House for sale in Colchester, Essex

Mileage

Kelvedon 2 miles, Kelvedon station 2.5 miles (Liverpool Street 50 minutes), Access A12 (southbound) 3 miles, Colchester 12 miles, Chelmsford 16 miles

Description

Listed as being of Architectural or Historical Interest Grade II, the earliest part of Felix Hall dates from the early 18th century. Circa 1750 the house was greatly enlarged with the addition of two matching wings to the north and south. C. 1820 the grand portico, with wide steps leading up to six Ionic columns, which still exists today, was built. The wings were also altered. In 1939 the 1750 wings were demolished and in the following year there was a major fire which destroyed much of the house leaving a large central roofless court (definition: an open space within walls) which had formerly been the hall and staircase. To the north and south of the terrace remain the 2 storey remnants of the original house also without roofs. The black and white photo shows Felix Hall prior to the demolition of the wings. Other photos and prints are available showing Felix Hall as it evolved. The full history of the house has been documented in Philip Aitkens' "Report on the Architectural History of Felix Hall, Kelvedon" (October 2009).

In 1953 the house was bought by the late owners as a country retreat staying in the rooms to the north of the court consisting of those in the basement (former kitchen etc) which have windows at ground level and 3 surviving upper ground floor rooms, one of which is described as the "small dining room" on a plan dated 1914. The large dining and drawing rooms at that time were in the now demolished wings. Subsequently a flat was formed in the south part of the house from rooms shown on the 1914 plan as the "small drawing room" and the print room. This flat was used as a permanent home by the late owner until 2008.

Planning

In 2009 planning permission (09/01502/FUL) and Listed Building Consent (09/8503/LBC) were granted by Braintree District Council for “Alterations and extensions to upgrade existing dwelling house”. This brief description does not indicate the amount of work necessary as it would involve substantial rebuilding within the existing walls of the ruin. The plans accompanying the application also show a single storey extension to the south of the existing structure. The planners have also given an informal verbal opinion that renovation to flats might be considered. Prospective purchasers should make their own enquires.
A planning pack with copies of the planning and listed building consents and the plans is available on request.

Accommodation

PROPOSED ACCOMMODATION

Basement

Games room
Utility room
Vaulted cellar
WC

Ground floor

Portico
Entrance hall
Stairwell
Drawing room
Dining room
Study
Kitchen
Larder
Breakfast room
Mudroom
Boiler room
2 WC's
Railed terraced with glazed verandah

First floor

Landing
Bedroom 1 with en suite bathroom
Bedroom 2 with en suite shower
Bedroom 3 with en suite shower
Bedroom 4 with en suite shower
Bedroom 5 with en suite shower
Bedroom 6
Second bathroom

Outside

The grounds, which are to the east and south of the Hall, have been subject to basic maintenance only in recent years and consist of former parkland with fine cedars and woodland with mature trees.

In all about 8 acres

Note: The back wall of the house forms part of the western boundary of the property (see aerial photo showing neighbour's garden).

Services
Mains electricity and water (via private main)
Private drainage.

Agent's Note
Due to the condition of Felix Hall we would ask all visitors to take great care, wear hard hats and suitable footwear, and not to bring children into the property.

Method of sale
By informal tender on the 19th August 2011. Those wishing to tender should request a tender form from the agents.

Situation

Felix Hall is located just to the north of Kelvedon, at the end of a half mile long drive, the first part of which is shared with three houses, with two other properties (the orangery and stable block to the original hall now converted to separate houses) near the Hall. Kelvedon has better than average village amenities including a small supermarket, post office, and main line railway station to London Liverpool Street. There are major shopping centres at Stanway and Colchester.

Directions

from London

Take the A12 towards Colchester leaving at the Kelvedon slip road. On entering the village turn left on the "S" bend into Church Road. Proceed over the level crossing. Pass the "speed limit end" sign and bear right into a private road with a sign to the right marked Felix Hall. Proceed between trees and houses and Felix Hall will be seen in the distance.