NESTLED within the Stour Valley, Oak House also has the benefit of private grounds stretching across an acre and a half.

The six-bedroom detached country home even includes a detached garage and annex, while inside the main property there is an oak vestibule, an impressive reception hall staircase leading to a galleried landing and a sitting room with windows on three sides allowing light to stream in.

On the market for the first time in 16 years, the house is in the centre of countryside designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the village of Alphamstone, but also just a five minute drive from Sudbury and 20 minutes from Colchester.

Built 35 years ago, Oak house has been enhanced during the time the current owners have lived there, explains Daryl Parr, of estate agents Chewton Rose.

“They added a porch, which has proved to be a fantastic addition, upgraded the bathrooms, added under-floor heating and took down a wall to enlarge the kitchen into the excellent space it is now.”

He says this has made it a lovely family room and a good place for parties to start.

The substantial property has been ideal for the family of six and for children of different ages.  And the annexe is also perfect for older children or family members wanting a bit of independence as it has its own bedroom, sitting room and shower room.

The family, who are relocating, have also been able to put up a marquee in the large garden for a number of occasions, including birthday parties and anniversary celebrations.

Daryl says they admit they are sad about leaving the area as much as the house, where it is easy to get to schools, shops and places of work.

He adds: “There is so much to do here, from the lovely riverboat ride that runs between Sudbury and the local riverside gastro pub, to Daws Hall Nature Reserve, which is just a short walk away, and Colchester Castle.

“People travel to this part of the world because it is just so wonderful.”  From the oak vestibule and reception hall doors lead off to the sitting room and home office.

There is also another spacious area for families to enjoy time together in the form of an L-shaped family room and again with windows on three sides.

This is also the case with the fitted bespoke kitchen/dining and breakfast room.

The downstairs also has a utility and boot room and ground floor cloakroom.

Upstairs on the the first floor there is plenty of room on the landing which opens out on to six double bedrooms, including the master bedroom suite. This and two of the remaining five bedrooms come with en-suite showers with the other three bedrooms sharing the family-sized bathroom with separate shower.  Outside Oak House sits back from the road and is reached via electronically controlled gates which lead to an extensive driveway providing off-road parking for numerous vehicles.

This leads to the triple garage, above which is the annexe as well as a shower and toilet on the ground floor.

There is also a further outbuilding in the form of a barn/store while the garden is mainly set to lawn and covers well over an acre.

Daryl adds the current owners say the house, despite being large, has a “homely” feel they have loved and will miss.

Oak House is on the market at £1,600,000 with Chewton Rose in Colchester. Contact the office on 01206 564259.