Dating back to the 18th century, this substantial detached home seamlessly blends traditional character, modern versatility, space and what once was a thriving local shop. The property offers an artisan, bespoke living experience rich in history and charm. The former shop remains a striking feature of the frontage, complete with two original bay windows. Extending to 24 ft in length, this impressive space is ideal as a showroom, games room, or an area for entertaining guests. Above From the back of the Games room, stairs lead to a bright and airy studio, while below is a workshop, perfect for creative pursuits or practical use. The original shop kiosk has been thoughtfully repurposed into a home office, adding to the home’s unique functionality.
The main house is rich with character and doesn’t disappoint, offering a blend of historical features and functional living. Reminders of its past are thoughtfully preserved throughout, from exposed timber and brickwork to traditional lath and plaster walls and the delightfully askew rooms that tell stories of a bygone era. Yet, despite its heritage charm, the layout is versatile and perfectly suited for modern family life. The ground floor comprises three reception rooms. The lounge is bright and welcoming, featuring a large bay window and a stove log burner. The dining hall offers flexible use, with direct access to both the former shop and the rear courtyard. A former artist’s studio now serves as a dining or utility room, complete with an exposed brick chimney, two picture windows, and courtyard access. The home is entered via a vestibule that leads into a lobby. Off this, you’ll find a convenient ground floor shower room and a kitchen/dining room. The kitchen features bespoke cabinetry with solid wood worktops, an oil-fired Aga, and ample space for a table and chairs, ideal for family meals or informal entertaining.
The first floor hosts four generously sized double bedrooms, along with a fifth room currently used as a home office. At the heart of the upper level is a unique and spacious bathroom, featuring bespoke fitted cabinetry and an outlook that enhances its charm. The bedrooms are arranged around a central landing, with the western wing stretching an impressive 27 feet. At its end, a large south-facing window frames a picturesque view, flooding the space with natural light.
The garden is sunny, it has a south-facing aspect and offers a private, peaceful setting; ideal for relaxation or outdoor entertaining. In addition, a gated courtyard provides parking for multiple vehicles and convenient access to the dining hall, workshop, and former studio.
Location
Tolleshunt D’Arcy is a picturesque and historic village located in the Maldon District of Essex, Known for its charming rural setting, period properties, and strong sense of community, the village offers a peaceful lifestyle while still being within reach of nearby towns such as Maldon, Tiptree, and Colchester and direct train links to Liverpool Street Station, from nearby Kelvedon and Witham, (about 45 minutes.) The village is home to essential amenities including a local pub (The Queen’s Head), a church, and D’Arcy Hall, a notable historic building. It also benefits from proximity to good schools and scenic walking routes, including the sea wall on The Blackwater Estuary and sailing making it popular with families, retirees, and those seeking a quieter pace of life.Literary Connection – Margery Allingham
Tolleshunt D’Arcy is perhaps best known in literary circles as the long time home of celebrated crime novelist Margery Allingham (1904-1966). Best known for her creation of the gentleman detective Albert Campion, Allingham lived in a house called D’Arcy House in the village for many years. The quiet atmosphere and timeless charm of Tolleshunt D’Arcy served as inspiration for many of Allingham’s novels. She is buried in the churchyard of St. Nicholas Church, just a short walk from her former home-making the village a place of pilgrimage for fans of classic detective fiction.
Accommodation Comprises
Vestibule
Entrance door, tiled floor, windows to rear, glass roof.
Lobby
Door to rear, built-in storage and tiled floor.
Kitchen Breakfast Room
Window to front and rear, tiled flooring, bespoke units, wood worktop, space for oven, integrated cooker hood, double sink and drainer, oil fired Aga, exposed timber ceiling, space for a table and chairs.
Dining Room/Utility Room/Former Studio
Two picture windows to rear, window and door to front, exposed brick chimney, plumbing for washing machine and radiator.
Shower Room
Window to rear and side, toilet, Butler sink, shower cubicle, and tiled flooring.
Dining Hall
Sliding sash window to side, entrance door, exposed floorboards, radiator, under stairs cupboard and stairs to firs floor.
Lounge
Sliding sash bay window to side, window to rear brick fireplace, log burner and radiator.
Former Shop/show Room/Games Room
Two bay windows to front, entrance door, three radiators, stairs to studio.
Workshop
Brick floor, double doors to side window to side.
Office
Window to rear, built-in storage.
Studio
Windows to front rear and side, two Velux style windows, expose floor, exposed timber joists.
First Floor
Landing
Three sliding sash windows to side, sliding sash window to rear.
Bedroom One
Sliding sash bay window to side, window to rear feature fireplace and radiator.
Bedroom Two
Sliding sash window to side, window to landing and radiator.
Bedroom Three
Sliding sash window to front, radiator and door to bedroom four.
Bedroom Four
Sliding sash window to front, and radiator.
Bathroom
Double-glazed window to front and rear, bath, toilet, wash hand basin, bespoke cabinets, exposed floorboards and radiator.
Bedroom Five/Office
Window to rear, built-in cupboard and radiator.
Outside
Front
The property has a front garden, enclosed by mature trees and shrubs that has a sense of seclusion. A gate leads from the garden to the roadside. A generous curb side frontage offers practical benefits, currently, the owners make use of this space for convenient off-road parking.
Courtyard
Double gates from Kelvedon Road open into a generous courtyard, offering ample parking for multiple vehicles. This versatile space also provides access to the house via the dining hall, workshop, and former studio.
Rear Garden
The rear garden is a peaceful, south-facing retreat, enclosed by traditional red brick walls and fencing for added privacy. Mainly laid to lawn, it features a raised vegetable patch, a variety of olive and fruit trees, and a paved terrace shaded by a pergola entwined with vines perfect for relaxing or alfresco dining.
Notes
The details above do not form any offer or contract. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. The purchaser should satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the accuracy of statements within the details. All measurements and floor plans are approximate
Hardy-King Estate Agents do not test services or appliances in any property offered for sale. Such detail should be verified by the purchaser.
Floor Plan
