Guide price
£950,000
(£314/sq. ft)
5 bed detached house for saleGoulds Road, Alphamstone, Bures, Essex CO8
5 beds
2 baths
4 receptions
3,030 sq. ft
EPC Rating: C
About this property
Charming unlisted detached Victorian farmhouse
Superb elevated position in the heart of the Stour Valley with far-reaching easterly countryside views
Five bedrooms, including an impressive principal suite with dressing room and shower room
Wonderful mature gardens of about 0.5 of an acre including a modern two-bay cart lodge
Quiet yet accessible location close to Bures station, excellent schools and countryside walks
EPC Rating = C
Description
Sycamore Farm is a charming farmhouse occupying a stunning position along a quiet country lane, enjoying far-reaching views across the surrounding valley, open farmland and woodland. Set back from the road behind an attractive frontage, the property offers a blend of Victorian character and modern family living, all within beautifully established gardens extending to about 0.5 of an acre.
The house is unlisted and dates from the late 1800s, having been built in two distinct phases. The original front section is Victorian in origin, constructed of brick, now rendered, beneath a slate roof, with double-glazed sash windows. In approximately 1975, a substantial rear extension was added in rendered block construction, also beneath a slate roof, with aluminium double-glazed windows, creating an exceptional amount of light-filled accommodation while retaining the charm and proportions of the original farmhouse.
Internally, the property offers a wonderfully balanced layout with bright, generously proportioned rooms throughout. The welcoming entrance hall forms the centre of the house and leads to the principal reception rooms. The impressive sitting room measures over 20ft in length and enjoys a dual aspect together with a fireplace, creating an elegant yet comfortable family living space. A separate study provides an ideal home office, while a games room offers further flexibility and links through to a delightful sun room overlooking the gardens.
The heart of the home is undoubtedly the magnificent kitchen/dining room, extending to approximately 25ft in length. This superb family space has ample room for informal dining and entertaining, with views over the gardens and easy access to the adjoining rear lobby, utility and cloakroom, making it perfectly suited to modern family life.
The first floor provides five well-proportioned bedrooms. The principal bedroom occupies the newer wing and is an outstanding suite, enjoying wonderful views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. It is complemented by a generous dressing room and an adjoining shower room. Four further bedrooms are served by a family bathroom, providing comfortable accommodation for family and guests alike.
Outside
Sycamore Farm enjoys an appealing, semi-rural, setting. The house stands back from the lane, opposite a wide green verge. The front boundary is enclosed by a low brick wall with brick pillars and decorative wrought-iron railings, while a broad Yorkstone pathway leads to the front entrance. To the left of the property, a driveway provides ample parking and leads to a modern timber two-bay cart lodge, constructed in 2020. The frontage also provides useful access to either side of the house.
The rear gardens are a particular highlight. Easily accessed from the house, a generous terrace provides an ideal space for outdoor entertaining before giving way to lawns interspersed with several fine mature trees. Beyond lies an enclosed copse together with a productive kitchen garden. The gardens enjoy an uninterrupted open aspect across rolling countryside, with panoramic views over the valley, fields and woodland beyond, creating a wonderfully peaceful setting.
Services
Mains water, electricity and central heating powered by gas combi boiler. Drainage is to a private system (septic tank).
Location
Sycamore Farm occupies an idyllic position along a quiet country lane on the edge of the highly regarded village of Alphamstone, nestled within the heart of the picturesque Stour Valley on the Essex/Suffolk border. The property enjoys a stunning easterly aspect, with uninterrupted views across rolling farmland.
The surrounding countryside is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and offers an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways, making it ideal for walking, cycling and riding. Many routes lead directly into the Stour Valley, an area celebrated for its unspoilt landscape, rich wildlife and historic villages, with the nearby Stour Valley Path providing miles of scenic walking alongside one of East Anglia's most attractive rivers.
Despite its peaceful rural setting, Alphamstone has a strong sense of community centred around its historic parish church, village hall and numerous local events held throughout the year. The neighbouring villages of Bures, Lamarsh and Great Henny further enhance the area's appeal, offering traditional country pubs, local amenities and recreational facilities, while the thriving market towns of Sudbury, Halstead and Colchester provide an excellent range of shopping, restaurants, healthcare and leisure facilities.
For commuters, the nearby village of Bures, approximately 2 miles away, has a railway station offering regular services to Marks Tey, where there are direct mainline connections to London Liverpool Street in approximately one hour. Alternatively, Colchester North and Kelvedon stations provide frequent and faster rail services to London, making the area well suited for those seeking country living with convenient access to the capital.
Road communications are excellent, with the A12 accessible via Marks Tey, providing links to Chelmsford, the M25 and London to the south, while the A120 offers convenient access towards Stansted Airport, the M11 and Braintree. The cathedral city of Colchester lies approximately 12 miles to the south-east, whilst Sudbury is around 8 miles to the north.
The area is particularly well regarded for its choice of schooling. State education includes highly respected primary schools in Bures and neighbouring villages, together with well-regarded secondary schools in Colchester and Halstead. There is also an excellent selection of independent schools within easy reach, including St Mary's School, Colchester, Oxford House School, Colchester High School, The Royal Hospital School near Ipswich, Old Buckenham Hall, Felsted School and Ipswich School.
Square Footage: 3,030 sq ft
Acreage:
0.5 Acres
Directions
What3words: ///elect.windpipe.cornering
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