Property history of Beech House, Berden, Bishop's Stortford CM23 1AE, 11th Mar 2011

The Property Beech House is an excellent 5 bedroom detached family home built by highly regarded local builders in a Tudor style. The property has been carefully designed to be sympathetic with other village properties in the area and the style of the property is enhanced by having a jettied elevation to the front with attractive ornate pargetting. It is a very good size family home providing generous and flexible accommodation and is well set back in its plot. The present owners have extended to create a new boot room and refurbished 2 bathrooms. Plans are available showing the flexibility of converting the drawing room into a large kitchen/diner/family room, whilst there could be further opportunities by creating a new sitting room in what is currently the kitchen/breakfast room. There are also plans to convert the loft space into a further bedroom suite. The property is also ideal for use as an equestrian property with a large post and rail paddock at the end of the formal gardens with separate access from Bonnetting Lane. In addition there are 2 field shelters (subject to separate negotiation) 

Ground Floor Accommodation There is solid oak flooring throughout much of the ground floor, with the exception of the kitchen/breakfast room and the utility. There is a large open hallway with a turning staircase and the doors leading to the principal rooms on the ground floor. Special features include exposed beams and exposed brick chimney breast which houses a wood burning stove. The kitchen/breakfast room is large and the dual aspect creates a great sense of light. There is a range of matching base and eye level units providing plenty of storage and in addition there is a separate pantry. There is a 2 oven oil fired Aga and integrated Neff electric hob and oven, double butler sink and Miele dishwasher, slate flooring and a separate utility room offering good storage. The drawing room to the rear of the property is a real delight with excellent views of the stunning rear gardens beyond and there is a large exposed brick chimney breast and inglenook housing a wood burning stove. Also on the ground floor is a family room with double glazed French doors opening on to the rear patio and a study set up with wireless connections. Completing the accommodation on the ground floor is a cloakroom with a low level wc and wash hand basin and separate boot room. 

First Floor Accommodation The master bedroom is an excellent size, with oak wood flooring and a stylish refurbished en-suite. This is a lovely light room with glorious views across the formal gardens and the open countryside beyond. Agents note - the master bedroom could be turned into 2 bedrooms if required, subject to the necessary consents. Also on this floor are 4 further bedrooms and a refurbished stylish family bathroom with a large shower and separate bath. 

The Setting The property is well set back from the road, with a gravel driveway and a front garden which is partly laid to lawn and with a variety of mature shrub borders. To the rear, the gardens really come into their own, the driveway sweeps through to the garage block which has a cart lodge, single garage and an office/guest room/playroom with underfloor heating. The garden is extensive and is mainly laid to lawn with raised vegetable beds and a herb garden. There is a fine featured knot garden with roses, beech hedging to one side and at the end of the garden are 2 apple trees, silver birches, willow and an excellent water feature carefully designed with access to a central island via an arched wooden bridge. To the rear of the garden is a good size paddock with post and rail fencing and with separate access. Currently there are 2 field shelters located in this paddock. 

Directions From the office in North Street turn left, at the roundabout turn right. At the next roundabout turn left into Northgate End and continue on into Rye Street. After about three quarters of a mile by the Mountbatten restaurant the road bears round sharply to the right. Take the left turning into Hazel End Road, proceed under the bypass taking the next turning on the left into Hazel End Road. Follow the signs to Manuden, proceed through the village and after approximately a mile and a half turn left, signposted Little London. Proceed through the hamlet and on into the village of Berden. Continue through the village of Berden and past the village hall on the right, past the turning on the left and the house will be found on the right hand side. 

Local Authority Uttlesford District Council 

Tax Band G