Lexden Road, Lexden, Colchester, Essex, CO3

High Lawns is an imposing, double-fronted six-bedroom Edwardian residence, combining elegant proportions with extensive family accommodation arranged over three floors. Set within a plot approaching 0.35 acre, with a south-facing rear garden offering a high degree of privacy.

High Lawns is an imposing, double-fronted six-bedroom Edwardian residence, combining elegant proportions with extensive family accommodation arranged over three floors. Set within a plot approaching 0.4 acre, with a south-facing rear garden offering a high degree of privacy, this distinguished home brings together period character, modern comforts and a convenient Lexden setting.

Its handsome façade introduces light-filled interiors and a versatile layout reflecting the Edwardian emphasis on space, simplicity and comfort. During their nine years of ownership, the present owners have undertaken a considered programme of improvement and maintenance, complementing the house’s architectural features with quality finishes. Consistent carpeting and premium underlay from Hatfields bring continuity to eight principal rooms, while selected lighting from Jim Lawrence adds a sympathetic finishing touch.

An attractive storm porch creates a welcoming introduction to the accommodation. The dual-aspect drawing room is a particularly inviting space, with a Chesneys wood-burning stove providing a focal point. A separate study, currently used as a home gym, features an Art Nouveau fireplace, while the sitting room opens through French doors into the conservatory, extending the space for everyday living and entertaining.

The kitchen/breakfast room forms a natural gathering place, with a four oven Aga lending warmth and character to the breakfast area and a pantry providing practical storage. A sizeable lean-to, accessed from the kitchen, offers extensive additional storage and leads through to the garage. A cloakroom completes the ground floor.

A generous first-floor landing gives access to three substantial double bedrooms. The principal bedroom benefits from an en-suite, while a spacious separate dressing room offers the flexibility to be reinstated as an additional bedroom. A family bathroom completes this floor.

The second floor provides three further well-proportioned double bedrooms and a large family bathroom, offering excellent flexibility for a growing family, visiting guests or those requiring dedicated space to work from home.

The improvements extend beyond the decorative finishes. Matching radiators supplied and installed by Nevelli of Hadleigh have been selected with generous heat outputs, complemented by a replacement hot water cylinder and app-controlled heating settings for the boiler and several radiators. Gas and electricity smart meters and fibre-to-the-premises broadband provide further modern convenience. A three-phase electricity service head also offers scope to support higher electrical demand, including potential provision for multiple fast EV chargers, subject to confirmation of supply capacity and appropriate installation.

Considerable attention has been given to the roof, including renewed coverings to the front and rear dormers, replacement leadwork, suitable low-pitch tiles and a breathable membrane to the lower rear roof, and the installation of a dry ridge system. The porch roof has also been retiled, and both the front and rear elevations were fully redecorated during the summer. The two front chimney stacks have been repointed using lime mortar appropriate to the period construction, with reclaimed chimney pots and bird cowls completing the work.

The gardens are a particularly appealing feature. The overall plot approaches 0.4 acre, with the south-facing rear garden enjoying a high degree of privacy and providing a delightful setting for outdoor dining, relaxation and family life. Fruit-bearing apple and plum trees, together with a grapevine, add to its established character, while a wide variety of flowering plants brings colour and seasonal interest, particularly during the spring. A garden shed provides useful storage, and much of the fencing for which the owners are responsible has been renewed with concrete posts and replacement panels.

For commuters, Colchester’s mainline station is approximately a ten-minute cycle ride away via Hilly Fields Nature Reserve, a route regularly used by the present owner for their London commute.

With its distinguished Edwardian presence, generous reception spaces and adaptable bedroom accommodation, High Lawns offers a substantial and characterful family home in Lexden.

What's nearby

Colchester is a thriving ‘new’ city set in North Essex, bordering Suffolk which is only a few miles away. The town boasts nationally acclaimed Grammar schools, fast and speedy links to London in less than an hour, and a thriving town centre, as well as first class out of town retail centres. The lovely Colne valley is within 15 minutes’ drive of the centre, and the pink towns of Suffolk are a mere twenty minutes’ drive from the town. Mersea Island, Brightlingsea, and Frinton, all stunning coastal destinations are within half an hour’s drive of the town, and Suffolk’s resorts of Aldeburgh and Southwold within an hour.

Colchester City Centre with shops and restaurants – walking distance

Schools
- Colchester Royal Grammar School, Colchester Girls High, St Mary’s, Philip Morant, St Benedicts, Oxford House, Colchester High School, Hamilton Road Primary, Prettygate Primary – all walking distance.
- Holmwood House - 0.5 miles
* Homefarm Primary School is also walking distance. Best Ofsted rated primary school in the area.
* Lexden Lodge kindergarten is within walking distance

- Bus stop to Ipswich school, Gosfield, Royal Hospital, St Joseph’s College and Ipswich School - all leave from within 0.5 of a mile from the house

Colchester North and Town Stations – 1.2 miles (London Liverpool Street 50 mins)

Mercury Theatre and cinemas – walking distance

Hilly Fields Nature Reserve – walking distance

Lexden Park Nature Reserve – walking distance