Birch Road, Layer-de-la-haye, Colchester, CO2

As part of our Signature collection is this unique four bedroom detached Grade II Listed cottage with adjoining former chapel and range of useful outbuildings including a large garage/workshop and redundant detached cottage on a plot of approximately 0.38 of an acre close to the centre of this popular village to the south west of Colchester.
Originally a pair of cottages dating back to 1723, the property has historically had commercial consent and is suitable for a variety of uses subject to obtaining any necessary consents.


An entrance door opens into a lobby and then through to the sitting room with exposed timbers, red brick fireplace and wood burning stove. A door provides access to a staircase leading to two bedrooms and a further door leads through to the study.

On the other side of the cottage is an entrance door and hall with stairs leading to two connecting bedrooms, a sitting room with large walk-in cupboard and corner display unit. A further reception room is currently used as a bedroom.

To the rear of the property is a shower room comprising shower, wash hand basin and WC.

The dining room has large cupboards and a door leading out to the gardens.

The bathroom comprises corner bath, wash hand basin and WC and then a further door from the lobby leads to the kitchen/breakfast room which has space for a table and a range of work surfaces with cupboards and drawers under, wall mounted cupboards, space for a range cooker, plumbing for a dishwasher and a door leading to the outside.

There is a study and a door through to the former chapel.

On the first floor via the two staircases are further bedrooms. The landing gives access to the principal bedroom with exposed timbers, curtained recess storage areas and a fireplace with stove. There is also a second bedroom.

From the second staircase is a bedroom with exposed timbers and a low door with access to another double bedroom which has exposed timbers, a large walk in storage cupboard and also a hidden storage room between the timbers.

Attached to the cottage is the former chapel which we understand dates back to 1843 and was used as an evening chapel for the village. This single skin constructed building has a vaulted ceiling with modern roof lights and a lovely brick floor. There are windows to the side elevation whilst to the front is an entrance door and sliding double doors to the rear.

Outside
To the front of the cottage is a lawn with railings, hedging and gates with access to the cottage and former chapel. At one side of the property is a bridleway which provides access round to the rear and to the outbuildings. There are further lawns at the rear of the cottage and hardstanding for parking.

The detached cottage is in need of repair and has three rooms on the ground floor and two rooms on the first floor. A further outbuilding, known as the stable, is a timber framed barn used for storage with a lean-to log store and a privy attached. Next to this is the modern detached garage building measuring approximately 27’ x 20’ with two roller doors to the front and a further roller door at the rear. A staircase leads up to a storage room door to the front and window to rear. Next is ‘Burts Garage’ with two doors, a garden store and outdoor shower room.


Location

Layer de la Haye is a popular village to the south-west of Colchester sandwiched between the Roman River valley and Abberton Reservoir, providing delightful areas for walks. The village itself has excellent amenities with a shop, two public houses, village hall, playing field, childrens play area and primary school. Colchester adjoins the village and provides a wealth of shopping from the city centre, retail parks and various supermarkets with a Lidl within two miles of the property. Wider educational facilities are found across Colchester with a sixth form college, university and excellent private and state schools. Colchester has a mainline railway station with services into London Liverpool Street in about 50 minutes.

Directions

Use postcode CO2 0EL with the cottage on the right-hand side coming from the centre of the village.

Important Information

Important Information
Services - We understand that mains water, electricity and drainage are connected to the property.
Tenure - Freehold
Council Tax Band - F
The chapel / workshop is assessed for Business Rates but is exempt
EPC rating – E