When you think of the commuter-belt town of Billericay, a swan-dotted Lake Meadows and bustling high street soon come to mind. But this stylish sanctuary, set in a secluded wooden hamlet on the town’s suburban fringes, offers its own private slice of serenity. 

Clever architecture, slick modern design and a tranquil woodland backdrop merge seamlessly to deliver a swoon-worthy three-bed pad aptly named Dapple House. Spoiler: if long walks in lockdown have inspired you to seek out a natural gem, this is it. 

Designed to elevate its leafy natural surroundings, Dapple House offers up a private driveway, bespoke carpentry detailing, sun-soaked window seats and, yes, a self-contained garden studio purpose built for keen creatives or at-home workers who want to get away from it all during the 9-5. 

Log burner? Of course. Custom-built kitchen in the open-plan living area? Naturally. In fact, sociable lounging space accounts for more than 1,300 sq ft in the house and, outside, your own private sun spot in the tiered landscaped garden awaits.

We love the master suite, which spans the entire upper floor of the house and boasts access to its own sedum roof terrace complete with views out to wraparound woodlands.

What’s more, the house is a short stroll away from Billericay town’s historic plethora of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and boutiques (hello, long lunches at Felix), and commuters can pull into London Liverpool Street in under 40 minutes.

So while you’re happily holed up in your private patch of woodland listening to birdsong, the hustle of normality is just a hop, skip and jump-over-a-log away. Talk about having the best of both worlds. 

But how much would this little slice of perfection set you back? Channel your inner Kirstie Allsopp, then find out just how on (or off) the money you really are here.