left you will find an impressive dual aspect sitting room with high ceilings, wood flooring complemented with red brick fireplace and wood burning stove. At the far of the sitting room is a raised area which is currently being used as a library/study. Moving back through the hallway you will enter the spacious kitchen/breakfast room which comes with pantry and sizable utility/boot room. Door gives access to garden and driveway. The well-appointed dining room comes with a dual aspect and high ceilings. Completing the ground floor is the w/c.

First floor

Ascending the stairs a galleried landing gives way to three double bedrooms and family bathroom. The principal bedroom comes with a balcony of which you can enjoy superb views over the Anchorage and Blackwater Estuary. There is also a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. Located off the landing is a handy built-in cupboard.

Second floor

Taking the stairs to the second floor you will find a further bedroom which gives you the best views. The bedroom comes with en-suite shower and in turn gives access to eaves storage.

Outside

As previously mentioned the property occupies a corner position, but in turn offers a high degree of privacy from passers-by. A granite stone driveway offers ample off-road parking and leads to the detached double garage with attached workshop which was previously built as an office. The established West facing garden comes with sun terrace and gazebo. Total plot measures approx. 0.25 acres.

Location

Peldon: 4 miles; Abberton: 5 miles; Colchester: 10 miles (Liverpool Street from 47 minutes). All distances approximate.

Besom House occupies a delightful and elevated position on the coast road in West Mersea on Mersea Island with views over the Blackwater Estuary, which flows into the North Sea.

Mersea Island is accessible from the mainland over The Strood, which can be covered at high tide, giving the island a special quality. West Mersea provides the local shopping facilities in addition to a primary school, a yacht club and sailing club.

On the island an area in East Mersea is designated a country park and there are great opportunities for bird watching and other rural pursuits.

Colchester provides more extensive shopping, recreational and educational facilities and for the commuter there is a train station at Colchester to London Liverpool Street.

20 minute drive is Colchester and its high street shops, cafes and leisure facilities is within easy reach and there is also a good range of schools in both the private and public sector. Colchester has great access to the A12 and Colchester North Station offering direct link to London Liverpool Street with services running every 15 minutes.