Russell Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex

You need to cross the threshold to appreciate everything this veritable tardis of an extended semi-detached house has to offer. Originally built in the Edwardian era, it retains delightful period features while having been extensively modernised to meet the needs of contemporary family life-offering the best of both worlds.

There is a tiled pathway and a hard-standing frontage for two cars - a valuable asset in this area. A side gate leads to the rear garden and a covered entrance with a period front door which opens into a welcoming hallway that includes storage cupboards and a cloakroom.

The lounge features a large bay window and an impressive cast iron fireplace with an eco-friendly, smoke-free bioethanol fire. It is flanked by built-in bookshelves and leads via a wide archway to the dining area with another elegant fireplace and multi-pane French doors to the contemporary breakfast area, when open, these create a wonderfully connected space, perfect for entertaining.

The family area and kitchen have lantern skylights and French doors that open to the garden. The stylish kitchen features a Smeg range cooker, modern shaker-style cabinetry with integrated appliances and a peninsula breakfast bar. There is a utility room and an external door leading to the self-contained office with its own private access to avoid disrupting family life, so is ideal for home working.

Outside, the easy-to-maintain garden is planted with an array of shrubs and perennials providing colour and interest throughout the year, designed with outdoor entertaining in mind, the garden includes a large, paved patio for al fresco dining and a gravelled seating area with an outdoor kitchen zone featuring a tiled countertop, electric grill and fridge.

On the first floor, a beautiful original stained-glass window brings natural light to the landing, which provides access to the bathroom, a separate double shower room, and three double bedrooms, one with polished wood floors and custom built-in storage. The second floor offers a fourth double bedroom with an en-suite shower, fitted cupboards and a seating area - great for teenagers seeking their own space.

Over the past three years, the owners have carried out significant upgrades including double glazing throughout, roof insulation, redecoration, and electrical rewiring-ensuring the house is as heat-efficient and as comfortable as possible whilst retaining original features.

What the Owner says:

We love the character and generous space of the property, along with its wonderful location and unexpectedly beautiful views across the Roding Valley Recreation Ground to Chigwell. We live in a welcoming neighbourhood with a strong village feel. Linder's Fields, just at the end of the road, connects to the stunning Roding Valley Recreation Ground for tranquil walks, and there's a cricket pitch nearby for a touch of traditional charm. Epping Forest is also close by for cycling, horse riding or simply enjoying a picnic.

Buckhurst Hill's town centre and Central Line station are half a mile away, offering a swift 30-minute commute into Liverpool Street Station. The area has a variety of independent shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and pubs, including the well-loved Three Colts and a conveniently located Waitrose.

Outstanding local schools include the excellent Loyola Prep School and Bancroft's in Woodford Green, while the Ofsted Outstanding-rated nursery on Queen's Road is just a short walk. Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy cricket, tennis, bowls, football and rugby at the local clubs and there are four local golf clubs in the vicinity.