West Chase, Maldon, Essex, CM9

A remarkable Grade II listed property with seven double bedrooms, four receptions, expansive basement with gym and games/entertainment room, extending to almost 6,500sq ft, elevated within a generous plot, offering panoramic views via its spectacular Belvedere. Extensive gated driveway and garaging. Located just a stone's throw from the high street, yet hidden away within a prime position, enjoying views of the town and River Blackwater. EPC D.

THE PROPERTY

Exceptional Grade II listed residence offering a rare combination of architectural grandeur, flexible accommodation and an enviable position close to Maldon’s historic town centre and waterfront. Set discreetly behind secure electric gates and a brick-pillared wall, the property occupies a surprisingly generous plot, tucked away off West Chase while enjoying elevated views across Maldon and the River Blackwater. Arranged over four floors, the accommodation includes a substantial basement, a rooftop belvedere, seven double bedrooms and five reception rooms.

The ground floor is introduced by an impressive wood-panelled entrance hall, featuring a striking Gothic staircase. The principal living accommodation includes a magnificent kitchen/breakfast room with a feature island, full-height windows and far-reaching views across Maldon and the waterfront. Bay windows and double doors open onto a secluded walled side terrace/courtyard which runs the entirety of the house creating an exceptional and expansive setting for entertaining and outdoor dining. Further accommodation on this floor includes a sitting room, snug, dining room, study, cloakroom, utility, laundry room and access to the double garage.

The first floor currently provides a principal bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, a second bedroom with a substantial en-suite, a further bedroom and a family bathroom. The remaining bedrooms and bathroom are arranged across the second floor, with many rooms enjoying the same breathtaking elevated outlook.

The extensive basement provides a wealth of additional space and considerable versatility. In addition to numerous rooms suitable for storage, there is a games or party room with direct access to the gardens, a gym, plant room and further cloakroom. The garden access from the basement offers excellent potential for creating a seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining environment. It is also important to note this entire section of the property could provide independent accommodation to the principal living accommodation above if required.

The Belvedere

A truly distinctive feature of the property is the rooftop Belvedere, providing an enchanting space in which to relax and escape, it offers an exceptional 360-degree panoramic vista across the rivers and islands out towards the Blackwater estuary.

Externally

The property is approached via the discreet chase located just off the main High Street and is secured behind double electric gates and a brick-pillared security wall. To the front, there is ample driveway parking and access to the double garage. The majority of the plot lies to the side and rear of the house. A secluded walled terrace, accessed directly from the kitchen/breakfast room, provides an ideal space for entertaining and leads via steps down to the principal gardens. The gardens have been improved dramatically by the current owners and are principally laid to lawn, with further steps and access from the basement level.

HISTORY

John Granger Sadd (1828-1900) built or rather rebuilt, the house with outbuildings, yard and gardens in 1880 and called the house Mount View, named after the Saxon Hill Fort, Burh or Mount, on which it partly stands,

John Sadd was a wealthy timber and builders’ merchants, trading in Maldon since 1729. He imported timber from Europe and slate from Wales and supplied cement, lath and Stockholm tar to the trades. Mountview served as the Sadd’s important and rather grandiose townhouse. The house was equipped with a belvedere to enable regular observation of their Fullbridge works, the barges and other river traffic.

John Sadd lived in Mountview until his death and his widow, Mary Ann Sadd (1831-1905), continued there until her passing. Councillor and three times mayor, Harry William Sadd (1866-1921) had it after that, along with his wife Bessie (1873-1936) and their eight children. The second son, Alfred Sadd, became a missionary and was tragically murdered by the Japanese in 1942.

We are honoured to have obtained a blue plaque on the entrance of the property in remembrance of John and Mary’s daughter, Myra Eleanor Sadd-Brown, a famous suffragette
And pioneer of women’s rights who lived in Mountview during1982-1896. In 1947 it was then leased to Maldon Borough Council, who converted it into 5 flats.

In 1955 it was purchased by the Franciscan Minoresses and in 1957 the Franciscan sisters opened the first catholic school in the area for 22 children, by 1960, at least 117 children had enrolled so the need for expansion was evident. The sisters began immediately to plan for a new school building which opened in 1976 for 200 children and again expanding with a new infant block in 1982. In 1995 sister Dolorosa, the last of the sisters on staff, handed over the school to the lay headteacher.

Over the next few years Mount View was used for teaching less and less.

LOCATION

Enjoying an elevated position in the heart of Maldon, the property is within easy reach of the town centre and waterfront, while remaining remarkably private and concealed from view.

Maldon offers a wide range of amenities, including high street shops, independent retailers, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and leisure facilities. The town also provides a selection of schooling, including several primary schools, Plume School for state secondary education and Maldon Court Preparatory School.

Famous for its sea salt, Maldon stands at the mouth of the River Blackwater and offers excellent opportunities for sailing, water sports and scenic walks throughout the Blackwater Estuary and surrounding countryside.

Chelmsford is approximately 10 miles to the west and provides extensive shopping, leisure and cultural facilities. The A12 is approximately seven miles away, while mainline railway stations at Chelmsford, Witham and Hatfield Peverel offer fast and regular services to Stratford and London Liverpool Street.

SERVICES:
Mains water, electricity and drainage connected
Council Tax Band H
EPC D