3 Bedroom Detached Bungalow, Colchester Main Road, Alresford, CO7
Colchester Main Road, Alresford, CO7
Churchwood Stanley
Churchwood Stanley, 2 The Lane
Description
An exceptional three-bedroom detached bungalow set on approximately 0.4 acres in the heart of Alresford, Essex.
This unique property, known as “Karita,” comes with a modern detached self-contained annexe and a two-bedroom static mobile home offering an unrivalled level of flexibility for multi-generational living or home business use. A substantial gravel yard, double garage, and a gated driveway provide outstanding parking and storage, ideal for tradespeople or those with multiple vehicles. Surrounded by mature gardens in a picturesque village setting, this residence has so much to offer. The bungalow itself has had historic planning permissions approved to significantly expand to the back (and up!) ensuring that the home is future proofed to your growing needs.
Karita offers an attractive and well-maintained main bungalow complemented by multiple auxiliary accommodations. The main house is a detached single-storey bungalow featuring three bedrooms in a traditional layout. All living areas are on one level, making it suitable for all ages. The décor and condition are presented in a neutral, move-in-ready fashion, allowing buyers to personalize to taste.
Set well back from the home is a modern detached annexe measuring approximately 24’3” x 11’10”. This annexe is fully self-contained, with its own private entrances front and back. Inside, one will find an open-plan studio-style living space (ample room for a bed and sitting area), a kitchenette, and a shower room. The annexe’s contemporary finish makes it immediately usable – whether as a “granny annexe” for an elderly parent, a comfortable guest suite, or even a home office/studio away from the bustle of the main house. Importantly, it has separate utilities and privacy, enabling independent living while still being just a few steps from the bungalow.
Additionally, the property includes a static mobile home with two bedrooms, located discreetly on the grounds. This static home offers a lounge area, kitchenette, two bedrooms and a bathroom, providing yet another layer of accommodation flexibility. It could serve as living quarters for extended family members or teenagers seeking semi-independent space. The static caravan is connected to mains services (water, electricity etc.) and is a permanent fixture included with the sale, offering immediate usage for the next owner.
One of the standout features of Karita is its expansive 0.4 acre plot that provides both functional space and established beauty. Directly behind the bungalow lies a substantial gravel yard – a broad open area that can accommodate numerous vehicles or equipment. Whether you are a tradesperson needing secure storage for vans, trucks, or tools, a car enthusiast with multiple vehicles, or someone with a boat or motorhome, this yard will more than meet your needs.
The space is level and gated, allowing vehicles to manoeuvre easily. Exceptional vehicle storage or workshop potential is on offer here; such extensive private yard space is a rare find in residential properties. Should you wish to run a business from home – for example, a landscaping company, building contractor, or any enterprise requiring outdoor storage – this area could be invaluable (usage subject to obtaining any necessary planning consent). The yard is screened from the road and neighbouring properties, maintaining privacy and reducing visual impact. (Notably, the site has previously been associated with local business use, underscoring its practical potential, though new owners should seek relevant permissions for commercial activities.)
Beyond the yard, the property unfolds into a delightful rear garden that brings a slice of English country life to your doorstep. A well-tended lawn stretches out, ideal for children’s play or summer entertaining. Dotted around are mature shrubs and trees, adding privacy and a sense of an established garden. Green-fingered buyers will appreciate the productive garden areas – there are sections dedicated to growing vegetables and perhaps fruit trees or a greenhouse, allowing for home-grown produce. There is space here for all manner of outdoor pursuits, be it installing a polytunnel, keeping chickens, or creating a magnificent floral display.
Despite the generous size of the plot, the garden is designed to be manageable, with established lawns and planting. It offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation, backdropped by birdsong and nature – a key lifestyle attraction for those moving from town to village life.
Parking is abundantly catered for: the property is approached via an extensive gated driveway off Main Road. The driveway can easily park numerous cars (e.g., ideal for when you host family gatherings or if occupants of the annexe and static home have their own vehicles). In addition, the double garage (17’ x 17’) provides covered parking for two cars or can serve as a secure workshop/storage area. The garage is constructed in a style (and time) matching the annexe and has power connected, suiting it for use as a home workshop, hobby space or additional storage (for instance, for bicycles, outdoor equipment, or business tools). Altogether, the combination of the driveway, yard, and garage could likely accommodate well over a dozen vehicles if ever needed – an ideal setup for anyone needing serious parking capacity.
