Hertford Drive, Fobbing, Essex, SS17 9HL

A wonderfully individual semi-rural home comprising a two-bedroom detached bungalow, separate detached guest accommodation and extensive L-shaped grounds backing directly onto open farmland. Originally part of the historic Crooked Brook plotlands, Oakdale combines character, flexibility and scope to update, all within easy reach of the London commuter network.

Set within the established Crooked Brook Estate, Oakdale began life as a timber-framed plotland cottage and has been extended over the years to create a comfortable and distinctive home. Exposed timbers, leaded-style windows and traditional detailing give the interior plenty of character, while the generous plot and countryside outlook provide a real sense of space and privacy.

The main living room is centred around an impressive brick fireplace with dual-fuel stove, creating a warm focal point. The fitted kitchen offers a good range of cabinetry and workspace, while to the rear a large conservatory forms a superb everyday living space. With underfloor heating, a Pilkington glass roof and stone flooring, it works well as both sitting and dining accommodation and enjoys views across the garden towards the farmland beyond.

The bungalow provides two bedrooms and a bathroom with both bath and separate shower.

A particularly valuable feature is the detached guest accommodation within the grounds. Originally a garage, it has been adapted and refurbished to provide a bedroom, sitting room and shower room/WC, making it ideal for guests, relatives, older children or flexible multi-generational living. The electrics serving this part of the property were upgraded in 2022.

Outside, Oakdale really comes into its own. The property occupies the original plot together with an additional section of land, creating an unusual L-shaped garden with far more space than the frontage initially suggests. The grounds include lawned areas, mature planting, seating and decked areas, a garden office, separate utility/storage building and Victorian-style glasshouse.

Most importantly, the garden backs directly onto open agricultural land, giving Oakdale a broad and uninterrupted countryside outlook. This semi-rural setting is one of the home's defining features, offering a peaceful backdrop while still remaining convenient for Stanford-le-Hope, local amenities and commuter links.

Oakdale has clearly been a much-loved home and has benefitted from a number of improvements over the years, but there remains genuine scope for a new owner to update and personalise further.

What you'll love!

Individual two-bedroom detached bungalow
Historic plotland origins
Original timber-framed cottage
Separate detached guest accommodation
Bedroom, sitting room and shower room/WC to guest accommodation
Extensive L-shaped plot
Direct views across open farmland
Large heated conservatory
Underfloor heating to conservatory
Character living room with exposed timbers
Brick fireplace with dual-fuel stove
Garden office
Separate utility/storage building
Victorian-style glasshouse
Extensive off-road parking
Scope to update and personalise
Peaceful semi-rural setting within the commuter belt

How to view:

Oakdale is a property whose appeal lies as much in its setting, plot and flexibility as it does in the bungalow itself. The scale of the grounds, open farmland outlook and detached guest accommodation really need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.

Viewing is strictly by appointment through Binks & Brown.

Oakdale forms part of the Crooked Brook Estate, an established private-road setting with origins in the area's historic plotland development. The road is maintained through a residents' committee, with a voluntary contribution currently requested towards upkeep and periodic maintenance.

Although enjoying a distinctly semi-rural atmosphere the property remains well placed for Basildon, Stanford le Hope and the surrounding areas.

Corringham, Stanford le Hope and Basildon provide a range of shops, schools and everyday amenities. The railway stations in Basildon, Stanford le Hope and Pitsea offer services towards London Fenchurch Street.

Road connections are also readily accessible, with the A13 providing onward links towards the M25, Southend and London