5 bedroom detached house for sale

Nestled in the rolling open countryside of North Essex, Old Robin stands as an impressive detached country residence with captivating views over expansive farmland. Set on a generous plot of approximately 1.5 acres, the property features impressive gardens and an enclosed paddock. Although its roots date back to the 17th century, it is not a listed building but still boasts a plethora of character features, including exposed beams and timbers, inglenook fireplaces, and natural oak timber flooring. The current occupants have owned Old Robin for 22 years, during which time they have meticulously modernised the residence while retaining its enduring charm and distinctive period features.

The heart of the home is the large open-plan kitchen dining room, perfect for entertaining. The wooden floor, brick fireplace, and exposed beams complement a stylish, modern granite-top kitchen, which is well-equipped with solid wood units, a butler sink, an integrated dishwasher, space for a large range cooker, and a functional centre island. A separate utility room provides additional storage, granite worktops, a second butler sink, and a door to the rear garden. The second reception room is a large sitting room with further character features, including a magnificent open fireplace with brick surround and exposed ceiling beams. The ground floor also includes an impressive study with views overlooking the gardens, providing a tranquil place to work. An additional ground floor room, currently used as a second sitting room, offers further family space with a third feature brick fireplace.

The first floor is divided into two wings. A staircase from the main sitting room leads to four bedrooms and a modern, stylish family bathroom. The second staircase, located off the second sitting room, leads to a shower room and a large fifth bedroom, ideal as a guest suite, or could be turn into an annexe. The first floor offers many further character features as well as views over the gardens and open countryside.

The gardens are a particular highlight of this property, providing fantastic 360-degree countryside views over open farmland. Formal gardens wrap around all four sides of the property, offering a secluded and tranquil setting perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Lovingly maintained by the current owners, the garden features expansive lawns, a patio area, hidden walkways through young and mature trees, and beautiful borders and planters. Notable features include a pond with a water feature and a timber footbridge, an attractive greenhouse, and an orchard yielding apples, plums, pears, and greengages. The gardens also offer off-road parking for numerous vehicles, a detached double garage, and an enclosed paddock suitable for various uses.

Stambourne is a quiet and rural village located on the Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire borders. This property is perfectly situated to enjoy nearby villages such as Finchingfield, Clare, Cavendish, and Long Melford. Larger centers like Haverhill, Braintree, and Saffron Walden are easily accessible, providing train links into Central London in under 60 minutes. Slightly further afield, but still within easy reach, are the larger cities of Colchester and Cambridge, home to the world-renowned Cambridge University, museums, and theatres.

Local transport links include a bus stop at Nortons Corner (0.31 miles), rail stations at Braintree (10 miles) and Audley End (15 miles), and Stansted Airport (12 miles) or Cambridge Airport (18 miles). The area offers a wide range of "Good" to "Outstanding" primary and secondary schools, as well as easy access to private schools like Barnardiston Hall Preparatory School (Haverhill) and Stoke College (Stoke-by-Clare). The renowned educational facilities of Cambridge are also within an easy commute.

Additional information about the property includes it being a freehold with oil-fired central heating, mains water and electricity, and private drainage. Council Tax Band G and an Energy Performance Rating of E. The property has good mobile phone coverage and high-speed internet connection available.