CHELMSFORD, ESSEX
THE BARNSTON
Price: £299,000
This newly built three-bedroom house with carport and parking space is only a mile and half from Chelmsford town centre and railway station. Its kitchen has been kitted out with stainless steel hobs, oven and appliances. There is a front and back garden. Contact: Crest Nicholson on 01932 580555 or go to www.crestnicholson.com
MILL LANE, TERLING
Price: £850,000
This listed landmark windmill was once the home of the Prodigy star Leeroy Thornhill. It has been carefully converted into a four-bedroom family home. The old mill rooms have been transformed into two large bedrooms and the outbuildings into room space and a garage. Contact: Strutt & Parker on 01245 258 201 or go to www.struttandparker.com
ONGAR ROAD
Price: £435,000
With three reception rooms, four bedrooms, a large kitchen, utility room, separate bath and shower rooms, this cute cottage is deceptively large. But beware, the interiors are decorated in quirky colours, so viewing this one is a must. Contact: Beresfords on 01245 420880 or go to www.beresfords.tv
NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT
Commuting: This commuter county in Essex is just 35 minutes away from Liverpool Street Station by train. Drivers will be pleased to hear that the area’s proximity to the A12 and A13 means they can reach central London in just over an hour. There is also good access to the skies since Stansted Airport is only half an hour from the town centre.
Education: The educational offerings in this area are excellent. The Chelmsford County High School for Girls and King Edward VI School for Boys are consistently ranked among some of the UK’s top grammar schools – both making the UK’s top 20 state schools in this year’s Sunday Times league table. There are also a handful of highly acclaimed independent prep schools in Chelmsford.
Leisure: With three theatres, annual book, music and art festivals, fans of high culture will not go without. Those less highbrow will enjoy the V festival held just outside Chelmsford in Hylands Park. Chelmsford is not short of green spaces – in fact, there’s more than 1,500 acres worth. This includes 17 parks, four gardens, six rugby pitches and 47 football pitches among other places.