Plains Farm Close, Ardleigh

Tucked away within the peaceful setting of Plains Farm Close, this remarkable five/six bedroom detached home is the perfect blend of luxury living and functional family design. Set on a generous 0.26 acre plot and offering more than 2,800 sq ft of beautifully crafted accommodation over three floors, the property has been fully transformed to an exceptional standard. With high-performing schools, village amenities and excellent transport links all close by, this is a home that truly supports modern family life from every angle.

From the moment you arrive, the property creates a sense of quality. The extended front porch, with its premium Spitfire aluminium door (PAS24 & RC2 rated), does more than welcome you in—it sets the tone for the craftsmanship found throughout the home.

The entrance hall is wide and inviting, giving an immediate feeling of space. A recently upgraded WC sits off the hallway, while to the left, the main living room offers a calm, comfortable retreat. Large sliding doors draw in natural light and open directly onto the rear garden—ideal for summer evenings or hosting friends.

A separate office/formal dining room provides flexibility for working from home, entertaining, or giving children their own space. Bespoke fitted storage keeps the room feeling clean, organised and purposeful, and sliding doors create an effortless flow into the garden.

The heart of the home is the breathtaking open-plan kitchen and living space—a complete reimagining of the original footprint, created in partnership with an interior designer. What were once three separate rooms has been transformed into a bright, modern and highly social environment.

This premium Michel Roux kitchen is designed for families who enjoy cooking, hosting and spending time together. Quartz worktops, Neff appliances and high-spec Blum push-to-open fridge and freezer units create a sleek, effortless aesthetic. There's room here for a large dining table for everyday meals or gatherings, and a further living/snug area with timeless wood panelling ensures the space feels warm and lived-in.

A separate utility room keeps practical tasks out of sight, making day-to-day life that little bit smoother.

Across the entire ground floor, the owners have prioritised high-quality finishes—premium tiles, engineered oak flooring and new carpets laid over memory-foam underlay for a luxurious feel underfoot.

The first-floor landing has an airy, open feel that complements the scale of the home. The main bedroom suite on this level is generously proportioned, with a beautifully finished en-suite featuring a separate jacuzzi-style bath and shower—ideal for unwinding at the end of the day.

Three further double bedrooms all offer excellent space, with built-in wardrobes/storage providing practical convenience. A well-appointed family bathroom with separate bath and shower caters comfortably for busy mornings and growing families.

The top floor provides a sense of escape—perfect for those who want a private sanctuary away from the main household. A stunning principal bedroom occupies this level, with Velux windows and a Juliette balcony framing views of the garden and allowing natural light to flood the room. Eaves storage keeps the space uncluttered, and a substantial walk-in wardrobe gives a boutique feel.

A stylish shower room sits off the landing, and a further room offers complete flexibility—sixth bedroom, nursery, reading snug, hobby room or an additional dressing area depending on your lifestyle.

The rear garden is one of the standout features of this home. Mature trees surround the boundary, giving a sense of privacy and calm that’s hard to find. The extended patio is perfect for al fresco dining, barbecues or simply unwinding in the sun, while the large expanse of lawn provides ample room for children to play or for gardeners to enjoy.

Side access is available on both sides of the home.

To the front, a substantial private driveway provides parking for multiple vehicles and leads to a double garage with power and a side access door—ideal for storage, hobbies or workshop use. The exterior has been thoughtfully updated with coloured silicone render and Thermopine natural wood cladding to the dormer, giving the property a fresh, contemporary look that enhances its kerb appeal.

Sellers Insight - We’ve lived in this home for just over three years after purchasing it under unusual circumstances to complete a collapsed chain and secure the sale of our previous property. What was meant to be a quick update-and-sell project changed the moment we moved in. The house had such an unexpectedly warm and homely feel that we found ourselves settling in and loving life here. The community has been wonderful too, with friendly neighbours who bring in the bins, trim our hedge when they cut theirs, and even the occasional free ice cream from a neighbour with an ice-cream van a few doors down.

When we were searching for a home, we thought we needed an annexe to accommodate our children and my mother. In reality this property offered far more space than we expected. The large bedrooms and three bathrooms have easily housed us all with plenty of room for everyone to live comfortably. At Christmas we host ten people with ease, with space for a full festive dinner and beds for everyone.

The original property had an eighties feel and was ready for updating. We carried out extensive renovations with the help of an interior designer friend and the biggest transformation was the kitchen. We completely redesigned the layout by combining three separate rooms to create a bright, open and modern kitchen and living area. The kitchen is now a premium Michel Roux design with quartz worktops and top-of-the-range Neff appliances including a five ring gas hob, dishwasher and self-cleaning double oven. We chose a sleek handleless look using a high-spec Blum system for push-to-open fridge and freezer units. As with everything else, we selected quality throughout, including premium tiles, memory-foam underlay beneath new carpets and engineered oak flooring.

We also added a spacious porch with a high-end Spitfire aluminium front door that offers exceptional weather protection and security with British Standard PAS24 and RC2 ratings. The lean-to and garage have been finished with coloured silicone render and the dormer has been reclad in contemporary Thermopine natural wood which gives the exterior a fresh and modern feel.

What started as a temporary stopover has become a true labour of love. The open plan kitchen and living space has been perfect for family life and the proximity to Highwoods Country Park has been a real highlight. It is ideal for daily walks and even offers a scenic route into town.