Karita truly shines in its ability to adapt to a wide range of lifestyles and buyer needs. The property’s versatile accommodation and extensive grounds make it suitable for:
Multi-Generational Living: Increasingly, families are choosing to live under one roof across generations, and this home is tailor-made for that trend. The separate annexe and static home allow grandparents, adult children, or other relatives to live independently yet alongside the main household – maintaining family closeness with personal space.
Home Business or Tradespeople: For entrepreneurs or trades professionals (builders, landscapers, mechanics, etc.), the large yard and outbuildings provide the infrastructure to base a business from home. Securely store tools, materials, or vehicles on-site, or convert part of the garage to an office or workshop. The annexe could even serve as an administrative office or studio for a home-based business, keeping work life separate from the main home. With the proper permissions, the property could host various business uses (the open yard space could accommodate materials storage, small machinery, or client parking). The substantial off-road parking ensures even commercial vehicles or trailers can be kept securely without impacting the attractive frontage. This flexibility is hard to find and can save significant costs compared to renting separate business premises.
Rental Income or Investment: For buyers with an investor mindset, the additional living units present potential income streams. The annexe, with its independent setup, could be rented out (either on a long-term basis or as a short-term holiday let) to generate income – as long as one complies with any lending or planning conditions.
In summary, the scope of flexibility here is exceptional – whether you need to house three generations under one roof, run a business from your backyard, or simply enjoy a spacious family home with room to grow, this property can accommodate it. It’s rare to find a bungalow that offers more than 3, potentially up to 5+ bedrooms across multiple dwellings within one property, all ready to use. The thoughtful layout of the annexe and positioning of the static home on the plot ensures that each has its own semi-private area, minimizing any sense of crowding. This makes the arrangement harmonious even when fully occupied.
It’s worth noting how unique this property is in the current market. You will seldom find a home that combines three distinct living accommodations (main house, annexe, and static home) on a generous plot within a village setting.
Furthermore, the combination of residential and potential business use sets this property apart. While many rural homes may have large gardens or maybe an outbuilding, very few provide a dedicated yard space of this scale, which could enable someone to operate a business from home seamlessly. In a time where remote work and home-based businesses are increasingly common, having infrastructure to support that (like ample parking, storage, and a separate office/annexe) makes Karita a forward-thinking purchase.
EPC Rating: D
Virtual Tour
Key Features
- Main House: Three-bedroom detached bungalow with comfortable single-storey living accommodation. Bright living spaces, well-proportioned bedrooms, modern kitchen and family bathroom
- Detached Annexe: Modern self-contained annexe (approx. 24’3” x 11’10”) with its own entrance, offering an open-plan living area, kitchenette, and shower room
- Static Mobile Home: Two-bedroom static caravan home on-site, providing additional living space for extended family, guest stay or potential rental use (subject to any necessary consents)
- Plot Size: Approx. 0.4 acres of land (around 0.16 hectares)
- Yard and Double garage (approx. 17’ x 17’). Substantial gravel yard behind the bungalow – an expansive area ideal for storing multiple vehicles, work equipment, or even for business use (STPP)
- Alresford’s train station provides regular services to Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, with connections to London Liverpool Street in as little as 1 hour 13 minutes
- A versatile property ideal for multi-generational living, buyers with home business or workshop needs, or lifestyle seekers desiring space and flexibility
Property Details
- Property type: Bungalow
- Price Per Sq Foot: £327
- Approx Sq Feet: 1,682 sqft
- Plot Sq Feet: 17,405 sqft
- Property Age Bracket: 1940 - 1960
- Council Tax Band: C
Floorplans
Location
Location – Alresford Village, Essex Alresford is a charming small village situated east of Colchester, surrounded by beautiful Essex countryside and bordered by the River Colne. It offers residents a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, promising a peaceful village lifestyle “away from the hustle and bustle” of larger towns. The community is close-knit and vibrant, evident in the various events and activities that take place throughout the year. For instance, Alresford hosts an annual Music Festival and an Agricultural Show, bringing together locals and visitors for celebrations of music, farming and village life. Such events highlight the strong community spirit and make it easy for newcomers to feel welcomed and integrated. Despite its modest size, Alresford is well-equipped with essential amenities. In the village you will find a SPAR convenience store and a Premier grocery for daily necessities, ensuring you don’t have to