Heath House,Little Braxted

Heath House

Heath House: A magnificent Grade II listed period Country Home which is located in a most desirableposition on the Blackwater Ridge, one of the most notable topographical features of Essex. Well situatedtowards the end of this sought-after tree lined residential lane in this highly favoured village. Set in someseven and a half acres of undulating grounds with both formal and informal gardens abutting 50 acres of‘Essex Wildlife Trust’ woodland and agricultural land.

Heath House is within walking distance of the excellent local amenities afforded by Little Braxted,Wickham Bishops and Great Totham, including the highly regarded Primary School. Commuters arewell served from Witham, approximately 3 miles, with its mainline station to Liverpool Street. Theattractive market town of Maldon is approximately 5 miles.

A fine family home of over 4111sq ft. C17.18 origins with further additions C1905 and C1936. There isevidence of Arts and Crafts and Tudoresque influences as well as the documented Jacobean input makingthis a unique character residence offering well proportioned spacious family accommodation of sixbedrooms, two bathrooms and three receptions plus sewing room / studio, large kitchen / breakfast roomand scullery with additional domestic offices. It has been in our clients’ ownership since 1995 duringwhich time they have sympathetically restored the property and indeed were given a Certificate ofCommendation from the Maldon District Council in July 1997 for the sensitive treatment and workcarried out on the project. The property has been rarely available on the market with just three ownersprior to our client in the last 110 years s.t.v..

Little Braxted: Little Braxted is a Rural Parish with country lanes and farm tracks. It is situated 4 milesnorth of Heybridge and close to Witham. The only concentration of housing is at Beacon Hill wherethree parish boundaries meet. The countryside slopes gently down from Beacon Hill to the RiverBlackwater where the Church of St Nicholas, Little Braxted Hall and Little Braxted Mill form a delightfulgroup of historic buildings alongside the river. There are extensive views northwards towards Withamand beyond. Little Braxted is on the Blackwater Ridges and is close to the village of Wickham Bishopswhich has a high standard of facilities for a small community.

Maldon, an Historic Town at the neck of the Blackwater Estuary, celebrated its Millennium after theBattle of Maldon in 991. There is sailing on the Blackwater and the Blackwater Leisure Centre offers aswimming pool, sauna, gym and other facilities including large supermarkets alongside pubs, bars andrestaurants.

Schooling Options: There are a number of schools within the area which includes the well regardedGreat Totham Primary School. Secondary Education: The Plume School at Maldon, Thurstable Schoolat Tiptree. Grammar Schools: at Chelmsford (KEGS and CCHS) and Colchester. Independent Primaryschools: at Maldon; Danbury and Colchester. Independent Secondary schools: at Boreham, BishopsStortford, Felsted, Ipswich and Framlingham, Suffolk.

The accent in the area is on leisure. In a glorious environment ..... RELAX AND ENJOY ...Soak up the atmosphere of quayside pubs and restaurants - country / golf clubs - tennis clubs - riding -walking - sailing - bird watching .... Health and Leisure Centres include: Five Lakes Hotel, Golf,Country Club & Spa at Tolleshunt Knights; Forrester Park Golf & Tennis Club at Great Totham; andBenton Hall Golf & Country Club at Witham.

There’s plenty of everything for everybodyYou are never far from major shopping malls, big city entertainments, and main transportation links withLondon, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted (within 24 miles), the channel tunnel, Eurostar and the east coastports.

HEATH HOUSE, LITTLE BRAXTEDApproximate straight line mileages:

County town of Chelmsford - 9.5 miles SW; Colchester - Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town - 11 miles NE; Witham - 3 miles W; Maldon - 5 miles S

GROUND FLOOR

OAK ENTRANCE DOOR TO MAIN RECEPTION HALL:(S) Window to front garden. An amazing original carved Jacobean firesurround with Delft tiled backing and iron fire back with Royal Coat ofArms inscribed ER. The handsome oak staircase with barley sugar twistbalusters leads to the first floor galleried landing and to the upper landing.Understairs cloak cupboard with light. Double radiator and shelf. Oakfloor.

DINING ROOM:(S) Two windows to front overlooking the delightful garden. A wonderfulroom for entertaining. Feature Adam style fireplace moulded surround andmantel, marbled slips, cast-iron grate on a marble hearth. Three wall-lightpoints. Picture light. Wealth of exposed timbers to ceiling. Two doubleradiators, shelves above. Bell press. Double doors to original cupboardwith concealed barrel vaulted display shelves and doors opening throughto serving hatch to Kitchen beyond. Oak flooring.

