This impressive 5 Bedroom Detached 'landmark' Victorian Villa is situated in a plum location, just a 5-6 minute stroll from the High Street via Wakefield Avenue and Lion Lane.
The Mainline Station is also an easy 10 minute walk (0.4 mile) - the trains whizzing you to London Liverpool Street in just 35 minutes.
Quilters Infants & Junior Schools, St Johns Private School, Billericay High School, the 18 acres of open green space of Queen Elizabeth II Field at Sun Corner, Billericay Tennis Club, Football Club, and the Cricket Club, are all within short walks too.
Boasting character a-plenty, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a splendid piece of Billericay history, as one of the towns finest period houses, a classic example of a Victorian Home which still retains many of its character features including its large Cellar, open Fireplaces, high ceilings and sash windows, yet also offers all the mod cons, many continuing a nod to its Victorian origins.
The Accommodation briefly comprises an Entrance Porch, Hall with door opening to reveal steps down to the Cellar, Three Reception Rooms (Drawing Room, Dining Room and Family Room/Snug - all with open Fireplaces), open plan Kitchen/glass roofed Breakfast Room (the kitchen cabinetry by © Fired Earth), quaint Utility Room with a feature vaulted roof and a ground floor WC to the Ground Floor.
Up on the 1st Floor are three large bedrooms (the Master Bedroom Suite with a huge walk-through Dressing Room and Ensuite) and the main Bathroom, and the Attic has been converted into the Fourth and Fifth bedrooms and another Bathroom - making a great suite of rooms in itself.
The property occupies a large corner plot with the Drive and rather impressive 'Heritage Oak' Double Garage by Chartwell Oak Buildings on the return frontage on Station Road, and the Rear Garden is notably private and secluded. The Front Garden has been traditionally designed and ornately landscaped in keeping with its character.
The Accommodation
In-keeping six panel colonial style Front Door through to:
PORCH 7ft 4' x 3ft 3' (2.2m x 1m)
The eye will immediately be drawn downwards to the feature geometric black and white period style 'Fired Earth' floor tiles.
Generous glazing bathes it in light too.
Character original front door through to:
HALL
Here the eyes will be drawn upwards, to the high ceilings which stretch up nearly 9 feet.
Columbian Pine floorboards add warmth and character and extend on to the majority of the ground floor.
A front facing sash window and a rear facing Georgian style window brings in lots of light and a hand-built cupboard houses the modern electrical consumer unit as well as providing useful storage for shoes.
We also see here the first of the many picture rails, dado rails and two sets of 'Fluted Brass Dome' period style lights switches - reproduced from original light switches from around 1900.
An internal door pertaining to open to reveal the under stairs cupboard is in fact the door opening to reveal a set of original wooden steps leading down to the Cellar!
CELLAR 16ft x 11ft 8' (4.9m x 3.6m)
With a 6ft 8' ceiling height between the joists, 6ft from the bottom of the joists to the concrete floor, this is probably one of only a handful of cellars left in Billericay!
Without any direct sunlight coming in and thus a cooler constant temperature, cellars were used for storage - often wine or coal. What you decide to do with this one is up to you!
Either way it comes with a light and power sockets.
DRAWING ROOM 21ft 4' x 12ft 3' (6.5m x 3.7m)
This impressive principal reception room has a rear facing Bay window with fitted bay seating and two further sash windows, and thus is very light and bright.
The focal point is the feature open Fireplace, with its inset Cast Iron Fire, Granite Hearth half and Italian Marble surround.
DINING ROOM 15ft 8' into the Bay x 12ft 6'
Another very well proportioned formal reception room featuring a projecting Bay, fitted with elegant Plantation shutters.
Looking up, we see the original 'tooled' cornice and inset within the fireplace is a Wood burning Stove.
As found throughout the home, the owners have used the historic colour palettes of Farrow and Ball paint on most of the walls, here they chose 'Charleston Gray' with its muted brown undertones to compliment the warm hues of the wooden floor, and the greys and blacks of the Fireplace.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 22ft 6' x 11ft 10'
Homely and charming the Country Kitchen is open plan to a beautiful 'Orangery' style Breakfasting/Informal Dining Area, which has a set of double doors opening out to resin bonded, glass fronted Terrace, which looks down over Garden - lovely.
