B OTH originally small rural communities, today Shenfield and Hutton effectively comprise one extended commuter suburb of Brentwood. As such, they share with their larger and more urbanised neighbour its many advantages as a place to live – advantages which typify the traditional strengths of the Essex property market.
Basically, this is an area which has just about everything going for it. Location-wise, Shenfield and Hutton can hardly be bettered. Being just a handful of miles beyond the boundaries of Greater London makes it a popular choice for people looking to migrate from the suburbs in search of a more congenial lifestyle. The first class rail links with London Liverpool Street, with journey times of less than half an hour, make it ideal commuting territory – particularly for those travelling to the City and Docklands. And those rail links are set to get even better, with Shenfield the designated eastern terminus of the new flagship Crossrail project. Meanwhile, the important A12/M25 junction is just a few minutes away by car, offering superb road connections with East Anglia, London Stansted and the rest of the motorway network. Yet at the same time, neither Shenfield nor Hutton are far from rolling Essex countryside, dotted with quiet villages.
Of course, location isn't everything. But the area scores on other counts too, with exceptionally good schools, both state and private, and great sports and leisure facilities nearby, including Weald Country Park and Thorndon Park – not to mention all the shopping, entertainment, bars and restaurants to be found in and around Brentwood's vibrant town centre.
The final piece of the jigsaw is the wide range of properties available, from first-time buyer apartments and neat three-bed semis to – in the case of the Hutton Mount area – some of the region's most expensive and exclusive properties, commanding prices up to and even exceeding £3 million.
When you take all this into account, it's no surprise that the property market hereabouts has traditionally been strong, nor that it remains particularly buoyant today.
"Shenfield & Hutton has always been a popular area to live," says Stephen White of Savills (and he should know, since he lives there himself). "The area commands higher property prices than surrounding areas, with mid-range housing actually rising in value during the recent downturn – compared to a national reduction of 15-20 per cent." All in all, he adds, Shenfield and Hutton "tick the boxes for most would-be buyers!"
Says Terry Holmes of agents Beresfords: "Considering that the existing rail connections from Essex to the City are already the quickest from any of the Home Counties, the arrival of Crossrail will make the surrounding property look great value for money. When you factor in the ability to travel direct into the West End and beyond into Berkshire – the UK's very own "Silicon Valley" – which this new link will bring, property prices should react very favourably indeed."
It is not therefore surprising, says Terry, that Beresfords' Shenfield office has seen almost a 10 per cent increase in the number of potential purchasers registering during the first four months of the year, compared to the same period in 2012. Significantly, within that overall increase, the number of first time buyers registering has increased by nearly 25 per cent, and investors by more than per cent.
It's a view echoed by Andrew Spicer of Hilbery Chaplin. "Over the last three months we have been experiencing excellent sales levels – most notably at the lower end of the market," he says. "It would seem that whenever we hear any news of prolonged low interest rates, investors come back in to the buy-to-let market, which in turn prompts the first time buyers to react. This is an area of the market which now seems to be breaking new territory in terms of prices achieved." He quotes the example of a post war three-bedroom semi detached house in Tennyson Road, Hutton, priced at £285,000, which was sold on the first day of marketing.
New builds in the area, Andrew adds, are also still proving to be popular. "As an example, we have just released a pair of new executive homes on Longaford Way, Hutton Mount, being built by local developers Stonebond Properties, and one has already been reserved off plan." Harcourt House, the remaining unit – a traditionally-styled detached property offering four double bedrooms, four bathrooms and two reception rooms, and priced at £1.45 million – is also attracting high levels of enquiries, he adds.
For sale through Beresfords for £800,000, and superbly positioned close to Shenfield's Broadway, with its wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as the mainline station, is a deceptively spacious detached house, offering well presented and flexible accommodation. Currently, this comprises: four first floor bedrooms, one with en suite shower room, plus a family bathroom; a large ground floor bedroom suite with en suite and separate lounge area; two reception rooms; and a kitchen with additional family area, together with a utility room, ground floor cloakroom and integral garage. The rear garden is south facing, therefore enjoying sunshine throughout the day. It includes a paved patio area complemented by wrought iron balustrade, with the majority of the garden being laid to lawn with mature flower and shrub borders, plus established trees and exterior lighting.
Not strictly speaking within the area, but less than two miles from Shenfield station, is our final property this week – a striking former priory, set amid a private estate in the heart of Brentwood itself. The house, which dates back to the 16th century and is Grade II-listed, was extensively refurbished by the present owners three years ago. The accommodation, which extends to some 3,615 ft and is light and airy throughout, includes a stunning 34' southwest-facing drawing room/sitting room with floor-to-ceiling bay windows overlooking the grounds and original Minster fireplaces at either end; a cosy family room; a state-of-the-art fitted kitchen/breakfast/dining room; a utility room and a study – together with five double bedrooms (two en suite). Outside, the house sits in gated landscaped grounds of approximately 0.4 of an acre which incorporates an extensive gravelled driveway, a west-facing terrace, and a substantial raised lawn surrounded by ornamental beds – all of which is enclosed by a variety of established trees. The Priory is for sale through Savills with a guide price of £1.5 million.
