An Aspirational AddressDanbury | Chelmsford | Essex

AN ASPIRATIONAL ADDRESS“The front hall is all that is left of the original bungalow dating from 1906 so I decided to keep its character as a homage to the past.”

Located in the most prestigious area of Danbury overlooking the National Trust’s country park, this beautifully presented and thoughtfully designed four bedroom family home offers the perfect mix of rural tranquillity and accessibility.

Just a stone’s throw from this idyllic setting, surrounded by picturesque countryside, you will find excellent road connections and rail links that allow access into central London in just over half an hour.

Luxurious LivingThe current owner, who has lived at Hillrise for just over two years, tells us about the total transformation she carried out; complete with numerous luxurious finishing touches, “When I bought the property it was a derelict bungalow and as I had just retired, I had the time to project manage the whole renovation.” Engaging the help of two loyal friends – a trusted builder she had employed many times over the years and a retired architect who could translate her thoughts into a perfectly designed plan - the small derelict bungalow was transformed into an incredibly spacious two storey family home with four bedrooms; all with en-suite shower rooms and a stunning open-plan kitchen with a relaxed seating area which overlooks the lush rear garden that is surrounded by ancient trees and parkland.

A Top LocationDriving up this prestigious leafy lane you climb Copt Hill to find the entrance to Hillrise. A pair of gates open into a large gravel driveway stretching alongside a lawn edged with shrubs and protected ancient parkland trees. There is ample parking for a dozen or so cars and a timber framed garage offers useful storage. The property impresses with its symmetry and grandeur. A pair of gabled wings sit either side of an open porch made from rustic oak timbers and three black slate steps lead to a beautiful oak front door with glazing panels to either side.

The reception hall within is a magnificent room with light flooding in from all directions. “The front hall is all that is left of the original bungalow dating from 1906 so I decided to keep its character as a homage to the past.” The original oak doors were meticulously stripped and replicated throughout the house by a local craftsman and the ceiling mouldings were carefully restored by creating rubber moulds of the existing sections. An iron fireplace with a carved wood surround completes the room and creates a wonderfully warm welcome when lit.

Visionary DesignTo the right of the reception hall is a study and adjoining shower room which offers the flexibility for a fifth bedroom or home office perhaps. A comfortable dual-aspect sitting room is located to the left of the reception hall and a beautiful stone fireplace with a gas log burner creates a stunning focal point. The formal dining room is at the heart of the house where an opening reveals the impressive open-plan area. “I wanted to keep a formal dining room for special occasions but the island in the kitchen can easily seat ten guests for informal get-togethers.” The vast kitchen is fitted with an array of bespoke painted wooden units under granite worktops and a selection of Rangemaster appliances allow catering on a grand scale. The whole area is laid with beautiful and hard-wearing bamboo flooring and light floods in through the three Velux windows above and through the expanse of bi-fold doors that open onto the rear terrace. The spacious comfortable seating area overlooks the garden which is mostly laid to lawn with mature shrubs dotted along the borders. The backdrop is made up of ancient parkland trees belonging to the National Trust’s park which surrounds the property. “The beautiful ancient trees around the back garden are really lovely to look at throughout the seasons and it is great to

know that they are protected.”Sensational SurroundingsUpstairs you will find a spacious central landing lit from above with Velux windows allowing light to flow down through the gallery and oak and glass staircase. The four beautifully proportioned bedrooms all have opulently designed en-suite facilities. “I am really pleased with all four en-suites as I spent a lot of time designing them individually and sourcing the materials to create a stylish and luxurious look.” The views from the bedroom windows are simply breath-taking as you can see across the stunning rolling countryside of Danbury Country Park with its ornamental gardens and lakes and beautiful walks around the woodland and meadows. It’s hard to believe that just a short stroll from this idyllic rural location is the centre of Danbury with its selection of independent shops and amenities. “There is a huge choice of excellent local schools, including two village primary schools rated outstanding and two renowned grammar schools.” For larger shops and the mainline station operating services into the city in just over half an hour, Chelmsford is just six miles away.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 07008580 Registered Office: Essex Country Properties Ltd. 15B Regatta Quay, Key Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1FHcopyright © 2017 Fine & Country Ltd.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.

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