The Kitchen area has been fitted with a range of bespoke 'Fired Earth' Shaker kitchen units - a cosy confection of rustic yet timeless hand painted (to a 'distressed style' using antiquing glaze) cabinets, a Falcon Range Cooker incorporating a 5-Ring Induction Hob, 'butchers block solid wood worktops, a 'crackle glazed' Corian worktop above the Butler Sink and its free standing unit below (which incorporates an integrated Dishwasher) and 'Fired Earth' wall and floor tiles.
Within the Breakfasting area at the far end, a large brick recess of 9ft x 2.5ft (2.7m x 0.74m) houses a matching Fired Earth storage unit with 'floating' shelving above, and with space for an American style Fridge/Freezer.
We like the discreet 'secret' door which is part disguised by a large shelving unit built on the back of it, opening to reveal the Snug:
FAMILY ROOM/SNUG 13ft 7' x 12ft 6' (4.1m x 3.8m)
Another opulent living room with a plush grey carpet and a feature wall of 'Basuto Black & Gold' wallpaper, giving an expensive and glamorous look.
Here we see another cast-iron Victorian open Fireplace with an Antique marble surround and the tall front facing window fitted with plantation shutters.
UTILITY/LAUNDRY ROOM 8ft 10' x 7ft 6' (27m x 2.3m)
Presumably originally the Scullery, this is now a very useful laundry, well lit by two windows and a stable style part-glazed 'back door'.
A lovely notable feature is its quaint 'tongue and groove' clad vaulted ceiling, soaring upwards 3.2m (10ft 6') and where hangs an in-character 4-Lath Victorian 'Kitchen Maid' Pulley Clothes Airer,
The 'French Travertine' style stone floor, freestanding Shaker style Sink Unit with its solid wood countertop and undercounter Armitage circular basin, half height white tiling continue the theme.
A 'tongue and groove' clad bespoken cupboard houses the stacked washing machine and tumble dryer and a second half height half built-in cupboard just over a meter squared provides useful linen storage as well as housing the 3 year old Worcester Greenstar RE Gas Boiler.
Internal original door opening through to:
WC ROOM 4ft 8' x 3ft 4' (1.4m x 1.52m)
Having a window for natural light and fitted with traditional 'Charlotte' Cloakroom suite incorporating a wall mounted basin and high level wc with a chrome downpipe..
Stairs from Hall to:
1st FLOOR LANDING
A rear facing sash window, feature differing ceiling heights, more fluted brass dome period light switches and the damask wallpaper above the dado rail further enhance its period charm.
The second staircase rising up to the 2nd Floor accommodation also provides a unique 'up and down' stairs access to Bedroom Three.
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE
Comprising an initial Entrance/Walk-through Dressing Room with a feature Fireplace, with doors off to a large Ensuite Shower Room and the generous Main Bedroom:
ENTRANCE/DRESSING ROOM 12ft 5' x 7ft 6' (3.8m x 2.3m)
A range of built-in and fitted wardrobes finished with Shaker style doors provides a host of 'His & Hers' storage.
One of the cupboards houses the APP unvented hot water cylinder providing mains pressure hot water.
This room also features an original cast-iron Fireplace and continuing the attention to period detail we've seen throughout this home, three wooden backed Dolly Toggle Switches for each of the three rooms.
MASTER BEDROOM 16ft 7' x 12ft 5' (5m x 3.8m)
This well-proportioned dual aspect bedroom with sash windows front and rear, also features its original Cast-Iron Fireplace and has exposed floorboards (currently painted).
ENSUITE 12ft 5' x 4ft 5' (3.8m x 1.35m)
A blend of period character with a modern twist, the 'traditional' white sanitaryware incorporates a large basin with pedestal and a low-level WC with a chrome downpipe, the other end of the room fitted with a 1400mm x 860mm Walk-In Shower, albeit with vintage style fixed Shower head and with a separate handset too.
The combination of old and new continues with Plantation Shutters fitted to the Sash window, period style column radiator (as found throughout the home) and 'Crackle glazed' effect Amtico flooring complimented by modern grey porcelain wall tiling.
BEDROOM TWO 19ft 2' x 12ft 4' (5.85m x 3.75m)
A fantastic size bedroom and potentially may have been two separate bedrooms in the past.
This room is positively bathed in light, having Sash windows front and rear as well as the feature side facing walk-in Bay window.
Another focal point is the original Cast-Iron Open Fireplace, still retaining its original mantle.
