5 bed detached house for sale

Woodham Road, Stow Maries, Chelmsford CM3

Richmond Cottage is an exceptional early nineteenth-century country residence set within approximately two acres of established gardens and well-maintained paddocks, offering an outstanding opportunity for those seeking an equestrian lifestyle in the tranquil Essex countryside.

Believed to date from around 1810 and unlisted, the property provides well-balanced accommodation including four bedrooms, seamlessly blending period charm with practical, modern living ideally suited to equestrian use and rural pursuits.

The property is approached via a sweeping gravel driveway, offering extensive parking and turning space for horseboxes and trailers, ensuring both privacy and functionality. The grounds are thoughtfully arranged, with post-and-rail fencing enclosing the paddocks and direct access to nearby bridleways, making it perfectly positioned for regular hacking.

A particular highlight is the well-designed stable yard, featuring an enclosed stable block with two generous loose boxes, alongside dedicated feed and tack rooms. All are set on a solid concrete base with power and water connected. Additional former stables, currently used for storage, provide further flexibility and scope for adaptation. The layout has been carefully planned to allow efficient day-to-day management while maintaining a clear distinction between the residential gardens and equestrian areas.

Richmond Cottage itself is beautifully presented, with black weatherboarded elevations beneath a traditional pantiled roof and two charming porch-style entrances. The home has been sympathetically extended and retains a wealth of original features, including exposed oak beams, vaulted ceilings, and feature fireplaces with wood-burning stoves.

At the heart of the home lies a well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room, complete with quartz worktops, integrated appliances, a Rangemaster cooker and underfloor heating. This opens into an impressive vaulted dining and family space, enhanced by four Velux windows and French doors leading onto a terrace with views across the gardens and paddocks.

Further reception space includes a welcoming sitting room centred around a wood-burning stove, along with a cosy snug and study area arranged around an original brick chimney stack with a dual-aspect stove. A ground-floor double bedroom provides valuable flexibility for guests or multigenerational living, particularly advantageous in a working yard setting.

Upstairs, the accommodation comprises four additional double bedrooms, including a generous principal suite with fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room. These are complemented by a stylish family bathroom featuring a freestanding bath and separate walk-in shower.

The property benefits from double glazing, electric heating via Rointe radiators, heated towel rails and durable Karndean flooring throughout the main living areas.

Externally, the gardens and grounds strike an ideal balance between formal landscaping and practical equestrian use, offering ample space for schooling, turnout and general management. A wide entrance provides easy access for larger vehicles and leads to garaging with an electric door. Beyond this is a versatile inside/outside area incorporating a utility and boot room, perfect for managing muddy equipment after time spent outdoors or at the stables. A five-bar gate to the side of the house allows convenient vehicular access to the land.

Situated in the picturesque village of Stow Maries, the property enjoys a peaceful rural setting with access to nearby bridleways and countryside walks. The historic Stow Maries Aerodrome, now a First World War aviation museum, is located nearby. The property is also conveniently positioned for access to Maldon on the River Blackwater, Burnham-on-Crouch, and Chelmsford City, with efficient road and rail links to London.

Richmond Cottage represents a rare opportunity to acquire a characterful country home with genuine equestrian credentials, offering immediate usability alongside further potential in a highly sought-after Essex location.