Location

Burnham-on-Crouch: 2 miles (Liverpool Street from 67 mins), A130: 13 miles, A12: 16.5 miles, M25 (junction 29): 29 miles, Central London: 50 miles. All distances approximate.

The historic town of Burnham-on-Crouch was originally a ferry port and was later developed into a fishing port also known for its oyster beds. In recent times it has become a renowned yachting centre hosting 'Burnham Week' at the end of August. Although Burnham has a low population, it is able to boast facilities that are uncommon in small towns and these include a cinema, two primary schools and a secondary school, the Burnham Yacht Harbour Marina and several other boatyards, four yacht clubs, two supermarkets, eight public houses, numerous other shops, restaurants and eateries and a railway station on the Southminster to Wickford branch line with direct trains into London Liverpool Street.

The Crouch is an attractive tidal estuary, very popular with yachting and water sports enthusiasts and a haven for wildlife. The Royal Burnham, Royal Corinthian and Crouch Yacht Clubs all have their clubhouses on the Burnham town waterfront and Burnham Marina lies on the sea wall between Burnham and Creeksea, which is a picturesque waterside hamlet to the west of the town.

Description

Little Johns Farmhouse is located in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of the town and on a pretty country lane. Listed Grade II of architectural or historical interest, the house dates from the 18th century and is timber framed with weatherboard elevations under a clay tiled roof. Set back from the lane and enjoying beautiful gardens which overlook farmland, it has a swimming pool, cart lodge and secure garaging. This is a very special property indeed.

A central door opens into a porch with a door accessing the entrance hall, with a wood floor, fine staircase and access to the ground floor shower room. To the right of the hall is a well proportioned sitting room. A redbrick fireplace provides a focal point and houses a log burner. The walls are panelled and contrast with a wooden floor. On the opposite side of the house is a separate dining room with a sash window, redbrick fireplace with wood burner and a wooden floor. At the rear of the house is a cosy garden room providing beautiful views over the large pond, gardens and grounds. This room has some lovely exposed ceiling timbers which complement a wooden floor. The kitchen/dining room has a clay tiled floor with contrasting units and exposed timbers over a vaulted ceiling. An AGA is set into a brick alcove, complementing areas of exposed brick including two floor-to-ceiling areas incorporating a double oven and providing a housing for a fridge freezer. Adjacent is a utility room with fitted units and a door into the garden. A fine staircase leads to a spacious landing - a bright and spacious area lit by a tall sash window.

On the first floor are four bedrooms, one currently used as a study. The principal bedroom has an extensive range of fitted wardrobes and features a fireplace. A family bathroom has been fitted in a traditional style and includes marble floor tiling.

Outside
The house is set approximately 115 ft back from the lane and is approached over a broad drive bordered by lawns and culminating in a useful parking area between the garages. To the right is a three-bay cart lodge, one with garage doors along with a store room to the end, also with double doors. This is recently constructed with a timber-frame under a slate roof. Planning was granted, however building regulations have not been signed off, as this involves the removal of a tree, something the sellers wanted to avoid. Opposite is a detached brick outbuilding with two sets of double doors providing garaging and machinery store.

The front garden is retained by a soft redbrick wall with a central five-bar gate opening into a pathway. The path dissects substantial lawns and continues to the side of the house. To the righthand side a picket fence separates the garden from the pool. The pool is located in a private walled enclosure surrounded by decking. Behind the pool is a useful outbuilding overlooking the gardens. At the rear of the house lies a brick terrace including an under-croft area ideal for al fresco dining in the summer months. Beyond is large pond with a footbridge linking an island. Beyond are extensive lawns, punctured with mature deciduous trees and enclosed by post and rail fencing and backing onto farmland.

Services
Mains water, electricity, drainage and gas.

Directions

From Chelmsford, take the A130 bypass southbound and take the first exit signposted to Burnham and Wickford. Follow the signs to Burnham taking the B1012 and then the B1010. After entering Burnham-on-Crouch take the first turning on the left onto Green Lane and the property is the sixth house on the left-hand side.