Birch Road, Copford, Colchester, Essex, CO6

Grade II listed early 19th-century farmhouse, redecorated throughout, occupying a peaceful and private position on the edge of Copffsord Green, within landscaped gardens of about 1.73 acres.

Description

Walnut Tree Farm is a Grade II listed red-brick farmhouse of early 19th-century origin, beneath a slate roof and redecorated throughout, in which generous period proportions sit easily alongside a fresh, contemporary finish. It is the setting, however, that distinguishes it. The house occupies a quiet and secluded position on the southern edge of Copford Green, approached along a peaceful country lane and looking out over open countryside, while its gardens and grounds – extending to approximately 1.73 acres – are among the property's greatest pleasures, landscaped with evident care to create a real sense of space, seclusion and calm. A range of traditional former farm buildings provides further useful storage and ancillary space.

Internally the accommodation is at once elegant and practical, arranged over two floors and equally suited to family life and to entertaining. A light-filled reception hall sets the tone on arrival, with a staircase rising to the first-floor landing and the principal reception rooms opening to either side. The drawing room, with its open fireplace, and the library and sitting room, warmed by a wood-burning stove, share fine proportions and tall sash windows that draw in natural light and frame views across the gardens.

To the rear lies a bespoke kitchen, fitted in a soft, neutral palette and opening through to a spacious dining room – a relaxed and sociable arrangement at the heart of the house. An inner lobby leads to a utility room and cloakroom, a practical boot room offers direct access to the garden, and a wine cellar is set beneath the house, reached by way of a hatch from the utility room. A timber-framed orangery completes the ground floor, opening to both the front and rear gardens.

The first floor offers a principal bedroom and three further well-proportioned bedrooms, served by two family bathrooms – one with a shower, the other with both a bath and a separate shower.

Outside
The gardens and grounds are a true feature of Walnut Tree Farm, extending to approximately 1.73 acres and landscaped to create a sense of space, tranquillity and privacy. Approached along a quiet country lane, the property is reached by a sweeping gravel driveway providing generous parking and access to the front of the house. The grounds are largely laid to lawn and planted with a variety of mature trees and well-stocked flower and shrub borders, with a natural pond in the north-western corner that attracts an abundance of wildlife and a small area of woodland beyond.

The house looks out across an expansive lawn and driveway, with a south-facing formal garden to one side. To the rear, a generous York stone terrace makes an ideal setting for outdoor dining and entertaining, while a raised shingle terrace wraps around the front and side elevations – bordered by a red-brick retaining wall – and links back to the rear terrace. Further lawned gardens lie beyond, the principal garden enclosed for privacy. Family touches include a children's Wendy house and a timber climbing frame.

To the southern side of the property stands a traditional red-brick outbuilding incorporating three useful stores, together with a share of a cart lodge. In all, the property extends to about 1.73 acres.

Services
Mains water and electricity, with private drainage.

Location

Marks Tey train station: 2.3 miles (from 52 ,minutes); Colchester: 7 miles; Chelmsford: 19.7 miles; Stansted airport; 28.9 miles; Ipswich: 24.2 miles. All distances approximate.

Walnut Tree Farm enjoys a peaceful semi-rural setting on the edge of Copford Green, a sought-after hamlet arranged around a triangular village green. At its centre stands a fine oak, planted by villagers to commemorate the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902, with a popular public house, a primary school, a cricket ground and a church close at hand.

A wider range of everyday amenities can be found at Marks Tey, 2.3 miles away, with a post office, a public house, several shops and a railway station offering frequent services to London Liverpool Street in around 56 minutes. By road, Marks Tey joins the A12, giving ready access to London to the south and to Ipswich and the coast to the north.

The historic city of Colchester – the oldest recorded town in England – lies approximately 7 miles distant and offers an extensive range of shopping, leisure and educational facilities, including two grammar schools, making the area especially popular with families. Chelmsford (19.7 miles), Ipswich (24.2 miles) and Stansted Airport (28.9 miles) are all within comfortable reach. All distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 2,233 sq ft


Acreage: 1.73 Acres

Directions

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