DRAWING ROOM:(S & E) An elegant spacious room; dual aspect including the bay windowto the beautiful side gardens. Bell press. Three double radiators. Mouldedfrieze and cornice. The feature moulded fireplace surround, marble slipswith cast-iron grate on a marble hearth with timber fender. Six wall-lightpoints.

LONG HALL / PASSAGE:Heavy timber Gothic-style door with latch iron fittings leads from thedriveway to the Long Hall / Passage. Commencing with a tiled entrance,two small leaded windows to front with tiled sills. Tiled skirting.Radiator.

STUDY:(E) Secondary glazed window overlooking the drive and gardens. Bellpress. Double radiator with shelf above. Picture rail. Feature original stove.

INNER HALL:Glazed window and door to courtyard with secondary glazing. Oakwood-block flooring. Two archways. The left-hand wall reveals examplesof the original construction with fluted timber columns, panel above.

Range of built-in cupboards with sliding doors, storage beneath. To theright is the:

CLOAKROOM:Secondary glazed window to rear. White ‘Sanitan’ suite comprisingpedestal wash-hand basin with Delft tiles into feature panel, mirror above.Low-level w.c. into recess, window above. Half-panelled walls. Coveredradiator. Black and white checkered ‘original’ tiled floor.

Along the Inner Hall on the right:

THE BUTLERS PANTRY:Window to courtyard. White deep butler sink, brass taps, cupboardsbeneath. Tiled splashback. To the left and right, timber shelves withcupboards beneath, fitted shelves above. Full size storage cupboard.Borrowed leaded light window in Oak frame to Hall and borrowed lightwindow to Scullery. Black and white checkered ‘original’ tiled floor.

Unique Period Home of over 4111 sq ft. s.t.v.

Overall plot 7½ acre s.t.s.

Impressive 1,300 ft Frontage

Adjoining Essex Wildlife land - views to Shut Heath Wood

Two original Georgian-style fireplaces and:

Exquisitively carved Jacobean fire surround with Delft tilelining

Wrought-iron log burning fire basket with canopy toReception Hall

Beautiful barley sugar twist balusters to main staircase

12’ ceiling with ornamental cornice to Drawing Room

Oak panelling to landing and principal bedroom

Fine stone fireplace with carved overmantel and Marquetrypanel inset also to principal bedroom

Secondary staircase

Original ceiling beams

AGA for cooking and hot water

Renovated working bell system

Oak window frames with glazed leaded insets

Part secondary glazing

Oil-fired central heating

Water softener

Heavy and fine quality carving to exterior front

Range of useful Outbuildings

Turret clock C1887 strikes on the hour

Stunning formal and informal gardens including woodland

Three working garden pumps and wells

Sunken garden with box parterre

59’ Rose Pergola

Summer House

York stone paving

Specimen trees including Mulberry and Walnut

‘4 minute stroll’ to village green and Green Man PublicHouse

FEATURES

THE ACCOMMODATION IN GREATER DETAIL

COUNTRY STYLE KITCHEN / BREAKFASTROOM:(W) Window overlooking the woodland garden to side.Fitted with granite work surfaces, cream fronted unitscomprising inset white deep butler sink into granite worksurface to either side with drawers and cupboards beneath. To the righthand side is a further area of work surface with space for microwave,drawer beneath. Tall fitted shelved cupboard. Into the fireplace stylerecess is the white 2 oven oil-fired Aga, tiled hearth, and splashback,cupboards to either side with mantel above. To the left is a door to the‘original’ serving cupboard in the dining room. Space and plumbing forfridge / freezer (not included in the sale). A beautiful large fitted pinedresser across most of one wall with shelves, drawers, further shelves andwicker baskets beneath. ‘Original’ renovated bell system. Radiator.Downlights. Oak strip flooring.

SCULLERY:Second staircase to level 2 and to first floor galleried landing, cupboardbeneath. Window to courtyard. Original pine plate rack. The unitscomprise ‘Twyford’ white butler sink into timber single drainer sink unitwith Briston mixer taps above. Plumbing for dishwasher. To the right isthe feature ‘original John Warner and Son of London’ water pump, largebrass tap to side (not in working order). Door to large shelved cupboardhousing the water softener. Double radiator. Part-panelled walls. Blackand white checkered ‘original’ tiled floor.

THE VERY USEFUL WALK-IN COLD ROOM:Window. ‘L’-shaped heavy slate shelf, shelves above. Original meatsafe. Meat hooks to ceiling. Further fitted shelves. Feature ‘original’pump to the pump system in the scullery (not in working order).

