Farnham Green, Farnham, Essex, CM23

Greenside Cottage is a stunning Grade II Listed detached family home with origins dating back to the 18th century, with later additions, the original property is timber framed with rendered elevations under a part thatch/part tiled roof. The cottage is set in a delightful semi-rural location, with less than a 10 minute drive into Bishop’s Stortford and its mainline station (a 37-minute commute into London Liverpool Street). The house is not overlooked and benefits from extensive views over the adjoining countryside, including Farnham Green (an area of common land, with a beautiful wildflower meadow).

The current owners have carried out a complete restoration and sympathetic modernisation throughout all to the highest standard, from the drainage (now on mains drainage) up to the roof (retiled with hand-made clay peg tiles and ridge re-thatched). Traditional bespoke timber framed windows and doors have been installed (double glazed where permitted), the entire house stripped, re-insulated and re-rendered with traditional lime and new flooring throughout the house, all of which brings it up to modern standards. In addition, there is new lighting throughout and the modern décor gives it a light and airy feel, ideal for modern family living.

The accommodation includes a substantial, light and spacious entrance hall providing lovely views to the south through the French doors to the rear courtyard. The hall is fitted with Travertine tiled flooring, under-stairs storage cupboards and full height storage cupboards. Off the hall, there is a downstairs toilet/shower room with further full height cupboards and drawers. There is a bespoke south facing handmade kitchen/breakfast room with built-in pantry (with automatic lighting), wine rack, eye and base level storage cupboards, built in microwave and fridge/freezer, granite work surfaces and dishwasher, a double electric AGA, and an open-plan breakfast area for socialising, all with Travertine tiled flooring. A door leads to a porch (with further storage), with access to the rear garden. The snug was converted from a downstairs bedroom and has a bay window overlooking the herb beds and orchard, where there are nine fruit trees (apple, pear and cherry). The sitting/dining room has exposed timbers and studwork, inset cast iron fireplace and French doors to the formal, professionally landscaped south facing gardens, which lie to the left-hand side of the property.

The playroom was formerly used as a study and has the original spiral bound staircase leading to the first floor master bedroom. On the first floor, there is recently laid, hand-crafted oak wooden flooring throughout, except for one of the bedrooms, which is carpeted. The landing has exposed beams and cupboard storage, and there are two stairwells leading to the first floor.

One bedroom has a dressing area and spacious en-suite wet room. There are three further bedrooms, one with a further spacious en-suite bathroom with bath, and there is a family bathroom (again with a bath). Two of the bedrooms have traditional exposed brickwork from the main chimney stack.

Outside, the gardens have been beautifully tended and were designed by a renowned landscape gardener. A gate leads to the formal country cottage garden, providing colour throughout the year. The remainder of the garden is laid to lawn, with privet hedging to the rear, raised beds and fruit trees. There is a Westminster stone patio (newly laid) outside the reception hall and kitchen, featuring a herb garden and water feature with outside lighting, power and water. There is a playpark to the foot of the garden with bark chippings. There is gravelled parking for three vehicles immediately in front of the property.

An impressive two storey outbuilding was recently built by the current owners, comprising: garaging space for two cars with oak garage doors, and a fully fitted kitchenette with a toilet, sink and separate storage cupboard. A staircase leads up to the first floor room which has a high speed internet connection, heating, water and lighting. This airy room overlooks the lovely Farnham Green, with windows to the north and south. To the front of the garage, there is additional gravel parking for four vehicles.

Farnham is a small hamlet with primary school set amongst some fine open countryside. It has a village hall, a well-regarded primary school and an active social community. There are good footpaths in the area and a school bus. Farnham lies approximately three miles from the market town of Bishop’s Stortford which provides a comprehensive range of social, recreational and educational facilities, a mainline train station providing a regular service to London's Liverpool Street, and access to the M11 motorway linking to the M25.