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See how verdicts work3-bedroom bungalow · CM7 4QP
Listing removedListed 232 days
Opportunity summary
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About
A detached single-storey home set in about 10.5 acres of unspoiled countryside, featuring two former Nissen huts with approved development potential.
Description An extensively improved and thoughtfully extended detached single-storey home offering three/four bedrooms, with significant development potential via two former Nissen huts, all set within approximately 10.5 acres of idyllic, unspoilt countryside.
Mandalay Farm presents a rare and exciting opportunity nestled within one of North Essex’s most tranquil and sought-after country lanes, just outside the popular village of Great Bardfield.
The property is set amidst grounds of approximately 10.5 acres, enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views across open farmland.
Peacefully positioned behind electric gates, the house offers complete privacy, together with an exceptional sense of space.
The principal property is of traditional brick construction with rendered elevations and dates back to the 1950s.
The accommodation provides a versatile layout totalling approximately 1,700 sq ft and is superbly presented, finished to a high specification throughout.
The heart of the house is the impressive kitchen/dining room, a light-filled and sociable space featuring full-width bi-folding doors to the garden, a striking roof lantern, and a bespoke Corian kitchen with quality integrated appliances.
Underfloor heating runs through much of the property.
A separate utility room provides additional storage and practical workspace, while the main reception room offers a log burner, and views over the rear garden and grounds.
There are three spacious double bedrooms, all enjoying excellent natural light, with two benefiting from built-in storage.
A contemporary family bathroom and a separate cloakroom complete accommodation.
Although the earlier planning permission to substantially extend the residence (Braintree District Council Ref: 20/02140/HH) has now expired, it highlights the exciting potential for future development, subject to securing fresh approval.
To the north of the plot lie two former Nissen huts, presently used for storage, but with approved planning permission for conversion into a single, architecturally designed three-bedroom detached dwelling.
The approved scheme thoughtfully unites the two existing structures into one contemporary home (Braintree District Council – Ref: 22/00714/FUL).
The driveway has been thoughtfully configured to allow for the proposed dwelling to have its own independent access, with the potential to create separate drive and parking areas.
The property also features a versatile timber lodge-style outbuilding, currently arranged as a self-contained annexe.
This flexible space incorporates a living area with kitchen, shower room, and bedroom. Outside Mandalay is situated along a secluded country lane and accessed via a gated gravel drive.
The property offers a courtyard providing parking and is home to the two former Nissen huts.
The main property is surrounded by mature gardens where a variety of trees, shrubs and lawns provide natural screening.
Beyond the garden lies a timber studio, positioned adjacent to sloping paddock land extending to about 8.5 acres and offering an ideal setting for equestrian pursuits.
Services The property is connected to mains water and electricity, benefits from oil-fired central heating, and has private drainage via a cesspit. Altogether, the plot extends to about 10.5 acres.
Local Authority: Braintree District Council Council Tax Band: D With improvement indicator Location Great Bardfield: 1 mile, Thaxted: 6 miles, Felsted 6 miles; Braintree: 7.2 miles, Great Dunmow: 8.5 miles, Chelmsford: 19.2 miles, Cambridge: 27 miles.
All distances approximate. Mandalay Farm is delightfully situated in the hamlet of Waltham’s Cross, along an ancient country lane surrounded by open farmland.
It is situated in a tranquil setting, designated a Special Landscape Area in the Pant Valley, between Finchingfield and Great Bardfield, with direct access to miles of footpaths over Essex countryside.
Great Bardfield is a very popular village, renowned for its charming rural setting, historic architecture and artistic heritage.
The village has a very active community along with a Co-op/post office and two public houses, as well as a highly regarded primary school.
One of the notable features of the village is the beautiful St Mary’s medieval church, with its striking architecture and historical significance.
There are excellent schools within the area, both in the public and private sector - notably at Felsted and Bishop's Stortford - with King Edward VI Grammar School and the County High School for Girls at Chelmsford.
The rural market towns of Thaxted, Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow provide all the local amenities with good access to Chelmsford, Colchester, Bishop’s Stortford and Cambridge.
Square Footage: 1,649 sq ft Acreage: 10.5 Acres Directions What3words: ///pricing.musician.unsecured
Value & comps
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Archie refurb estimate: a Pro feature
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Deal
Properties like this can earn 2–3x BTL yields when converted to HMO, with retrofit costs around £10k/room. Sign in to see the full tier, yield projection, and cost breakdown.
Commercial properties like this can earn 30-50% higher yields when converted to residential under Class MA / Q / P / PA, with prior approval costing ~GBP 96/unit. Sign in to see the recommended route, yield uplift, and cost breakdown.
BRRR-suited properties can recycle 80-100% of investor capital on refi, leaving a high-yielding rental with most of the money out. Sign in to see the refurb cost stack, ARV projection, and refinance maths.
Detached + large garden = sub-division play. Pro tier unlocks the tier badge, plot size, uplift estimate, and regional land benchmark.
Short-lease flats trade at deep discount, but extending under the 1993 Act often costs far less than the discount. Pro tier unlocks the tier badge, premium breakdown, long-lease ARV and arbitrage maths.
See projected short-stay revenue vs a vanilla BTL for this property.
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About Great Bardfield, Braintree, Essex, CM7
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