4 bedroom detached house for sale

A stunning 16th Century historic family home set in 0.45 of an acre with river access.

What we think at Zoe Napier Group

We love it! This is a great family home with a wonderful ambiance, in a private setting with south and west-facing grounds. the tranquil sounds of the running brook run alongside the running brook for a spot of fishing, visiting Swans, and kayaking. The farmhouse offers generous living spaces too and could offer multi-generational living with a versatile ground floor bedroom.

What the Owners Say

This property was my forever dream. Sadly, circumstances have changed and regretfully, our plans will not materialise for us to move to Gosfield now. The next owner will love this home and hopefully enjoy all that there is to offer in the area. The house is so characterful yet feels peaceful and homely with bright spacious rooms.

History & Background

A superb 2400 sq ft family home, set on a mature plot of 0.45 of an acre, securely fenced (dog/child proof) with Bourne Brook running along the southern boundary of the grounds where vehicle access is over a bridge to the extensive driveway. Bourne Brook is a running water brook, attracts river birds and mammals with places to canoe, fish, and kayak for fun. The brook runs between Gosfield Lake and Sparrows Pond.

The farm house is Grade II Listed, recorded to date back to the 1500’s or earlier, with later additions. It features three red brick chimney stacks with its exposed timber frame and plastered external finishes. The property in more recent years has undergone a comprehensive programme of refurbishment providing characterful accommodation, exposed timbers, and charming inglenook fireplaces, combined with the practicalities of 21st century living.

The mature grounds are south and west facing with lovely terrace areas, a period outhouse and a garage.  The property benefits from being an end of chain situation.

Setting & Location

The property is situated on the periphery of the highly sought-after village of Gosfield. Sought after for the superb Gosfield Lake water ski centre, with Italian restaurant on site, a historic village centre  with a village shop and pub and furthermore the nature reserve, two highly reputed private schools (St Margaret’s & Gosfield Independent), Gosfield Community School and Hedingham School for senior education.

The property is well screened from The Street, the main thoroughfare through the village, which is also the Braintree to Haverhill route.   The area feels rural with access via the lane opposite to a wonderful nature reserve, where there is also much water and river life, which includes visiting Swans, wild geese, kingfishers, and ducks, amongst other British birds & mammals. The Brook divides the mature gardens from the main vehicle access with a right of access through the shared automatic gates. We are informed that the bridge access to the house can take up to 3 t vehicles and parking is available south of the bridge for any heavier vehicles delivering or collecting from the property. The setting is serene with an aesthetically pleasing historic country home, nestled in mature south and west-facing gardens, enhanced by the tranquillity of the running brook alongside and neighbouring onto horse paddocks.

Halstead 3 miles *Braintree 4.5 miles *Chelmsford 18 miles* Haverhill 15 miles* Cambridge 32 miles* Stansted Airport 18.7 miles*

Ground Floor Accommodation

The main entrance hall offers an instant first impression, being spacious with a wide turning staircase and travertine flooring, whilst featuring a gorgeous arched Inglenook fireplace which is replicated on the landing above. Heavily exposed timbers feature throughout most rooms, with some period internal doors and other historic characteristics found throughout. It is worth noting that the house also benefits from extensive storage space. Off the hall is a ground floor cloakroom/wc and a large study that was used by the previous owner as a fifth bedroom. In inner hall leads to the delightful country kitchen/breakfast room with an electric AGA and a separate twin gas hob, granite worktops, and space for a farmhouse table. This leads to a rear lobby and back door. The main family room is of superb size, triple aspect with doors directly onto the sunset terrace. The room oozes character with heavy ceiling beams and another magnificent Inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove.

First Floor Accommodation

A spacious split-level landing with part vaulted ceiling features, alongside a charming arched inset brick fireplace (noted in the listing). From the landings are four good-sized double bedrooms, each with differing characteristics and exposed beams. One of the bedrooms has an en-suite and there is a stylish family bathroom. Each room affords a pleasant outlook and the whole house offers a welcoming atmosphere. A door and attic stairs lead to an attic room. The attic also displays some of the original lathe & plaster.

Mature Grounds

The house is nestled in mature grounds of just under half an acre. It is well screened from the road and a vehicle access bridge leads from the main entrance (right of access) for private parking and access to the double garage building. The side and rear gardens face south (to the river) and west for glorious sunshine and sunsets from the terrace. Adjacent to the terrace is a period brick outhouse – an ideal hobbies room or suitable for conversion into a home office/gym. This building also contains the automated pump system for the grounds. The tranquillity of the running brook borders the garden. The brook has been well fenced for the safety of smaller children and for the containment of the family dogs.

Agents Notes

• • The property’s registered title is EX594306.   
  • The property affords an easement over neighbouring land for access to the house. Access is over a bridge crossing the river with limited weight access.
  • There will be an easement for temporary parking on the south side of the bridge for heavy vehicles delivering or collecting from Sparrows.
  • The deed of easements are yet to be entered into and can be by mutual agreement.
  • The property has undergone timber treatment with an associated guarantee.
  • The HM Land Registry provides a Flood report for properties lying near rivers. The area is both Flood Zones 2 and 3. The former owners installed additional defences including an automated pump system in the grounds. The house sits on higher ground and has not been damaged by flooding during the former owners residency, nor under the current ownership, and subsequently no insurance claims for associated damage have been made.
  • We are aware from a former survey that the small, detached outhouse is structurally unsound. Some sections of two chimneys require repointing and the garage roof contains asbestos.
  • The services (electricity & water) currently supply the stables on the neighbouring land from the main house. The services will be sub metered. The electric entrance gates will be a shared maintenance agreement.
  • A Property questionnaire is available for buyers to view prior to offer. This contains information and any declarations provided by the seller to help buyers make an informed decision from the outset.

  Services

  All mains electricity, drainage, gas, and water, 

   

   

  EPC rating: E. Tenure: Freehold,