BEDROOM THREE 12ft x 9ft 3' (3.65m x 2.8m)
Yet another double bedroom boasting its original Cast Iron Open Fireplace and again with exposed floor boards.
BATHROOM 10ft 9' x 6ft 2' (3.3m x 1.9m)
Fitted out as a large Shower Room and like the Ensuite, a blend of old and new.
There's a Freestanding dark grey Shaker style Vanity Unit, high level flush WC with chrome downpipe, and a large 1350mm x 840mm walk-in Shower.
Crackle glazed effect Amtico flooring picks up nicely with the tongue and groove cladding around the front projecting Bay and plantation shutters have been fitted to the two windows.
We liked the quirky original door, where the upper right panel is hinged and so can open!
Return staircase rising up to:
2nd FLOOR LANDING
Here, the Attic has been cleverly converted into two Bedrooms, another Bathroom and a large Walk In Store Room, all accessed off the spacious central landing.
Discreetly incorporated within the panelling is a small door which opens to reveal a handy little storage cupboard and a more obvious 'Ledge & Brace' door opens to a Walk-in Store Room.
STORE ROOM 5ft 9' x 4ft 9' (1.75m x 1.45m)
Presently used as an overflow Wardrobe and wit (h a light.
BEDROOM FOUR 14ft 2' x 11ft narrowing to 8ft (4.3m x 3.35m > 2.4m)
The measurements exclude lots of eave's storage - the eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed the double doors and further single door inset within the tongue and groove cladding.
This room is all things wood, with panelling to the walls and ceiling, chunky solid wood flooring and an equally chunky bespoke shelving unit providing fabulous storage.
Twin feature windows either side of the chimney breast bring in lots of sunny west facing (afternoon and evening) sunshine.
BEDROOM FIVE 18ft 5' x 7ft 2' (5.6m x 2.2m)
With tongue and groove panelling to three of the walls and the ceiling, the far wall with its original honey hued 'mellow yellow' exposed brick work.
Wide dark oak floorboards add further character and a little door on the right as you enter opens to reveal a neat little store cupboard.
NOTE: THERE IS PLANNING PASSED TO EXTEND THIS ROOM: Under Ref "21/01016/LDCP | To establish the lawfulness of a proposed rear dormer"
By a simple dormer style enlargement, this room could be transformed into a sumptuous double bedroom with bi-folding doors opening to enjoy a superb far reaching view.
BATHROOM 8ft 7' x 7ft 5' (2.6m x 2.3m)
Like bedroom five, this room also has three of the four walls panelled and a far wall of exposed brick - this time with red brickwork enjoying plum tints which again compliment the dark wood flooring.
In-keeping, this also has a fitted 'traditional' suite, the centrepiece of this room the Freestanding Double Ended Roll Top Bath complete with classic chrome ball and claw feet.
The Shires 'Adelphi' sanitary ware comprises a large basin with pedestal and low-level WC.
Plenty of light comes through the front facing sash window and a large recess behind the bath gives plenty of display storage for toiletries and towels etc.
EXTERIOR - DRIVE AND GARAGING
Twin Oak Piers support a set of Double Iron Gates that swing open to a large, shingled Drive in front of an impressive Double Garage.
'HERITAGE OAK' DOUBLE GARAGE 19ft 1' x 16ft 6' (5.8m x 5m)
This high quality recent addition is built of an Oak Frame with Larch cladding, the Pitched Roof finished with Slate tiles.
There are twin sets of double opening doors, lighting, and power points and when wandering in, we look up to see the vast vaulted roof space, which further enhances the feeling of space.
EXTERIOR - FRONT GARDEN
The Front Garden has been designed and landscaped to a wonderfully ornate layout, commensurate with its character, with high hedging shielding it from the road, giving a high degree of privacy and seclusion.
EXTERIOR - REAR GARDEN AND GROUNDS
Between the Garage and the Main House, iron railings incorporating a Gate separate the shingled Drive from a rear Courtyard Patio From the Courtyard a continuing path runs up to a secluded feature Wood Burning Stove powered Hot Tub area adjacent to a timber framed Covered Area with a pitched tiled roof which presently houses a small putting green of artificial grass for you to brush up on your Golf finishing.
The Courtyard is also accessed via a 'Stable' style 'back door' in the utility room as well as steps which lead up to a newly Resin Bonded, glass fronted Terrace in front of the 'Orangery' style Breakfast Room.
