Ivytodd Hill, Debden, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11

IVYTODD COTTAGE is a charming detached cottage that has been subject to complete renovation and extension about 12 years ago and is situated in a lovely elevated setting, backing onto open fields with far reaching views. The current owners have taken great care and pride with their renovations using all the right materials needed to insure the longevity of such an old timber framed cottage to include a new sole plate, lime plastering and the use of sheep’s wool for traditional insulation. The layout works very well for modern life with a stunning kitchen/dining room with vaulted ceiling and underfloor heating runs throughout the whole of the ground floor.

Accommodation comprises a principal front entrance door leading to a cosy formal dining hall with bay window and feature fireplace with wood mantle, housing an electric wood burning style fire. There is a built-in cupboard which houses the pressurized water system. The oak flooring runs through to the sitting room and study beyond where stairs lead to the master bedroom. The sitting room has an open brick fireplace with oak surround and exposed brick chimney breast. There is a large sash window to the front aspect and French doors lead to the rear garden. The study area has a twin aspect with deep sills to the windows and an attractive stone fireplace.

The impressive modern extension provides the wow factor to the property with a twin aspect, a vaulted ceiling and wide French doors leading to the front gardens. The kitchen/breakfast room is fitted with a stylish range of wall and base units with a twin butler-style sink inset to granite composite worktops. Appliances include a Rangemaster electric cooking range with extractor fan over, a Bosch dishwasher and a larder size fridge. There are corner carousels to the base units and an additional drinks fridge. The marble flooring is both stunning and practical and there is space for a large kitchen table if required. A door leads to the rear lobby with stable door to the rear patio area and there is an adjacent cloakroom. The utility room is sizeable and provides space for a washing machine and tumble dryer. There is space for a large freestanding freezer and a loft access with ladder leads to a boarded loft area.

Stairs from an inner lobby lead to the master bedroom and a dressing area provides fitted wardrobes and a door to the bathroom. The bathroom comprises a bath with separate shower over, a wash basin, WC, heated towel rail and extractor fan. The master bedroom has a wide staircase with oak bannisters, semi vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. A second staircase leads to the 2 other bedrooms and a shower room with corner shower with wash basin inset to a fitted cupboard, WC, heated towel rail and extractor fan.

OUTSIDE, the house is approached via a sweeping gravelled driveway which leads to the double garage with twin doors. To the rear of the garage a door leads to an independent one bedroom studio ( called Treetops )which comprises a kitchen /breakfast bar area with built in base unit with stainless steel sink unit with Lamona Microwave, Indesit fridge and Lec Freezer. Stairs lead to a spacious double bedroom with twin aspect and semi vaulted ceiling. The adjacent ensuite shower room is well appointed and has a heated towel rail. The heating is via electric storage heaters. The gardens are well stocked and enclosed by picket fencing and hedgerows with paved pathways and several areas of paved terracing to different aspects. Bluebell Lodge is another detached independent annexe with electric heating, which offers a large double bedroom with vaulted ceiling and an ensuite shower room. A small kitchen/living room provides a kitchen area with wall and base and sink units and a cosy sitting/ dining area. There is a large enclosed lawned area of garden with raised beds and a garden shed to the far end of the garden and a detached timber framed gym/home office.

DEBDEN is a well located and sought after village with a highly regarded primary school, Inn, restaurant post office and 13th century Church. The village is situated approx. 4 miles from the historic town of Saffron Walden where there are a wide range of shops, schools, sports and other facilities. Newport (3 miles) and Audley End (4.5 miles), together with Elsenham provide train services to London (Liverpool St) and Cambridge. The larger town of Bishops Stortford lies approx. 9 miles south, with Cambridge 19 miles north. It is convenient for commuters with Stansted Airport, the M11 (J8) nr Bishop’s Stortford.