BOOT ROOM / UTILITY:A light and airy room with three small paned windows in cream frames tothe side path with Yew hedge, also overlooking woodland. Worcesteroil-fired boiler. Space and plumbing for washing machine and tumbledryer. Space for freezer (not to remain). Cream timber doors to either endlead to the garden. Quarry-tiled floor.

The back, secondary staircase to first floor with half landing to:

SEWING ROOM / STUDIO:(N) A small-paned window overlooking the woodland garden. Doubleradiator.

FIRST FLOOR

From the impressive Reception Hall the formal staircase leadsto:

MAIN LANDING:Secondary glazed window to courtyard. Full of character. Double doors tolarge airing cupboard with modern Megaflow water cylinder withimmersion heater for summer use, fitted shelves to side. Access to Loft.Wood flooring.

Doors lead to the Family Bathroom and separate w.c. and to back stairs toSewing Room / Studio and Scullery, and door to inner landing to Bedrooms3, 4, 5 and 6.

A short flight of steps from the main staircase with Oak panelled cupboardsto either side, rises to:

UPPER LANDING:Secondary glazed window overlooking rear garden. Rail and muntin Oakpanelling. Second loft access. Plaque rail. Oak flooring. Doors off to theleft and to the right leading to the:

MASTER BEDROOM: (Right)(S & E) A beautiful room with dual aspect large windows

enjoying delightful views. Part-panelled walls. Picture rail.

Oak double doors to large built-in wardrobe. Feature fireplace with carved

Oak mantel, stone surround inset with Delft tile lining. Above is an over

mantel of three panels, the centre of Marquetry. Bell push. Two double

radiators, shelves above. Downlighters to ceiling.

LOBBY: (Left)With shelved linen cupboard.

EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM:Secondary glazed leaded window to courtyard. ‘Vernon Tutbury’ white

pedestal wash-hand basin, tiled splash with mirror and lights above.

Shower cubicle tiled with shower screen door. Part tiled walls. Toilet into

recess with window above. Dimplex wall heater. Radiator.

BEDROOM 2:(S, N & E) Triple aspect secondary double-glazed windows. Heritagewhite wash-hand basin into large timber vanity unit with cupboardsbeneath, mirror and two lights above. Bell press. Two double-panelledradiators, one with shelf above. Downlighters to ceiling.

From the Main Landing to:

SEPARATE TOILET:Window. White low-level w.c. with timber seat. Radiator.

FAMILY BATHROOM:Large secondary double-glazed window. The feature of the bathroom isthe listed ‘original’ ball and claw free-standing large bath, ‘original’ taps.Heated chrome towel rail. Art Nouveau feature fireplace with mantel insetwith cast-iron grate. Shower cubicle, tiled with shower screen foldingdoor. Radiator. Two wall-lights. Borrowed light window. Pine flooring.

Door to inner Landing:

BEDROOM 3:(W) Window to woodland. Cream cast-iron fireplace inset

with blue and white tiles. To the side is a built-in cupboard. Whitewash-hand basin into vanity unit with cupboard beneath, glass splash withmirror, shelf and wall-light above. Bell press. Picture rail. Doubleradiator.

BEDROOM 4:(S) Window. Double radiator. Feature cast iron fireplace. Bell Press.

BEDROOM 5:(S) Window to front overlooking the front garden. Fitted double wardrobewith curtains. Bell press. Double radiator.

BEDROOM 6:(S & W) Well lit with dual aspect. Double radiator. Picture rail. BellPress.

OUTSIDE

Heath House in stunning grounds and gardens:

Commencing with a pedestrian front entrance via decorative wrought irongate within brick pillars surmounted by concrete balls. A York stone pathflanked by tall yew hedges leads to the front entrance and to the:

Delightful landscaped formal front gardensThe main lawn with a mature walnut tree and flower beds with a mixedvariety of shrubs including azaleas, some evergreens and camellias. Asloping bank leads to a shrubbery with Japanese maples, lilac and heatherswith low box border. There are old brick steps with a brick path flankedby mature rhodedendrons and a monkey puzzle tree. From here there is astile access to woodlands and duck pond.

The formal gardens continue to the side bay of the house where there is apergola and mature wisteria together with rose and herbacious planting.A low box hedge flanks yorkstone paths with a 59’ pergola whichsupports a variety of climbing roses. The gardens continue and include asunken garden with box parterre and topiary. There is a Well with handpump. A further lawn has within it an old mulberry and walnut trees.

The York stone path widens and leads to the summer house where thereis another hand pump and access to a tranquil lawn and garden with‘croquet moss lawn’ edged with mixed plantings. Mature cedar and oaktrees.

