7 bed detached house for sale

Spring Farm, Higham Road, Stratford St. Mary, Colchester CO7

Spring Farm:

Set within 7.5 acres in the heart of the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Spring Farm is a substantial country home offering remarkable potential. This rare property combines scale, versatility, and a wealth of outbuildings, making it the perfect foundation for creating a forever home in one of Suffolk’s most desirable settings.

While the house requires sympathetic renovation, its generous proportions, elegant layout, and wealth of character provide an inspiring blank canvas. With extensive reception space, seven bedrooms, and a wide range of outbuildings, this is a property designed for multigenerational living, equestrian pursuits, or a lifestyle smallholding.

The Ground Floor:
The ground floor accommodation is both expansive and versatile, offering a variety of formal and informal living spaces. The entrance hall sets the tone, leading to a large dining room ideally suited for entertaining on a grand scale. Adjoining this is a well-proportioned study, perfect as a home office or library.

A superb billiard room and a bright conservatory add further character and charm, while the spacious drawing room provides the ideal family gathering space with direct garden access. The kitchen is accompanied by a breakfast room, creating a more relaxed everyday living environment, complemented by a separate utility and cloakroom for practicality.

At the far end of the house lies an impressive reception room, offering direct access to the gardens and lending itself to a variety of uses – whether as a family room, studio, or formal entertaining space. Together, these rooms provide a wealth of possibilities, making the ground floor layout flexible enough to accommodate modern lifestyles while retaining traditional proportions. There is also a lift installed in the current dining room, leading to the master bedroom.

The First Floor:
Upstairs, the accommodation is arranged across two landings, enhancing the property’s versatility. From the main landing, you will find a selection of well-proportioned bedrooms and bathrooms, ideal for family use. To the right-hand side of the house, the second landing provides access to further bedrooms, one of which currently incorporates a kitchenette. This area could serve perfectly as a self-contained annexe, offering independence for extended family members or guests while remaining connected to the main residence.

Outbuildings and Grounds:
A significant feature of Spring Farm is its extensive outbuildings. These include a traditional barn, multiple stables, and various stores, offering superb scope for equestrian use or smallholding activities. In addition, the barn benefits from Class Q planning permission, opening the door to a residential conversion and further enhancing the property’s redevelopment potential. Together, these buildings provide outstanding flexibility for those seeking ancillary accommodation, leisure facilities, or business use (subject to consents). The acreage includes paddocks and open grounds, perfectly suited to outdoor pursuits and country living.

Additional Information:

• Freehold property
• Detached 8027sqft property.
• Land approximately 7.5 acres.
• Oil/Electric Central Heating. Underfloor heating in Billiard room(wet system)
• Mains electric and water. Private sewerage.
• Local Authority: Suffolk
• Council Tax: G (estimated £3,722 pa)
• Energy Performance Rating: E, with a potential rating of C
• Low-energy lighting in 96% outlets
• Mobile Phone Signal: O2, EE, Three and Vodafone
• Cable Satellite TV: BT and Sky
• High spend internet: Estimated speeds of up to 1800 mbps
• Flood Risk: Very Low (rivers, seas and surface water).
• Kitchen appliances to be included in the sale: All integrated appliances

Local Area Guide:
Nestled on the edge of Dedham Vale National Landscape (formerly Dedham Vale aonb), this property enjoys protected, breathtaking countryside surroundings — rolling meadows, ancient woodlands and riverside vistas typical of Constable Country.

Schools:
• St Mary’s School, Colchester – Independent (girls, ages ~2–16), known for strong academic standards and excellent pastoral care.
• Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park – Independent preparatory school & nursery for boys and girls aged 2½–11; located on the Essex/Suffolk border, in the scenic Stour Valley.
• Thomas Lord Audley School – State secondary (ages 11–16), serving Colchester and surrounding villages; modern facilities.
• St Benedict’s Catholic College – Coeducational state secondary (11–16), one of the higher-performing non-selective schools in Colchester.

Amenities & Villages:
• Dedham – Picture-postcard village in the heart of the aonb; riverside walks, boutique shops, artisan studios.
• Wivenhoe – Riverside town with a lively feel: Cafés, independent shops, and easy access to Colchester.
• Stanway – Suburb/parish just a few miles west of Colchester, close to the A12 & services; local shopping, schools, leisure.

Restaurants & Dining Highlights:
• Talbooth, Dedham – Fine-dining with views of the river; one of the best-known signature restaurants in the area.
• Milsoms, Dedham – Courtyard setting, seasonal British cuisine, very well regarded.
• Church Street Tavern, Colchester – Stylish, contemporary restaurant featured in the aa Guide; ideal for casual or special evenings.
• Galvin Green Man, Howe Street – Two-rosette restaurant; a destination for food lovers.
• The Sun Inn, Dedham – Rustic ambience with high-quality menus; perfect for relaxed dining in a historic village setting.

Transport Links:
• Road – The A12 is close by, offering direct dual carriageway connections towards London in the south and Ipswich / Suffolk in the north.
• Rail – Trains from Colchester station to London Liverpool Street run frequently (around every 15 minutes) with journey times from approximately 47–50 minutes.
• Connectivity – Junction 25 (Marks Tey) provides quick access to the A120, linking to Stansted Airport, Chelmsford, and other key routes.

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