Theydon Mount £1,200,000

From its driveway approach with woodland and countryside surround to its light and airy interiors, this pretty cottage is brimming with charm and character. Previously two cottages belonging to the hill hall estate, today the house offers four bedrooms, three reception rooms and a conservatory with lovely views across the 1.6 acres of grounds (STMS).
The Story
Looking out of the former woodman’s cottage windows, the family feel at one with nature, as the forest changes so dramatically throughout the seasons.
We know that spring is here when we look out and see the deer peeping up at us, said Aidan Mahoney. It is also very beautiful in autumn when all the trees turn gold and bronze.
Mount Wood Cottage, named after the acre (STMS) of forest that belongs to the house, has a traditional cottage feel and the couple like nothing more that to snuggle up on a winter’s day in their pretty drawing room.
We curl up in front of the wood-burning stove with branches gleaned from our own forest and feel we are part of the Christmas card environment. We have so many pictures of snowfalls in the forest, he said.
Despite its rural setting Mount Wood Cottage is only 10 minutes from Epping rail station, convenient for Aidan to travel to London every day for work.
It would be difficult to live in town after the beauty of this idyllic, rural environment, he said.
BIRD SONG
Aidan and Anette bought the cottage in 2002 after falling for the natural setting – acres of wheat fields, farmland and Epping.
Today the area is a paradise for bird watchers with numerous varieties making their homes in the woods and surrounding farmland.
We wake up in the morning to the sound of the dawn chorus and there are lots of beautiful pheasants, he said.
The house was originally two cottages lived in by woodmen, he explained.
A lot of the original characteristics have remained including exposed wood beams and typical ‘cottagey’ ceilings.
COTTAGE CUISINE
The couple have extended the house to make it a true family home suitable for modern day living but in doing so have retained the historical look of the cottage.
We have opened up the kitchen/dining room to give more of an open plan feel and put down solid oak floors throughout, he said.
This area is undoubtedly Anette’s kingdom as Aidan admits he can’t cook.
It has become the central focus of the house. I don’t cook. I can do toast. Anette does all the cooking and as it is open plan we can chat while she does. It is the heart of the house, he said.
BABES IN THE WOOD
The couple redecorated throughout two years ago in oyster cream and created an office for Aidan to work from home.
There is also a children’s room kitted out with their own TVs and computer games.
It has changed since they have grown older from dolls to pool tables and they now entertain their friends in there, said Aidan.
The youngsters also love the surrounding area – the forest is the perfect place for hide and seek adventures.
The woods are a magnet for children to play in, building castles and forts, he added.
This is a fantastic location for a growing family, an idyllic setting for children in their formative years. We will look back with fond memories.
MORNING SUNSHINE
Epping Forest is the perfect backdrop for parties for both the young ones and the couple’s friends. Aidan particularly remembers two special occasions at the house.
We are snug for winter parties and spill out into the garden in the summer. My 40th birthday was a bit of a bash and my wife’s 40th birthday a couple of years later, he said.
Barbecues are also high on the list for family parties. Along with the section of Mount Wood owned by the cottage, there is also a substantial garden with a circular wooden pavilion sitting by the woods.
We eat out their regularly in the summer or have coffee in the morning sunshine, he said.
Accommodation
Ground Floor
Set well back from the road with a driveway flanked by lawn, the pretty cottage is surrounded by open countryside and woodland giving it a magical appeal. The accommodation envelopes you with its warm and welcoming ambience and the inviting reception hall, with its exposed beams, oak flooring and original brick fire, is indicative of the rooms that lead off it.
The comfortable drawing room enjoys views of the woods and farmland, with a cast iron log burner, oak floors and calming neutral décor. From here there is an easy flow into the conservatory – a wonderful area in which to relax.
The family room, which leads out to the garden via French doors, has exposed beams and the same attractive oak flooring that spans throughout the home, while the dining room, with its exposed beams, views to the front and recessed display areas, is the perfect space for those wanting to entertain. This room leads to an exquisite bespoke kitchen with granite worktops, a plethora of cabinets and an array of integrated appliances. The traditional double butler sink is positioned so that it looks over the gardens and the contrasting Karndean floor adds the finishing touch. Further rooms include a cosy but practical study, accessed from the dining area. The laundry room with its vaulted ceiling, contrasting worktops and butler sink retains the same cottage feel, while the ground floor shower room boasts a modern style suite with crisp straight lines and a more contemporary feel.
First Floor Accommodation
Rising to the first floor there are four charming bedrooms. The landing has a window with views of the gardens that also allows in plenty of natural light and the master bedroom, with its views over the farmland, is a subtle fusion of pastel colours and relaxing décor. This room also boasts a stylish white en-suite and the opulence of a walk-in dressing room. Pretty in pink, the second bedroom has views from the bay window over the gardens and woodland area and benefits from built-in wardrobes, while bedroom three incorporates a raised sleeping area, study space and views of the gardens and woodland. The final bedroom is currently used as a guest room and is well proportioned with a neutral and soothing décor scheme, plus garden and countryside views. The main family bathroom which services three of the rooms, boasts a Jacob Dalafon suite with a beautiful modern finish.
Setting the Scene
The property is approached via a five-bar gate that opens onto the shingle driveway allowing plenty of parking for several cars and access to the detached double garage block.
The grounds extend to approximately 1.6 acres (STMS), including 0.6 acres of delightful and meticulously maintained gardens. There are pristine grass areas with flowerbeds and an array of shrubs and perennials, whilst a post and rail fence separates the plot from the surrounding farmland.
There are various seating areas dotted around the garden and barbecues are always a huge family favourite.
Epping Forest borders the cottage and the owners’ daughter loves to ride along the trails and bridal paths.
We walk for miles through the forest, he said. We have a nice garden surrounded by views across the lush green countryside.
Then there is the one acre of fenced woodland which provides a natural habitat for wildlife and is equally wonderful for children.
Within easy Reach
Stansted Airport can be accessed easily via the M11. There is also over ground national rail links from Harlow directly into London. The M25 is only a short drive away and from here you can get to Lakeside and Blue Water shopping centres where all your high street and designer household names can be found.
DIRECTIONS:
From Hobbs Cross Road turn right on to Mount Road. Take the first left turn to Banks Lane and proceed for approximately 1.5 miles whereupon the road will run into Epping Road. Turn left to Mountwood Lane and the property can be found at the bottom of the road.
For those with satellite navigation the post code for the property is CM16 7PX.
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