Birch Street, Birch, Colchester, CO2

A charming 19th century period home with a self-contained annexe, nestled in the picturesque North Essex village of Birch, just five miles southwest of Colchester.

Description

Heathcote is a charming four bedroom period property believed to date back to the early 19th century, providing an attractive symmetrical façade, situated within the delightful north-Essex village of Birch, approximately five miles southwest of Colchester.

The property is Grade II listed and provides a wealth of attractive period features with contemporary additions, and the benefit of a self-contained annexe complete with vaulted ceilings, a private entrance and internal access from the main house.

Set behind an elegant wide frontage, the property provides ample off-road parking and an established west-facing garden, extending to about 0.22 acres.

A solid wood front door with stained-glass panels leads to the welcoming entrance hall, with ornate tiled flooring and staircase rising to the first floor.

To the right, a generously proportioned living room is centred around an impressive redbrick fireplace, leading into a sitting room. On the opposite side of the hall, the formal dining room enjoys an open fireplace, dual-aspect windows and a stable door connecting to the kitchen. This stunning contemporary extension provides a kitchen and family room and showcases bespoke cabinetry, granite worktops, a Quooker instant hot water tap and a Rangemaster cooker. French oak flooring and six remote-controlled Velux windows provide natural light.

Beyond the kitchen, a dedicated utility/laundry room offers additional storage and appliance space, and a walk-in pantry. An inner lobby leads to a ground-floor shower room, a well-appointed storage cupboard and a study with dual-aspect windows and French doors opening out to the garden.

The annexe/bedroom 4 is accessed via a solid oak entrance door, opening to an equipped kitchenette which features a vaulted ceiling. The principal reception/bedroom is versatile and boasts wooden flooring, exposed timber beams, and a vaulted ceiling with two remote-controlled Velux windows to the side. A stable door provides access to the garden. There is a shower room including a low-level WC, a pedestal hand wash basin and a shower cubicle.

To the first floor, there is an elegant arched window with views over the village green and surrounding countryside.
The principal suite provides an en suite bathroom featuring twin sinks and a double shower. The current owners have thoughtfully reconfigured the layout to accommodate a larger family bathroom. Two additional double bedrooms complete this level, one enjoying front-facing views, while the other is positioned at the rear, adjacent to the main bathroom.

Outside
To the front, a spacious gravel driveway provides ample parking for numerous vehicles. A side gate leads through to a beautifully landscaped, west-facing garden.The lawn is bordered by established flowerbeds, while a large patio area extends from the rear of the house. There is an ornate pond and a dedicated kitchen garden, complete with fruit trees and raised vegetable beds.

A versatile garden shed/shipping container 18' x 7'5"/5.5m x 2.3m) is positioned discreetly within the garden.
All in around 0.22 of an acre.

Services
Mains water, electricity and drainage. Oil-fired heating.

Local authority
Colchester Borough Council. Council tax band = G (with improvement indicator).

Location

The property is located in the attractive village of Birch, situated approximately five miles southwest of Colchester. Heathcote is set back from Birch Street, overlooking the green, within walking distance of the popular Hare & Hounds public house and restaurant.

The village provides a thriving community and is served by Birch Church of England Primary School, providing education for local children. For secondary education, students typically travel to nearby Colchester, which offers several reputable schools, including Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls. Birch enjoys convenient road connections, with the A12 accessible via nearby routes, facilitating travel to London, Chelmsford and Ipswich. The closest railway stations are Marks Tey and Colchester, offering regular services to London Liverpool Street and other destinations. Marks Tey Station is approximately 4.2 miles away, while Colchester Station is about 6.1 miles from Birch.

Within Birch, there is a popular local public house/restaurant. For a broader range of shopping and leisure options, Colchester is easily accessible. Tollgate Shopping Centre (4 miles) and Stane Retail Park (4.2 miles) offer notable retail stores including M&S, and there is a Sainsbury’s superstore at Stanway (4.3 miles).

The surrounding Essex countryside offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby Roman River, flowing through scenic landscapes, is accompanied by nature reserves such as the Roman River Valley, a 44-acre area managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Additionally, Abberton Reservoir, located just 2.5 miles from Birch, is a significant site for birdwatching and offers walking trails with picturesque views.

Square Footage: 2,546 sq ft



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