Colchester

A unique opportunity to purchase a stunning refurbished home, situated on the edge of Colchester's historic city centre.

Dating back to the 1800's, the building was refurbished, and newly built bespoke homes were expertly crafted, creating just eight completely unbelievable homes.

The property is accessed through the grand doorways at the front and comprises a spacious lounge, kitchen / diner with pantry cupboard, cloakroom and two large bedrooms with en-suites. The house retains excellent character with original shutters but offers a great new feel and flow throughout. Externally the home has a rear garden, the sliding gates offer an off-road parking space as well as an additional space beyond the gate. The front overlooks the preserved Roman Circus starting gates.

Steeped in history.....The former Royal Artillery Barracks Officers’ Quarters now known as “The Sergeants’ Mess,” is a Grade II listed brick building built 1874-5, with extensions and alterations dating to 1904 when the barracks were rerolled as a much larger Royal Field Artillery Barracks. Originally it overlooked the Abbey Field to the front and the barracks parade ground to the rear, now Butt Road car park. It was flanked by blocks of stables with troop accommodation above, two fine listed examples remain today. Remarkably in 2004, in what was the Officers’ Quarters front garden, the starting gates of the only known Roman Circus in the United Kingdom were discovered. The Roman Circus is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The building is highly significant to Colchester for several reasons. The detailed architecture of the Sergeants’ Mess makes it arguably the most prominent building in one of the earliest and best persevered permanent barracks of the Victorian Colchester Garrison. It is one of the few listed surviving buildings of the early permanent Victorian barracks in Colchester, which evolved from the changes in military thinking that arose in the aftermath of the Crimean War. It has a direct association with the First World War, high architectural merit, with elaborate decoration and fine fixtures and fittings many of which have survived are in intact today.

Number 2 The Sergeants’ Mess was a key part of the original building and was the accommodation of the brigades two field officers, their servants living in the adjoining accommodation and their horses being stabled in the adjacent stable block. The inscriptions in the York stone mounts for the doorbells, the high Victorian ceilings, internal architectural detail, including preserved internal doorways, dressers, shelving and window shutters all bear testament to its originality. The field artillery brigade which was stationed at the Artillery Barracks in 1914 became part of the 4th Division of the British Army when war was declared in August 1914. The 4th Division was sent to France and was moved straight to the front line, taking up their positions through the night of the 25th August and participating in the Battle of Le Cateau which began at dawn on the 26th August. The Battle of Le Cateau was only the second engagement of WW1. One of the brigade’s battery commanding officers was killed during the battle. As a military honour the Royal Field Artillery Barracks were renamed ‘Le Cateau Barracks’ after WW1. These historic events are recorded on two blue plaques located on either end of the building. This former command centre, pivotal at keys points of WWII was converted post war into a modern facility for the British Armed Forces.

Testament to the rich military history of the region and stands as a beautiful example of historic architecture that has been expertly restored and updated for modern living. The property's unique combination of historic charm and modern luxury has made it a sought-after residence for discerning buyers who appreciate the charm of the past and the comforts of the present.

A home that simply has to be seen..... Please call Beresfords to arrange your private showing. (Ref: COS230200