Le Cateau Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2

A truly individual and striking home, forming part of the former Sergeants Mess Hall and offering a style and scale rarely found within this attractive terrace.

History

Built in 1874-75, tucked away from the vibrant city centre. Overlooking the ground famously used as the Roman Circus, one of the greatest and most important Roman finds in British history. The Sergeants’ Mess was formally The Officers’ Quarters for the Royal Artillery Barracks, renamed the Le Cateau Barracks in 1914.

This former command centre, pivotal at keys points of WWII was converted post war into a modern facility for the British Armed Forces.

The detailed architecture of the Sergeants’ Mess makes it arguably the most prominent building in one of the earliest and best persevered permanent barracks of the Victorian Colchester Garrison.

The property

Arranged over three levels, the property has been significantly enhanced by the current owners and combines the character of its former military use with sophisticated contemporary living.

Ground floor

The centrepiece is the dramatic 31ft open-plan living space, where double-height ceilings create an exceptional sense of volume and light. This impressive room provides an outstanding space for both entertaining and everyday living, with an open-plan returning staircase adding to the architectural appeal.

Lower Ground floor

The lower ground floor provides a superb kitchen/breakfast room, fitted with a range of contemporary units and complemented by a Quooker tap, double oven and microwave. Bi-fold doors open directly onto an atmospheric subterranean garden courtyard, creating a particularly appealing connection between the kitchen and outside space. There is also a cellar/store, providing useful additional storage.

Also on this level is a versatile snug/bedroom three, complete with en-suite facilities and French doors opening onto a small courtyard. A spiral staircase rises from here to the front communal area, providing an unusual and practical additional access.

First floor

The top floor comprises two generous double bedrooms. Bedroom one benefits from a dressing room and en-suite shower room, while bedroom two is served by a well-appointed family bathroom. Built-in wardrobes, shutters and carefully considered storage features further enhance the accommodation.


The current owners have invested considerably in the property, creating a home that is presented to an exceptionally high standard and is offered as a potential turnkey purchase. Enhancements include electric gates providing secure parking within the garden, block paving, landscaped courtyard areas, external lighting and power, heritage renovation of the front courtyard coping stones, a garden shed and an outside tap.
Internally, numerous improvements have been made, including additional fitted storage, reconfigured layouts, extra electrical sockets, electric Roman blinds, shutters, ceiling spotlights, built-in wardrobes, upgraded bathroom fittings and a heated circular mirror.

The property also benefits from an Ajax alarm system with app connectivity and BT full-fibre broadband.

Externally, Ring cameras provide security to both the front and rear, while the owners have created attractive courtyard planting and additional seating/storage areas. The exterior was painted approximately one year ago.

There is off-road parking for one car, together with further parking within the garden behind the electric gates.

A particularly impressive and individual property, 4 The Sergeants Mess is distinguished by its double-height living accommodation, dramatic proportions and versatile three-storey layout, while the considerable investment by the current owners means it can be enjoyed immediately with little further expenditure required. A selection of furniture, artwork, televisions and other items may also be available by separate negotiation, allowing the house to be purchased as a genuine turnkey home.

Accommodation

Ground floor

• 31ft open-plan living/dining area with double-height ceiling

Lower Ground Floor

• Kitchen/breakfast room
• Snug/bedroom three
• En-suite shower room
• Courtyard garden
• Cellar/store

First Floor

• Bedroom one with dressing room and en-suite shower room
• Bedroom two
• Family bathroom

Outside

• Secure gated parking for one car and off road parking for a further car
• Private garden
• Subterranean courtyard garden
• Front courtyard
• Garden shed
• External lighting and power
• Electric gates

What's Nearby

Located within easy reach of Colchester City centre, the University of Essex, and excellent transport links including mainline rail services to London Liverpool Street, The property is perfectly located with everyday convenience. Nearby amenities include shops, cafés, schools and recreational facilities, while surrounding open spaces and parkland add to the appeal.

Offering a rare opportunity to occupy a building of historic significance in a highly sought-after location, The Sergeants Mess is ideal for those seeking character, space and a unique sense of place in one of Essex’s most established areas.