Vehicle access is via a five bar farm gate which opens to a curved graveldrive flanked by laurels and trees. Old lamp post. To the right is aspacious lawn or play area (could become a tennis court, if required s.t.p.),with carpet of primroses in season. This in turn leads to the wild garden,meadow and open mature woodland. The wild garden has a series ofpaths and planting whilst the meadow is planted to wild grass seeds andflowers with pathways cut through. From here there are splendid viewsacross agricultural land to Shut Heath Wood which was formerly in theownership of Heath House. Old brick access steps remain.

Wood shed under tiled roof.

Behind the house is extensive undulating light woodland which in seasonis carpeted with daffodils (narcissus pseudo narcissis) and then bluebells.

OUTBUILDINGS

Large brick built garage 22’1 x 12’ (6.71m x 3.66m) under tiled roof withtimber double doors to front. Incorporates small workshop. Light andpower points. Access to loft housing turret clock.

Rebuilt timber and brick greenhouse with power points and slatted stagingto one side.

Converted kennels divided into three units for logs and storage.

Weather-boarded building with a pantile roof, former garage, now Tractorshed 18’11 x 13’10 max (5.72m x 4.19m), heavy rubber flooring, loftstorage, light and power with adjoining pony stalls, 12’11 x 12’3 (3.89mx 3.73m) max, shuttered window to front, original pine boarding to thewalls and ceiling, stone slab floor, power and light and both have openmangers.

To the rear is a useful ladder shed. Outside WC with hand basin (coldwater only)

Garden tool shed.

Listing: TL81 SE LITTLE BRAXTED BRAXTED ROAD 4/164Heath House - II House. C17/C18 left range. Circa 1905 right crosswing.1936 rear range. Original cottage timber framed and plastered. Crosswingplastered red brick with batten decoration. Rear range of red brick. Redplain tiled roofs. 2 red brick chimney stacks each with 3 diagonal shafts.Left range one storey and attics with 3 gabled dormers, 2 storey cross-wing. The original cottage was extended and converted into a Tudor stylehouse for a Mr Wilson of the London Auctioneers, Puttock and Simpson.He had collected many Tudor, Jacobean and later house items and theseare now incorporated in the building. The 1936 rear extension is of goodquality with moulded brick work to window and door openings. 3:1window range of ornamental leaded vari-light windows all with wroughtiron ornamental catches, that to crosswing first floor an oriel. Plank andmuntin door to left range with segmental pointed head, surround withfoliate carved spandrels. Plain vertical battens to ground floor. Circularand vertical battens to crosswing above jetty, simulating Shropshire styleframing. Carved crossed armed men jetty brackets. Foliate carved bres-summer to jetty. A similar bressummer to gable, the centre carved with aman’s head, shield, 1905 and “W”. Vine carved bargeboards with pendantto gable. Similar carved bargeboards with finials and pendants to dormers.All carvings heavy and of fine quality. The interior contains much gooddetail including segmental pointed arches to hall passage. Main hall withcarved Jacobean fire surround, Delft tile backing and iron fireback withRoyal Coat of Arms inscribed ER. Staircase with barley sugar twistbalusters. The upper landing with rail and muntin oak panelling. Allwindow frames are iron and the surrounds are stop chamfered. Crosswingdrawing room with moulded frieze and cornice and moulded fire sur-round. Most doors have segmental pointed heads, are plank and muntinwith carved spandrels to surrounds. There is a possibly Jacobean copy firesurround in one bedroom with original overmantel of 3 panels, the centreof Marquetry. Original Delft tile lining. Other bedrooms with cast iron firesurrounds. The bathroom has a small cast iron Art Nouveau fireplace anda bath with original plunger. Original ceiling beams and stop chamferedbridging joists to left range.

in summer

Garage with Clock Tower

First Floor

Ground Floor

ROOM DIMENSIONS

GROUND FLOOR

MAIN RECEPTION HALL 13’6 x 13’3 max 4.11m x 4.04mplus staircase recess to first floorDINING ROOM 22’10 x 12’7 6.93m x 3.81mDRAWING ROOM 20’7 x 18’11 6.25m x 5.72mplus large bay windowLONG HALL / PASSAGE 46’ x 5’3 max 14.02m x 1.60mSTUDY 14’9 x 12’1 4.50m x 3.66mINNER HALLCLOAKROOM 6’2 x 5’4 1.83m x 1.60mplus toilet recess of 2’9 x 2’4 0.84m x 0.69mTHE BUTLERS PANTRY 5’2 reducing to 1.52mplus cupboard at the end 3’1 x 11’8 0.91m x 3.51mKITCHEN / BREAKFAST ROOM 15’10 x 14’1 4.80m x 4.27mSCULLERY 13’1 x 9’9 3.96m x 2.97mCOLD ROOM 7’11 x 6’ 2.36m x 1.83mBOOT ROOM / UTILITY 22’3 x 7’2 6.78m x 2.13mSEWING ROOM / STUDIO 14’11 x 8’10 4.50m x 2.67m

