HAVE you ever tried to find a friend’s house when all the neighbouring properties look the same?

In mid Essex, there are plenty of examples of stand-out homes which are quite distinct.

From tiny cottages to massive mansions and quirky conversions, there are plenty of places to look for a home you definitely can’t miss. Here are just some of the weird and wonderful properties on the market right now.

 

Five-bed detached house, Colne Road, Halstead

Price: On application

Chelmsford Weekly News:

These converted Victorian water towers were a part of the Industrial Revolution by textiles magnates the Courtauld family.

The bigger tower dates from the mid-1800s and the second tower, which is the annexe, was built in 1888.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

The red brick properties are located in their own generous plot which comprises gardens, ample parking and garaging. It features a two-storey glazed arch housing the entrance door, panoramic views from the roof terrace, six floors with four bedrooms, numerous bathrooms, four living areas and a second “secret” staircase. It even has a patio with a pizza oven.

 

Two-bed cottage, Highgates, Church Road, Gosfield

Price: £230,000

Chelmsford Weekly News:

Chelmsford Weekly News:

This cute, Grade II listed two-bed cottage has stood in the village for centuries. As well as all the trimmings of a fireplace, wooden beams, and a cozy garden, it also has another bonus for sports lovers. With Gosfield Lake located nearby, it is ideal for water sport enthusiasts and offers a range of activities. The property requires some modernisation and is not suitable for those with mobility problems.

 

One-bed terraced house, Broadway, Silver End, Witham

Price: £175,000

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Want a first home which stands out from the rest? This property once had ivy growing above the doorway. By the time it was removed, the ivy has left its roots above the door, making it very recognisable. The property comes with a living room, off-street parking, garden and fitted kitchen.

 

Six-bed semi-detached house, High Street, Braintree

Price: £475,000

Chelmsford Weekly News:

Situated in the heart of Braintree town, this historic Grade II listed family home is more than 400 years old. It offers six/seven bedrooms, two main reception rooms, kitchen/family room, and two bathrooms.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

The property also has a cellar, rear garden, allocated parking and log burner fireplace. The property offers views over St. Michael’s Church and offers excellent access to the town centre and train station.

 

Two-bed flat, West Station Yard, Spital Road, Maldon

Price: £500,000

Chelmsford Weekly News:

If you want a view of the waterside by your balcony, this property may be on your list.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

This flat in a secure gated community dates back to the 1850s. It includes an entrance hall, cloakroom, lounge/dining room, kitchen, study, bedroom with en suite shower room, master bedroom with dressing room and en suite shower room, two balconies, allocated parking and garage, and communal garden.

The property even has its own mooring with power and water connection.

 

Four-bed houseboat, Basin Road, Heybridge Basin

Price: £390,000

Chelmsford Weekly News:

For those that like to move around, how about a houseboat?

Francoise was built by Gebr De Wachter Shipyard of Boom, in Belgium, in 1958. Purchased by her current owners in 2007, she moved to a Dutch boatyard to get some major upgrades.

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This luxury live-aboard offers four en suite cabins, an open-plan living room with log burner and modern-style galley kitchen, separate utility room, engine room and vast amounts of hull storage.

It is currently on a residential mooring with adjacent parking owned by Essex Waterways.