“Down On The Farm” , Eye | | IP23 7QJ “DOWN ON THE FARM”

“A magnificent period farmhouse packed with original features, this home brims with character. Sitting in around three acres of gardens, pond and paddocks, there’s so much to enjoy here and so many things you could do – having horses, goats, chickens and alpacas, becoming self sufficient or simply revelling in your own piece of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. With annexe or studio too, this home is sure to have huge appeal.”

• Fine Grade II Listed House • Two Principle Reception Rooms • Modern Fitted Kitchen • Boiler Room and Utility Area • Light and Sunny Study • Four Bedrooms • Detached Studio / Annexe • Cart Lodge Parking • Stunning Gardens with Beautiful Pond • Around Three Acres stms Beautifully situated in a quiet part of the countryside, this home enjoys privacy without isolation. It’s been meticulously and lovingly maintained by the owner and much loved by the wider family too. With equestrian potential and a detached home office, it’s a versatile place indeed.

Long Term Love This Grade II listed, timber-framed farmhouse dates back to the early 17th century and retains much of its original character. What is now the kitchen is thought to have been a former dairy, with a brick floor sloping slightly to one corner for drainage in its former use. The home has been in the same family for well over 20 years, first as a weekend home, then as a long- term residence in retirement, and has hosted three generations of the family over this time. “My husband originally came from East Anglia and we decided to buy a weekend home here within easy reach of , so we could unwind away from the city. The plan was to make a permanent move when we retired and that’s what we did,” explains the owner. The couple wanted somewhere with character – which this certainly has – plus plenty of space for the family to gather – again, that box is ticked – and finally, a good size plot so the owner could have a horse here.

“The house dates back to the early 17th century and has lots of lovely character features.” Meeting Every Need Over the years this has been a real hub of family life. Initially, if there was a weekend the owner wasn’t coming up then one or other of her children would be here with friends. Once she lived up here permanently, this was the place where everyone gathered for birthdays and Christmas. It’s a great house for a crowd! “When we moved up here, we built the studio so my husband could shut himself away and work undisturbed when he needed to. I was retired by then, so we had a lot of house guests coming up, both friends and family, hence the office was useful.” It would also make a wonderful studio and could even be a lovely annexe. The owner’s favourite parts of the house would have to be the cosy kitchen where she spends much of her time and the sitting room. Old houses can have such distinct personalities, whether positive or negative, and this has a fabulous friendly feel. The owner says people often comment on that when they come to visit. The outlook from every window is green so it feels wonderfully relaxing and secluded. “We’ve all made so many memories here. We’ve even hosted several family weddings over the years and today my grandchildren still love to come and stay.”

“It’s a very comfortable and welcoming place where we’ve had a lot of fun over the years.”

Plentiful Plot The owner has more or less created the current garden and has enjoyed seeing it mature. There was a good nucleus here from the previous occupants and she has built on that and made it her own. The large pond is well stocked with rudd and attracts moorhens and mallards in spring, as well as the occasional heron who stops by to help keep the fish population in check! The owner has lots of benches dotted about, plus tables and chairs in the sunny and shady spots. “I like to eat outside whenever the weather allows and take breakfast on the terrace,” she explains. The land is set up for a horse and has water piped to a corner of the paddock, so you could have goats, alpacas or donkeys for example. At the moment, the local farmer cuts and keeps the hay from the paddock, so it’s easy for the owner – and the purchaser could no doubt continue this arrangement if desired.

“The land offers huge flexibility, whether you have hors- es or you’re looking to try your hand at something new. It’s a lovely setting – the surroundings are quiet but you have the security of a community around you.”

The Right Balance While the house and gardens feel totally secluded, they’re very secure, with a handful of friendly neighbours. This is certainly no bustling metropolis but it’s a surprisingly active community. “We all get on well and while we don’t live in each other’s pockets, we do get together every now and then for coffee and a chat,” the owner confirms. The little church has become a focal point, with coffee mornings held there, as well as occasional services, such as a harvest celebration and carols at Christmas.

“It’s a very comfortable and welcoming place where we’ve had a lot of fun over the years. The studio would make a great annexe or business premises and has plenty of potential.”

Norfolk Country Properties Ltd, Registered in and Wales No. 06777456 Registered Office - 15B Regatta Quay, Key Street, , Suffolk, IP4 1FH. copyright © 2018 Fine & Country Ltd. Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent. Printed On The Doorstep The property is set close to the centre of the village of Southolt. Southolt lies some five miles south east of Eye and has a village church and a collection of period houses grouped around a green. The nearby town of Eye is an historic castle town with a range of everyday shopping facilities and amenities including doctors, dentists, supermarkets and highly regarded schools.

How Far Is It To? Southolt lies some 5 miles south east of Eye and is about 10 miles from the market town of Diss. Both Eye and Diss have a range of shopping facilities and amenities and Diss has a main line rail link to London’s (journey time approximately 90 minutes). The old wool town of is some 4 miles to the south west and has a range of shopping facilities and amenities and a highly regarded school as well. with its main line rail link to London’s Liverpool Street Station is about 15 miles south west and the county town of Ipswich is about 18 miles away.

Directions Proceed from the market town of Diss along Victoria Road turning right past Diss golf club. At the rounda- bout take the second exit and continue to the T junction turning right onto the A140 and first left towards Eye. Continue through the pretty town of Eye and follow the road out of the village along the Cranley Road. Turn left on the sharp right hand bend signposted and Worlingham. Continue for around four miles - past the water tower, along Cranley Road, continuing onto Mill Road, through the village of Redlingfield. At the cross roads continue straight over signposted Southolt and Worlingham. On entering the village of Southolt the property will be located on the right hand side with the access to the driveway just after the village sign. FINE & COUNTRY

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