Keepers Cottage, Baldwins Hill, Loughton, IG10 1SF

This enchanting Victorian Swiss-style detached house is steeped in history and locally listed as a ‘building of local architectural and historic interest.’ Idyllically located on the edge of Epping Forest in the Baldwins Hill Conservation area, it was designed by Edmond Egan who was one of Loughton’s most famous architects and it is one of the few such homes still in existence.

From the moment you sweep onto the spacious driveway you will be captivated by the picturesque exterior with its steep sloping roof and ornate bargeboards and finials, matching pitched roof original entrance, high chimneystack, multi-pane casement windows and black painted wood walls.

The front door opens into the hallway, it is at this stage you realise that, while the outside reflects the charm of a bygone era, internally the property has been renovated and extended to be a stunning contemporary home.

It includes a modern family bathroom with a feature brick wall and inset shelves, a bath and separate double shower, an additional shower room, a single bedroom and two double bedrooms.

One is dual aspect with French doors to the garden featuring House of Hackey ‘Fern’ wallpaper, while the dual aspect principal bedroom was the sitting room and features an impressive fireplace and the original front entrance that makes an excellent walk in wardrobe.

There is also fixed ladder access to a first-floor space that could always be converted into an en-suite bathroom or dressing room with the addition of a spiral staircase, subject to any necessary planning permissions.

There is a charming sitting room with windows overlooking the impressive kitchen and dining area with poured concrete flooring, underfloor heating and a modern log burning stove as a focal point.

However, it is the awe-inspiring kitchen and dining area that is the ‘star of the show’.

Tiled steps lead down to this stunning light and bright area with its high vaulted ceiling, Velux windows, two sets of bi-fold doors to the rear decked terrace, solid wood flooring, a dining area and the contemporary kitchen.

This features a Stove cooker, a Smeg fridge and modern flat fronted units housing an integrated dishwasher and washing machine.

There is the delightful raised decked terrace that runs the length of the property and borders a well-manicured lawn leading to a pergola covered outdoor dining area as well as to a separate bespoke office/studio building designed by East Space Studios.

This overlooks the forest and is fully insulated and includes lighting, electrics and WiFi so is ideal for anyone working from home.

History The house was historically called Rose Cottage and Swiss Cottage and once was thought to have originally been the forest keeper’s cottage.

It was lived in by playwright, writer and actor Ken Campbell until his death in 2008 and this is commemorated by a blue plaque. Offered with no onward chain.

Seller Insight 'We bought this house as we were charmed by its character and history, and the fact that we had direct access to the forest, as we wanted our young twin daughters to enjoy the delights of the countryside, but we still needed to be near London for work.

On the one hand, we can enjoy walks, cycle and horse rides in the forest or stop off at the Foresters or Gardeners Arms pubs for a drink or a meal.

Loughton is a charming town with plenty of pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques and salons as well as specialist shops such as the Ginger Pig butchers and Gail’s bakery.

There are also a number of sports clubs and facilities, including the Loughton Leisure Centre with a large indoor swimming pool, while golfing aficionados can play at the Epping golf course of the Hobbs Cross Golf Centre.

There is a wide selection of schools in the area, including Staples Road Primary, Hereward Primary and Debden Park High School, as well as good, independent schools.

The town is on the London Underground’s Central Line, which can whisk you to Stratford in 20 minutes and Liverpool Street in about half an hour, so it is ideal for commuters wanting to travel to the City or the West End.

As far as road travel is concerned, it is only a short distance to the M11 for the M25 as well as access to Stansted, Heathrow and Cambridge.'