Plumtree Drive, Gilden Park, Essex, CM17

If you've got a growing family, enjoy having people round or simply want a home where everything has its place, I think you'll appreciate what the owners have created at Plumtree Drive. Even better, it's being sold chain free, so there's no onward move to wait for. There's a lovely balance here between having somewhere that looks smart and somewhere you can actually enjoy living. A beautiful upgraded kitchen, a living room with plenty of character, a particularly generous garden and parking for three cars. All the things that make a difference to everyday life, rather than just looking good in a photograph.

The living room is probably where I'd spend most of my time. It's a lovely bright space, with a bay window overlooking the front and French doors opening onto the garden at the rear, so you're getting natural light from both ends. The owners have added Amtico flooring and a bespoke media wall with fitted cabinetry, shelving and lighting, which gives the room a really smart finish without making it feel too formal. There's plenty of space to get comfortable in front of the television, and they've even managed to incorporate a desk by the front window. Ideal if you work from home, although having the sofa that close might test your willpower occasionally.

Across the entrance, the kitchen and dining area is another part of the house that stands out. When the owners purchased the property brand new off plan, they selected an upgraded kitchen specification and it's one of those choices that has really paid off. You've got sleek gloss cabinetry, integrated appliances, double ovens and plenty of worktop space, with tiled flooring continuing through from the entrance hall. The dining area sits alongside a large window, making it a lovely bright spot for breakfast in the morning or getting everyone around the table in the evening. Whether that's a Sunday roast, friends over for dinner or the children spreading their homework across the table, there's room for it all. There's also a downstairs W/C, which is always handy when you've got visitors.

Upstairs, the first thing I noticed was how light the landing feels. It's a wider space than you might expect, with its own window bringing in natural daylight, which makes a nice difference compared with the darker landings you often find in similar homes. The main bedroom has its own en-suite shower room, giving you a little privacy when everyone's getting ready in the morning. The second bedroom is another double and currently has space for both a bed and a desk, while the third bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes, helping to make the most of the available space. You've also got a family bathroom with a bath and shower over, along with a partly boarded loft and fitted metal ladder for additional storage. Not the most glamorous selling point, granted, but you'll be grateful for it when the Christmas decorations need putting away.

Now, the garden is somewhere I think this home really separates itself from others. The owners have had it excavated and landscaped, creating a much larger patio area alongside a generous raised grassed section. It's a particularly good sized garden and you can immediately see how well it could work for family life. There's room for the children to play, somewhere to sit with a drink in the evening and enough patio space to get everyone round for a barbecue without having to rearrange the entire garden. There's also a shed for storage and gated side access leading directly to the private driveway, where you've got parking for three cars. If you've ever lived somewhere with limited parking, you'll know how much of a difference that makes.

Gilden Park itself is another reason I can see this home appealing to families. The development has been planned around green open spaces, walking routes and areas for children to play, giving you somewhere to get outside without needing to drive anywhere. There are also football pitches and community sports facilities, with the new Harlowbury Primary School planned to serve the growing neighbourhood. You've got a Londis convenience store on the development for those everyday essentials, while nearby Old Harlow offers a good choice of cafés, pubs, restaurants and local shops. David Lloyd Harlow is also nearby for anyone who enjoys the gym, swimming or making the most of their leisure time.

For anyone travelling further afield, Junction 7a of the M11 is conveniently located for road connections towards London, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, while Harlow Mill railway station offers services towards London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. Harlow's wider shopping and leisure facilities are also within easy reach, so you've got plenty around you without feeling like you're living right in the middle of town.

What I particularly like about Plumtree Drive is that the owners have made some really good choices, both when they first bought the home and in the improvements they've made since. Nothing feels overcomplicated or done purely for show. You've got a lovely home to enjoy now, a garden with plenty of space for the warmer months and a location that makes everyday life convenient. If you're looking for a three bedroom home in Gilden Park, I think this one deserves to be on your list and I'd be more than happy to show you around personally.