We're off to Essex this time... let's go and take a look at a wonderful 3 bedroom character property that is in need of some refurbishment, but has lots of gorgeous features that make it well worth the time and TLC required to bring out the best in this fabby family home :-)

At first glance, yes, I can see that in places the garden and exterior are a bit tired looking and in need of a little work... but those amazing shutters are great, and it will only take a lick of paint in a different shade to entirely transform that exterior, so if blue isn't your colour it is worth pausing to consider how striking this property would be with red shutters, or green.... or the shutters and/or windows could be painted white if you prefer a more subtle appearance overall. I love that this single feature can easily be tweaked to cause great impact on the end result :-)

Likewise, a little work on the garden will be completely transformational... mend and repaint the fencing, or replace with that picket fence you always had in mind for your perfect home to have.... a bit of weeding and trimming to the garden... suddenly, after only a weekend of good graft you have an incredible exterior and surroundings. So don't let it put you off that this one needs work outside, as it's nothing that can't easily be sorted out at minimal time and expense!

I'm pleased to say that the interior is far sharper and more polished. We have no kitchen or bathroom images, so I can't say for sure it there are any big jobs needing done in this one, but what we can see looks very, very good. That stunning brickwork fireplace and chimney breast looks awesome! What a wonderful central feature, that again can be dressed in multiple ways to best suit personal taste. Too much brickwork for you? Well by the time you pop a large mirror or picture you love above the fireplace, change the fire to something more your think, or pop an amazing fire screen in front... there are many ways to dress a fireplace, so there will be a look that works for you ;-)

Staying in that main reception room, I almost missed those great ceiling beams due to them only just making it in at the edge of the image. It's a pity they aren't better represented in the images given that such a spacious room, with masses of light pouring in from multiple windows, is the perfect environment for bold beams to look their best. I also love those nooks either side of the fireplace.

Likewise, I'm very pleased to see a proper dining room on there. Quite often I see properties with either no formal dining space at all, or only a small area in the kitchen or living room allocated to the role. When there is a room of this size available for the purpose, with those lovely cross hatched windows, it's a delightful space in which to entertain, and it won't take much to spruce this room up a little.

Given that this property has one very big ace up its sleeve, those highly desirable river views, I think there is bags of potential here. It appears well within the ability of the owner occupier to tackle the refurbishment as a personal project property. Clearly there is also a fantastic opportunity for the seasoned investor to wade in there and either refurb/resell or refurb/rent, but with such a lovely family home feel to the place I'd especially love to see this one land in the hands of an owner occupier seeking a property that has a lot of heart and only needs a little polish to make it their dream home :-)