Real creature comforts (From Gazette)

Real creature comforts

11:44am Monday 20th September 2010 in July

THIS substantial period country house has exceptional equestrian facilities overlooking the Pant Valley.

Woolmers Farm in Beazley End, Braintree, is situated in an unspoilt rural setting, overlooking paddocks and the rolling countryside beyond.

Accessed from a country lane, the driveway sweeps behind the stable block and manege, past the elegant Georgian south east facade to the main entrance.

This eight bedroom house has a central reception hall and is arranged over two storeys.

The principal reception rooms are elegantly proportioned and retain many period features, including fireplaces and exposed floor boards.The house enjoys natural light from the large sash windows.

At the heart of the house is a kitchen/breakfast room, with black granite work surfaces arranged around a central island unit. Beyond, the living and ancillary accommodation includes offices.

In the basement is a leisure complex with a cinema room and state of the art multimedia systems, a games room, and gym with an integrated sound system.

The main bedrooms, with ensuite, are on the first floor of the original house. Further bedrooms and bathrooms are found in the new wing.

To the north of the house, there is an impressive courtyard complex and outbuildings.The secure floodlit area includes six large stables, tack room, garage, machinery store and a large barn with five drop-in boxes.

There are two large barns with a red brick base and wood cladding surrounds under a slate roof. One is currently a garage, while the other is subdivided into sheds and a WC.There is also a horse walk, which can be lit from the stable yard.

Fans of swimming will love the outdoor pool, pool house and enclosed terrace.

The house stands in approximately 16 acres, secluded by a hedge.

The property is on the market for £3,200,000 with Strutt & Parker. Call 01245 254600 or visit www.struttandparker.com