2 Bedroom Semi Detached House, Blake Close, Lawford, CO11
Blake Close, Lawford, CO11
Churchwood Stanley
Churchwood Stanley, 2 The Lane
Description
Set within a quiet close and positioned on higher ground within the Stour valley, this is a home that offers more than might first be expected, particularly once the outlook from the rear begins to reveal itself.
The layout is simple and easy to understand from the outset. An entrance hall leads through the centre of the house, with the main living space positioned ahead and the kitchen set to the side. It’s a format that works well day-to-day, giving a natural flow without unnecessary complication.
The living space extends through the depth of the property, allowing it to be arranged in a way that suits different uses without feeling restricted by its proportions. Light is drawn in from both ends, with the connection through to the conservatory at the rear adding a further layer to how the space can be used.
This rear addition is a notable feature. With an insulated roof and glazing across three sides, it provides a usable second reception area throughout the year rather than a purely seasonal space. From here, there is a clear sense of the home’s position, with views extending beyond the garden and across the surrounding rooftops.
Upstairs, the same outlook becomes even more apparent. The main bedroom sits to the rear and takes full advantage of the elevated setting, with distant views reaching out towards the Stour estuary and across into Suffolk. Built-in wardrobes are already in place, helping to keep the room uncluttered.
The second bedroom is also positioned at the rear, offering similar openness and flexibility, whether used as a bedroom, workspace or something more adaptable over time.
Outside, the garden has been arranged across levels to make the most of the plot. A raised decked area sits directly off the house, stepping down to lawn and patio spaces below. To the front, there is a more traditional garden setting, along with a driveway providing off-road parking and access to a detached timber outbuilding that has power (potential for EV charging).
For those looking to get onto the ladder, the location plays an equally important role. The station is within easy reach, making it a practical option for commuting, while the surrounding area offers access to both Manningtree and the wider estuary landscape.
Key Features
- Elevated position with distant views towards the Stour estuary and Suffolk countryside
- Two bedrooms, both positioned to the rear with an open outlook
- Main bedroom with fitted wardrobes providing built-in storage
- Extended living space with insulated conservatory, usable throughout the year
- Full depth of the home living room
- Split-level rear garden with decked seating area and lawn below
- Driveway providing off-road parking alongside a detached timber outbuilding
- Practical Kitchen with modern gas boiler already installed
- Quiet cul-de-sac position
- Within easy reach of Manningtree station, offering direct links to London Liverpool Street
Property Details
- Property type: House
- Property style: Semi Detached
- Price Per Sq Foot: £375
- Approx Sq Feet: 707 sqft
- Property Age Bracket: 1990s
- Council Tax Band: TBD
Rooms
Hallway
2.23m x 1.97m
A straightforward entrance that immediately sets a practical tone. The space is arranged with a clear route through the house, with the staircase rising to the first floor along one side, finished with a painted balustrade and timber handrail. There’s a natural separation between the hard flooring underfoot and the adjoining rooms, helping it work well for day-to-day use. Positioned off the hall, the kitchen sits to the left, while the main living space is directly ahead, giving a simple and intuitive layout. There’s enough space here for coats and shoes without restricting movement, making it functional without feeling confined.
View Hallway PhotosKitchen
2.67m x 2.45m
Set to the rear of the house, the kitchen is arranged in a practical L-shaped layout that makes sensible use of the space available. Work surfaces run around the main preparation and sink area, with additional surface space to the side, helping the room function well for everyday cooking without feeling overcomplicated. Storage is provided by a combination of base and wall units, while there is space for freestanding appliances including a washing machine and cooker beneath the extractor hood. A window over the sink draws in natural light and looks out to the rear, while the door to the side provides direct access into the garden, which is useful both practically and for day-to-day flow through the house. A modern wall-mounted boiler is also fitted here, giving an added point of reassurance. The room is functional as it stands and offers straightforward scope for cosmetic updating in time, depending on a buyer’s taste.
View Kitchen PhotosLiving Room
4.74m x 2.43m
Running the depth of the house, the living room is arranged as a long, continuous space that naturally separates into distinct areas without the need for structural division. The main seating area sits centrally, with enough width for sofas and media, while still allowing clear movement through the room. To the rear, the space opens out towards the conservatory, with glazed double doors drawing in additional light and extending the overall feel of the room. This creates a natural second zone that could be used for dining, reading, or a quieter seating area, depending on how a buyer chooses to arrange it. At the opposite end, a box bay front-facing window provides further natural light, giving the room a balanced aspect from both directions. The proportions work well for everyday living, offering flexibility in how the space is used without feeling compromised by its shape.