FIRST FLOOR

MAIN LANDING 15’4 x 13’3 max 4.65m x 4.04mUPPER LANDINGMASTER BEDROOM 18’ x 17’8 5.49m x 5.33mBEDROOM 2 20’2 x 12’2 6.10m x 3.66mLOBBYEN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM 6’5 x 5’6 1.91m x 1.68mplus toilet recess 2’11 x 2’5 0.84m x 0.69mSEPARATE TOILETFAMILY BATHROOM 10’10 x 7’4 3.28m x 2.21mBEDROOM 3 15’11 x 13’10 4.80m x 4.19mBEDROOM 4 12’7 x 12’ 3.81m x 3.66mBEDROOM 5 12’5 x 7’5 3.73m x 2.21mBEDROOM 6 12’ x 11’ 3.66m x 3.35m

OUTSIDE

LARGE BRICK BUILT GARAGE 22’1 x 12’ 6.71m x 3.66mTRADITIONAL GREENHOUSE 20’ x 11’ 6.10m x 3.35mTRACTOR SHED 18’11 x 13’10 max 5.72m x 4.19mPONY STALLS 12’11 x 12’3 max 3.89m x 3.73m

FOR INFORMATION:

C17.18 origins with further additions C1905 and C1936

Part timber framed and plastered, part brick construction

Mainly original features

Original renovated bell system

Oil boiler and radiators

Oak framed windows restored leaded light windows, wrought-ironornamental catches

Oak internal doors

Main Home, approx. 4111 sq ft. s.t.v.

SERVICES:

Mains electricity

Oil-fired central heating

Drainage by modern Klargester system

LOCAL AUTHORITIES:

Council Tax Banding: H

Maldon District Council: Tel: 01621 854477

Essex County Council: Tel: 0845 7430430

COVENANTS, RIGHTS OF WAY, WAYLEAVES ANDEASEMENTS:The sale is subject to any covenants; all rights of support, public andprivate rights of way, water, light, drainage and other easements, quasi-easements and wayleaves, all or any other like rights, whether men-tioned in these particulars or not.

Important Notice

These particulars have been prepared in good faith and are believed to becorrect, but all interested parties must satisfy themselves personally byinspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. All negotiations are to beconducted through Valerie Loveland Estate Agents. Please note that wehave not verified the existence of any services to the property, and no testshave been made of services, equipment or fittings, and no warranty is givenor implied as to their condition or the condition of buildings and any part orparts of the property. All drawings and photographs are for guidancepurposes only, and any articles, fixtures and fittings shown are not includedunless they are specified in the particulars. All measurements, areas anddistances given are approximate. Dimensions in feet and inches are roundeddown to the nearest 3" for metric equivalents. Descriptions of the propertyare given as opinions and not as matters of fact. Purchasers must rely on theirown enquiries into all matters that are important to them. Please contact thisoffice if you require any detail to be verified or further information to beprovided, particularly if you are contemplating travelling some distance toview the property. While we believe that areas of properties have beenaccurately calculated, any prospective buyer who considers this feature to beparticularly important is strongly recommended to have the site measure-ments checked by their own surveyor before submitting an offer to purchase.These particulars do not constitute or form part of an offer or contract.120312

34 The Street, Wickham Bishops, Witham, Essex, CM8 3NNTel: 01621 893141Fax: 01621 893539Web: www.valerieloveland.co.ukEmail: info@valerieloveland.co.uk

VIEWINGStrictly by prior appointment through Valerie Loveland Estate Agents on:

01621 893141Open 6 days a week - Parking at front and behind office

Heath HouseLittle Braxted

DIRECTIONS

From Valerie Loveland Estate Agents’ office, in theWitham direction, at the crossroads take the first turningon the right into Tiptree Road. Continue until you readythe war memorial on your left. Turn left in front of thewar memorial and bear round to the right where theproperty can be found towards the end of the lane on theleft-hand side.

This plan is for identification purposes only. Its accuracy can in no way be guaranteed. Not to scale.

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the Controller H.M.S.O. Crown copyright reserved. Licence No. WL1005599