Roman Road, Colchester, Essex

The red-brick frontage of this two-bedroom, 19th-century house in Colchester, Essex belies a brilliantly modern extension at the rear. A home of two halves, its masterful balancing of old and new was overseen by its current owners, who have interspersed colour and clever joinery throughout. Although light spreads into every corner of the house, the rear extension is particularly bright with its Crittall-style glazing that opens out to the rear west-facing garden. Colchester station is around 10 minutes from the house for convenient travel to London in around an hour.

 Setting the Scene

Colchester, once Camulodunum, is held as Britain's first city. It was of pivotal importance to the Romans who, following their conquest of Britain, established a legionary fortress in the city. Remains of a Roman church, theatre, circus and walls can still be seen today.

This house sits on Roman Road which, as its name suggests, was a major thoroughfare into and out of Colchester. Although its origins are much later, its close proximity to both the city's bustling core and Castle Park and Gardens have ensured it remains an important part of the city's historic tapestry. Built in the late 19th century the house bears many of the period's architectural hallmarks, including its smart red-brick frontage, tripartite bay window and retained fanlight above a canary-yellow front door.

The Grand Tour

Entry is to a long corridor with space for storing shoes and coats. Typical for its era, the house has a double reception room along one side; this has been added to in recent times with the rear extension, which now houses the kitchen. All three spaces are left open to one another, allowing for unobstructed lines of sight from end to end.

Arranged in front of a trio of bay-set sash windows, the living room basks in a gentle light. Brick-built former fireplaces offer focal points in both the living room and the adjoining snug; the alcoves of both have been used to place bespoke joinery. White-washed walls and deep timber floorboards unite the two spaces, which are at once connected and cleverly delineated.

The contemporary heart of the home - a brilliantly spacious kitchen with Crittall-style doors to the garden - follows. Attractive terracotta tiles spread out underfoot, a tonal contrast with the neutral bespoke kitchen units by Apron Design. A Bertazzoni range has been fitted centrally, next to a large fridge/freezer and opposite a deep butler's sink carved into the large central island. A veined white quartz countertop provides plenty of space for preparing a summer's feast.

Beyond is a dining area, set beneath an exceptionally large, deep-cut roof light that allows light to pour in. During the warmer months, the adjacent doors to the garden can be left open to give this area an indoor/outdoor feel - although the brick-laid terrace beyond offers just as promising outdoor dining prospects.

A handy WC is neatly tucked under the stairs which ascend to the first floor, where the house's two bedrooms are found. The principal suite is exceptionally generous and bright, care of two sash windows that overlook the pretty street beyond. Built-in wardrobes have been fitted into alcove nooks on one wall, providing plenty of storage space.

Both the main bedroom and the second double bedroom are finished with white-washed walls and soft carpet. The rooms share a generous bathroom. Partially lined in tongue and grooved boarding, it as both a walk-in shower and a bathtub. A large skylight allows for both privacy and for light to flood the room.

The Great Outdoors

A garden unfolds at the rear, cleverly delineated over two levels. The first abuts the kitchen, providing a seamless transition from indoors to out in the warmer month. It has a large terraced area, peppered with surrounding planting and colourful foliage. Sleeper-type steps lead up to the rear part of the garden, passing fragrant lavender en route.

The upper grassy area is cut by a short path to the new garden studio sitting at the foot of the garden. Clad with black boarding, it is divided between a studio on one end and a shed on the other. A crinkly metal roof tops the structure, providing a compellingly contrasting texture to the surrounding foliage. Light and bright, it is currently used as office space and as an enticing snug.

Out and About

An ancient city, with expansive city walls stretching around two miles and much significant architecture that remains visible today, Colchester is also a lively and vibrant modern hub. Firstsite, a spectacular Rafael Vinoly designed building, houses East of England's contemporary visual arts gallery. Showcasing artworks from internationally recognised artists and more locally relevant exhibitions it has an in-house cinema, cafe and shop and runs a programme of free talks and showcases. The city is also home to popular Curzon cinema and Mercury Theatre.

In more recent times, the city has welcomed several lovely restaurants: Church Street Tavern is great for an evening meal or a Sunday roast, while Kintsu offers seasonal tasting menus. Koryu is a much-loved Japanese fine dining restaurant and authentic Italian spot Favoloso is an excellent family friendly option.

Castle Park unfolds at the rear of the house and is both Grade II-listed and on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. Its generous swathe of open greenery is brilliant for dog walkers and runners alike, while the stretch of the River Colne that runs through the park provides beautiful water-side walks. There is also a café on site, along with the brilliant Colchester Castle Museum. Hollytrees Museum sits to the south of the park and is a spectacular Georgian home with hands-on exhibitions and displays.

There are some fantastic places to explore nearby along the River Stour and towards the Harwich Peninsula, including Pin Mill, Wrabness, Harwich, Frinton-on-Sea, Mersea Island and Walton-on-the-Naze. Green Island Gardens, a striking 20 acres of private gardens described as "a plantsman’s paradise", is a five-minute drive from the house. Also nearby are the wonderful Beth Chatto's Gardens.

Colchester is home to plenty of well-regarded state-run schools, including The Gilberd School and The Sixth Form College Colchester. The city has two highly rated grammar schools, Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester High School for Girls. Private options include Holmwood House Prep, Colchester Prep and High School, and St Mary's School.

Trains from Colchester station, an 11-minute drive or cycle from the house, run to London Liverpool Street in around an hour. The A12 is also nearby, for routes in and out of London and up towards Ipswich and Norwich.

Council Tax Band: D