Bradwell on Sea

Sails & Saddles - A wonderful equestrian home with 5.4 acres surrounded by rural and estuary views, including a charming cottage, detached Guest suite, stable yard, manege.

What We Say

This is a beautifully welcoming cottage with a highly versatile interior, but the true appeal for any buyer lies in the extensive acreage and superb facilities. Everything is already in place for equestrian use, and the setting is exceptional — overlooking the Blackwater Estuary and the iconic Radio Caroline ship, it really is the perfect finishing touch.

What the Owners Say

We have absolutely loved living here from the moment we purchased the property 38 years ago. Stand in the middle of the garden and turn a full 360 degrees — the views are breathtaking, a true wow factor whenever friends visit. The guest cottage has been invaluable over the years, serving both as a home office and as a comfortable additional accommodation whenever needed.

History & Background

A charming Grade II Listed thatched period cottage, recorded to date back in part to 17^th and 18^th centuries. This delightful home offers a beautifully maintained and character-filled interior. Exposed timbers, attractive fireplaces in the two reception rooms, and the flexibility of having the main bedroom and a stylish bathroom on the ground floor all contribute to its appeal, complemented by two additional attic bedrooms. The modern kitchen features a semi-vaulted ceiling, and all ground-floor rooms enjoy stunning views across the grounds, farmland and the Blackwater estuary beyond.

The property extends to approximately 5.4 acres and benefits from wide, gated access with ample parking space for multiple vehicles, including a horsebox, boat, and more. The stable block includes four generous stables with hardstanding leading directly to the 40m x 20m manege. In total, there are five post-and-rail paddocks, as well as a generous garden, garaging, and a charming hexagonal thatched guest annexe comprising two rooms and a shower room — ideal for teenagers, guests, or, as more recently used, a home office.

The thatches were overhauled and replaced in 2018, incorporating two attractive attic dormer windows at the front and finished with the thatcher’s artistic touch — a pair of swans gracefully positioned on the ridge. The detached guest suite was rethatched at the same time.

Setting & Location

The cottage offers extensive road frontage, located on Maldon Road, before reaching the village of Bradwell on Sea with open farmland to the front and further farmland and the glorious Blackwater Estuary to the rear where the legendry red and white ‘Ross Revenge’ Radio Caroline Ship is still moored out at Sea and in full view from the cottage, alongside the enjoyment and frequent sight of sail boats, that include the historic and magnificent Thames Barges. Beyond the estuary are the Mersea Flats and Mersea Island, with the coastline continuing around to Brightlingsea and beyond.

The property really benefits those with Sails and Saddles, with its excellent equestrian facilities, plenty of space for a boat and access to either the marina and slipway at Bradwell on Sea or, for water sport enthusiasts, Stone is also a short drive. 

The paddocks are all adjoining with gated accesses.

Ground Floor Accommodation

The cottage features stable doors at both the rear and into the kitchen. The rear hall, with its semi-vaulted ceiling and exposed timbers, provides space for boots and cloaks and leads to the ground-floor cloakroom/W.C. Either side of the central red brick chimney breast are two cosy reception rooms, each full of character and charm with exposed timbers. The dining room provides access to the twin attic rooms above and features a fireplace housing a period wood-burning stove (apparently perfect for cooking stews in the event of a prolonged power cut!). A stable door leads through to the stylish, modern kitchen, which enjoys a semi-vaulted ceiling and views across three aspects. The kitchen units include built-in appliances and a Classic 110 range oven. The sitting room is equally charming, with a tiled floor and exposed brick fireplace. Beyond this, a further hall leads to the main bedroom and the adjacent bath/shower room. Wake up to mesmerising views over the Blackwater, while the stylish bathroom features a period-style ball-and-claw freestanding bath and a separate double shower.

First Floor Accommodation

A pair of steep half stairs rises to two separate attic rooms of similar size, each benefiting from exposed timbers and superb views across open farmland to the fore.

Grounds

The property extends to a total of 5.4 acres, including a generous garden with a sunset terrace and a pathway leading to the charming thatched hexagonal guest annexe, which comprises a sitting room, bedroom, and shower room. The extensive frontage is mostly bordered by mixed hedging and attractive white picket fencing. Wide gated access, complete with a turning apron for horseboxes, leads to ample parking areas. There is a large single garage, a storage shed, and mud-free access to the enclosed stable yard. The yard contains a traditional L-shaped stable block with four generously sized loose boxes, plus a corner box currently used as a store/feed room. Concreted posts in the yard allow for cross-tying horses, and a path provides mud-free access to the 40 x 20m manege. And paddocks beyond.

Agents Notes

• The property contains three titles EX975686 (House), Part of EX92136 and EX739706
• The cottage was listed in 1984, post the 1970’s style double-glazed picture windows on the rear elevation.
• Some areas of the cottage, including certain doorways and the attic, have limited head height. However, this has not prevented the current owner, who is 6’2”, from living here comfortably.
• The private drainage system does not comply with current legislation. The buyer must consider the cost of the required modern Klargester type system that will need to be installed (at a size of their choosing) once purchased. The current system is outside of the listed curtilage of the house.
• Our client has completed a Propertymark questionnaire providing buyers with additional, useful information. This ca be requested through the selling agent.

Services

Mains Water, Mains Electricity, Electric Heaters Private Drainage.  

 

EPC rating: Exempt. Tenure: Freehold,