The Courtyard also faces on to the main Lawn which runs down to a sturdy timber arch which leads through to another Patio at the top end of the Garden.
From the western point of the back of the house the Garden runs along 95ft, narrowing to 82ft as it runs along the right boundary.
Council Tax
Basildon Council, Band G
Notice
Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only.
Billericay is a popular, historic market town just 30 miles from London.
The market at the top of Crown Road disappeared years ago and Billericay nowadays is more well-known as an excellent commuter town, with excellent rail links to the City (35 minutes by train), very good schools and a charming High Street, part of which is a conservation area.
It also has great access to the key main roads of the M25, A12 and A127.
The town lies on the edge of rural Essex, which makes it a very desirable place to live. This coupled with the City access goes some way to explain the high levels of Londoners we see looking to move here every year.
Since I moved here in 1973 and started as an estate agent in the mid 1990's, I have seen the town grow to where it is now, with some 14,000-15,000 homes and a population of over 40,000.
The Billericay you see today is economically and physically a thriving and attractive place to live and work. There are many open green spaces including the 40 acre Lake Meadows Park, a must in summer, and they throw a pretty impressive Fireworks Night too.
Norsey Woods is a great place for a walk or to exercise your dogs...or the kids! It dates back to the Bronze Age and covers about 165 acres with a visitor centre for the educational visits it has too.
I remember camping there as a cub scout back in the day and both Nick and myself have enjoyed many a afternoon there over the years with our families.
The High Street must be one of the prettiest in the county and dates back to Roman times. The shape we see now certainly hasn't changed much for over 500 years, our office itself is part of one of the 25 old coaching inns the town has seen over the years!
With well over 100 shops including some well known names and some boutique locally owned ones, the High Street also has some great pubs, bars and restaurants. The Chequers is probably the most popular, most people we know rate it as the best pub in town, with newer bars like Harrys Bar, Bar Zero and the Blue Boar, also very sought after, growing venues on friday and saturday nights.
There are too many great restaurants to name, suffice to say you don't need to travel out of Billericay to have a fantastic night out and there's a taxi rank by the station to get you home if you want to leave the car on the drive.
Waitrose is our local main supermarket with there also a very good Co-op over on Queens Park. Smaller supermarkets over in South Green, Sunnymede and along Stock Road also provide a super local service in their areas.
Billericay Christmas Market is a very popular annual event which sees the High Street completely shut to traffic for the day and then filled with stalls selling anything and everything Christmasy!
All the local schools, both Primary and Secondary have good OFSTED reports and there is a good choice of both State and Private. Please feel free to contact our office for more details although the OFSTED website is the ideal first port of call of course.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Billericay has an facinating history, much of which can be researched in our local museum, the Cater Museum on the High Street.
Billericay was first recorded as Byllerica in 1291 with notable events including a Peasants Revolt ending up in Norsey Woods in 1381 and some of Billericay residents, including Christopher Martin, the ship's victualler, sailing with the Pilgrim Fathers to the 'New World' of America on the Mayflower in 1620 - hence the many representartions of the Mayflower ship in numerous local businesses and the Mayflower High School.
In 1916 Billericay became famous as a result of a Zeppelin airship crashing in flames on the outskirts of the town, down what is now Greens Farm Lane.
A union workhouse was built in 1840 which later, together with additional later built buildings, became St. Andrew's Hospital in the 1930s. The regional plastic surgery and rehabilitation unit was opened here the same year I moved to Billericay, 1973. Many a local will still refer the estate there now to me, as 'one of the houses on the old Burns Unit', although it is in fact Stockfield Manor now.
Only the original workhouse building, including the chapel, and the main gatehouse, now survive, converted now into Grey Lady Place, a residential development of luxury apartments.
The railway came in 1889 and opened up opportunities for landowners to sell plots to Londoners looking to move out of 'The Smoke' into a cleaner rural environment. Both myself and Nick have sold many an old 'plot land' home over the years for redevelopment. A few still remain on the edge of Norsey Woods down Break Egg Hill.
With the housing shortage created by the war time bombing of London, pressure to build was great and the new town of Basildon was given the green light. The 'Green Belt' stopped expansion and the blurring of Basildon and Billericay, hence why lot of the Billericay housing estates were built on abandoned farmland around the town centre and Great Burstead/South Green, where permission was more easily granted.
