Details

Boydens are pleased to bring to the market Comfrey Cottage, a charming and well-appointed detached family home set within circa six acres in the much-loved village of Layer de la Haye. Tucked away along the quiet and leafy Fields Farm Road, the property offers a rare combination of generous accommodation, mature gardens, paddock land and excellent equestrian facilities, all within easy reach of Colchester city centre.

Offered to the market for the first time in eighteen years, and understood to be only the fourth time post-war, Comfrey Cottage presents a wonderful opportunity for buyers seeking space, privacy and a more rural way of life, without compromising on village amenities. The grounds are a particular feature, with formal gardens, open paddocks, post and rail fencing, two driveways and multiple stable blocks, making the property especially well suited to those with horses or outdoor interests.

The property is approached via a private driveway, with its attractive brick elevations, multi-paned windows and established gardens creating an inviting first impression. Internally, the accommodation is both spacious and flexible, offering a balance of character, practicality and family living.

The entrance hall gives access to a delightful L-shaped lounge, enjoying views over the grounds and centred around an open fireplace. This is a comfortable and welcoming reception room, with French doors opening directly onto a private terrace, ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining during the warmer months.

To the other side of the hall is a well-proportioned kitchen/breakfast room, fitted in a traditional style and enjoying views to the front and rear. There is ample space for informal dining, while a separate dining room provides an excellent setting for family meals or larger gatherings. A further reception room offers useful versatility and could be used as a study, library, playroom or occasional ground floor bedroom, depending on the needs of the buyer. The ground floor is completed by a practical utility room, rear porch and cloakroom/WC.

On the first floor, the principal bedroom enjoys a private outlook over the surrounding grounds and benefits from fitted wardrobes and an en suite bathroom, complete with both bath and separate shower. There are three further double bedrooms, all enjoying pleasant elevated views, served by a contemporary family shower room.

Externally, Comfrey Cottage truly comes into its own. The gardens are mature and well established, with lawns, planted borders, flowering shrubs and trees creating a peaceful and private setting around the house. A gate leads through to the paddock land, which is well suited for grazing and benefits from post and rail fencing.

The equestrian facilities are extensive. There is an existing stable block close to the main house comprising two stables and a tack room. The property now also includes a further block of stabling with its own separate entrance, comprising five additional stables, a tack room and store. This second access is a significant benefit, allowing for easier equestrian use, deliveries, horsebox access or separation from the main residential driveway.

In total, the property offers seven stables, multiple tack/storage areas, paddock land and two driveways, creating an excellent set-up for private equestrian use, hobby farming or those simply wanting land and outbuildings in a desirable village location.

Layer de la Haye is a highly regarded Essex village positioned to the west of Colchester. The village offers a strong sense of community and a good range of local amenities, including a primary school, village store, public houses and village hall. Nearby Abberton Reservoir and Nature Discovery Park provide excellent opportunities for walking, birdwatching and enjoying the surrounding countryside, while the wider area is popular with walkers, riders and cyclists.

Colchester city centre is within easy reach, offering a wide range of shopping, leisure and schooling facilities, together with a mainline railway station providing direct services to London Liverpool Street. The property is also well placed for access to the surrounding villages and countryside, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a rural lifestyle with practical connectivity.

Comfrey Cottage is a rare opportunity to acquire a characterful village home with circa six acres, substantial equestrian facilities and excellent long-term flexibility. Early viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the setting, land and lifestyle on offer.

HALL - 11'6'' x 6'7'' (3.5m x 2m)
CLOAKROOM - 6'10'' x 2'7'' (2.1m x 0.8m)
L-SHAPLED LOUNGE - 14'4'' x 8'9'' (4.4m x 2.7m) x 11'7" X 25'5" (3.5m X 7.7m)
DINING ROOM - 20'1'' x 9'10'' (6.1m x 3m)
STUDY - 7'7'' x 9'10'' (2.3m x 3m)
KITCHEN - 22' x 11'2'' (6.7m x 3.4m)
UTILITY ROOM - 11'4'' x 7' (3.5m x 2.1m)
LANDING - 11'6'' x 9'9'' (3.5m x 3m)
BATHROOM - 8'2'' x 9'8'' (2.5m x 2.9m)
BEDROOM - 1 - 10' x 19'2'' (3m x 5.8m)
ENSUITE - 9'11'' x 8'5'' (3m x 2.6m)
BEDROOM - 2 - 11'5'' x 12'3'' (3.5m x 3.7m)
BEDROOM - 3 - 13'8'' x 11'9'' (4.2m x 3.6m)
BEDROOM - 4 - 12'10" x 9'9" (3.9m x 2.9)
TACK ROOM - 11'4" x 11'8'' (3.4m x 3.5m)
STABLE 1 - 11'4'' x 11'5'' (3.46m x 3.49m)
STABLE 2 - 11'3" x 11'8" (3.4m x 3.5m)

AGENT NOTE-

Local Authority - Colchester City Council.
Broadband Availability -Superfast Broadband available with speeds of up to 20 Mbps (details obtained from Ofcom Mobile and Broadband Checker) - May 2025
Mobile Coverage - It is understood that the best available service in the area is provided by O2 with limited voice and no data indoor coverage. EE, THREE and VODAFONE all have no voice and data indoor coverage. O2, THREE, VODAFONE AND EE all have likely voice and data outdoor coverage (details obtained from Ofcom Mobile and Broadband Checker) May 2025
Utilities - Mains Electric / Mains Gas Heating / Mains Water /Mains Sewerage.
Construction Type - We understand the property to be of Traditional Construction of brick.
Flood Risk - Data Taken from Gov.UK Flood Map - checked May 2025 - The property is at a Very Low risk of flooding.
Planning Applications in the Immediate Locality - Checked May 2025 - We are not aware of any planning applications in the immediate locality.
MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS - Please be advised that all purchasers will need to adhere to current laws of money laundering and therefore will need to provide Boydens Estate Agents photographic identification and proof of residency identification before any transaction is started to comply with the legislation.