travel far for milk and bread. There is a Post Office (vital for mailing needs and basic banking), and several small businesses that cater to everyday needs – including a fish & chip shop (Alresford Fish Bar) and a Chinese takeaway (Mr. Lau) for nights off cooking, and a few hair salons and a small gym/fitness centre. For dining and socializing, the local pub – The Pointer Inn – offers a cosy, traditional atmosphere, perfect for a Sunday roast or an evening drink with neighbours. It’s these amenities that make Alresford surprisingly self-sufficient for a village, as one resident-oriented guide notes: “Despite its small size, Alresford is surprisingly well-equipped area. For anything more, the major town of Colchester is only a short drive away, offering supermarkets, shopping centres, restaurants, hospitals and all the facilities of a larger urban area. Families will appreciate the schooling options around Alresford. The village’s own Alresford Primary School (Ford Lane) is a well-regarded community primary school rated “Good” by Ofsted, providing education for ages 4–11 and conveniently within walking distance for young children. In fact, it’s just around the corner from Karita, making school drop-offs a breeze. For secondary education, students typically attend the nearby Colne Community School and College in Brightlingsea (ages 11–18) or schools in Colchester, reachable by short bus or train journeys. (Brightlingsea is about 5 miles away, while Colchester offers both state and independent secondary schools.) Additionally, another primary school option – Millfields Primary in Wivenhoe – is only a few miles away and boasts an “Outstanding” Ofsted rating, giving families alternative choices for schooling. The broader area is home to the University of Essex (Colchester campus) in Wivenhoe Park, about 5 miles from Alresford, which adds an academic vibe to the region and could be convenient for families with older children or those working in higher education. When it comes to transport and connectivity, Alresford offers a balance between rural peace and accessibility. Alresford railway station is roughly a 5-minute walk from Karita (approximately 0.2 miles). This station is on the Sunshine Coast Line, operated by Greater Anglia, and provides direct train services to Colchester (in around 10–12 minutes) and onward to London Liverpool Street (typical journey about 1 hour 20 minutes, with the fastest services just 73 minutes to London). This makes daily commuting to Colchester or even London feasible – you can enjoy a village lifestyle and still reach the City for work or leisure in a reasonable time. Trains also run eastward to the seaside towns of Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze, meaning weekend trips to the coast are easy without needing to drive. The presence of a train station in the village is a huge boon (many Essex villages rely solely on buses), giving Alresford an edge for commuters. For road travel, Alresford connects to the A133 and B1027 roads. By car, you can reach Colchester’s outskirts in about 15 minutes and the town centre in around 20 minutes, making shopping or commuting by road quite convenient. The A133 also links to the A120 and A12, facilitating journeys towards London, Ipswich, or Stansted Airport. There are local bus services that link Alresford to Colchester and nearby villages, useful for those who prefer public transport for local trips. The surrounding area of Alresford is rich in natural beauty and recreation. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll be delighted by what’s on offer. The village is near the Alresford Creek on the River Colne, which is a scenic spot for walks, bird-watching, or even a bit of boating/kayaking on the tidal waters. In fact, the Alresford Nature Reserve by the creek provides lovely walking trails through salt marsh and countryside. Just to the west, you have Cockaynes Wood, a local woodland and nature reserve known for its bluebells and wildlife, offering tranquil woodland walks. There is also a community-run Alresford community allotment and garden in the village, reflecting the community’s green fingers and providing a social spot for those interested in gardening. For a family day out, the coastal town of Brightlingsea (with its marina and beach) is only a 10-minute drive, or you can venture slightly further to Clacton or Walton for traditional seaside attractions. Golfers have a choice of courses in the area (for instance, there’s a golf club in nearby Thorpe-le-Soken or Colchester). All told, Alresford’s environs offer a wonderful playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from cycling quiet country lanes to exploring nature reserves – an idyllic contrast to city life. Community-wise, Alresford is known to be safe and family-friendly. Crime rates are low and the village benefits from a proactive community watch and periodic police patrols, giving peace of mind to residents. Neighbours tend to know each other, and there’s a real sense of looking out for one another – a hallmark of village life. The village hall often hosts clubs, classes, and events, and there’s a local sports field and playground for children. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy village living with a strong community spirit, yet not feel isolated thanks to the good transport links and amenities.
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