View Living Room PhotosConservatory
3.50m x 2.80m
Positioned to the rear, the conservatory provides a natural extension to the main living space, adding a second reception area that is noticeably brighter and more open. Surrounded by glazing on three sides and finished with an insulated roof, the room is usable across the seasons rather than feeling purely transitional. There is enough floor space here to comfortably accommodate seating or a small dining arrangement, making it a versatile addition depending on how it is used. A door connects back through to the living room, allowing the two spaces to work together when opened up. From here, there are outward views beyond the immediate garden, with the elevated position of the house allowing for distant outlooks that add a sense of openness not always found in similar homes. A door provides direct access outside, reinforcing the connection to the garden.
View Conservatory PhotosLanding
The landing provides access to both bedrooms and the bathroom, arranged in a straightforward and functional layout. A window to the side brings in natural light, helping to keep the space bright despite its central position within the house. There is a built-in airing cupboard offering useful storage, along with access to the loft above. The staircase rises neatly from the hallway below, with continuation of the balustrade maintaining a consistent feel between floors.
View Landing PhotosFirst Bedroom
3.02m x 2.94m
Positioned to the rear of the house, the main bedroom is a well-proportioned double that takes full advantage of the elevated setting. A large window draws in natural light while also framing far-reaching views across the surrounding rooftops and out towards the Stour estuary and the Suffolk landscape beyond. The room comfortably accommodates a double bed alongside bedside furniture, with fitted wardrobes running along one wall providing built-in storage without reducing the usable floor space. The layout is simple and effective, allowing for easy arrangement. The outlook is a defining feature here, offering a sense of distance and openness that is not often found in homes of this type or price point.
View First Bedroom PhotosSecond Bedroom
2.85m x 2.58m
Also positioned to the rear, the second bedroom benefits from a similar elevated outlook, with views extending beyond the neighbouring properties and adding a sense of openness to the room. The proportions allow for a single bed and additional furniture, making it a genuinely usable second bedroom rather than a box room. It would equally work well as a home office or guest room, depending on requirements. A window brings in natural light, keeping the space bright, while the straightforward layout makes it easy to adapt over time.
View Second Bedroom PhotosBathroom
2.07m x 1.81m
Fitted with a three-piece suite comprising a panelled bath with shower over and glass screen, wash basin and WC, the bathroom is arranged in a practical layout that makes efficient use of the space available. Tiling runs around the bath and splashback areas, with a window providing natural light and ventilation, helping to keep the room bright. The proportions work well for everyday use, with space to move comfortably without feeling restricted. The room is absolutely functional as it stands, with scope for updating over time if desired.
View Bathroom PhotosFloorplans
Outside Spaces
Front Garden
To the front, the property sits behind a low-level boundary with a lawned garden and established planting, giving a softer setting from the road. A driveway to the side provides off-road parking with a detached timber outbuilding at its end, offering useful external storage. Gated access continues through to the rear garden and to the front door. The overall plot works well for day-to-day use, with a balance of practical space and cared for low-maintenance areas.
View PhotosRear Garden
To the rear, the garden is arranged across split levels, creating distinct areas that naturally separate seating and lawn space. A raised decked terrace sits directly off the conservatory, providing an elevated position for outdoor seating and making it an easy extension of the internal living space. Steps lead down to a lawned section, bordered by fencing and planting, with additional patio space positioned to one side. The layout is practical and manageable, offering usable outdoor space without excessive maintenance. As with the house itself, the elevated position is noticeable here, with a more open outlook beyond the immediate boundary and glimpses towards the wider landscape.
View PhotosParking Spaces
Driveway
Capacity: 2
Location
Positioned within Lawford, this home sits on the edge of Manningtree, a small but well-regarded town set directly on the River Stour estuary. The area is defined by its connection to the water and surrounding landscape, forming part of the wider estuary environment that stretches towards the coast at Harwich and into Suffolk. Manningtree itself offers a mix of independent shops, cafés and everyday amenities within a compact high street, while still retaining a strong sense of character. Despite its size, it is particularly well connected, with Manningtree railway station located nearby on the Great Eastern Main Line, providing direct services into London Liverpool Street as well as links to Norwich and the wider network. For schooling, the area is well served, including Manningtree High School, along with local primary options within Lawford itself. The surrounding environment is a key part of the appeal. The Stour estuary is not only visually distinctive but also nationally important, forming part of a protected landscape of mudflats, saltmarsh and open water that supports wildlife and recreational activity. Walks along the estuary edge, access to nearby villages such as Dedham and Mistley, and proximity to the wider countryside all contribute to a lifestyle that balances connectivity with open space. In practical terms, the location works well for buyers looking to combine commuting with a quieter setting, with Colchester within easy reach and the A137 providing straightforward road access.
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By Churchwood Stanley