Exceptional Old Rectory in a stunning position.
The Old Rectory is Listed Grade II of architectural or historical interest which states a timber frame building of 16th or 17th century origin, now faced in gault brick with stucco rusticated quoins'. Superbly extended and improved enormously by the current owner, the majority of the house sits under a pitched peg tiled roof and elevation fitted in the mathematical tiles which give the appearance that the house was built in the 18th century of Suffolk white bricks. The principal windows are elegant sash with overhoods and the rooms vary through the periods, some with exposed timbers, marble or brick fireplaces. Mathematical Tiles. In Suffolk House a book by Eric Sandon mathematical tiles are described as a form of tile hanging seldom found in Suffolk, worth mentioning in case further examples come to light, is the dummy brick, so called mathematical tile. This is a clay tile made exactly to brick dimensions but rebated with a concealed nib for suspension and a hole for nailing to wooden batons. Perhaps the best example in Suffolk is at Helmingham Hall. The ground floor accommodation comprises a well proportioned reception hall with exposed wooden flooring with two sets of internal French doors which give access through to the sitting room and library. The sitting room has a marble fireplace flanked by a barrel backed full height alcoves and the library has an impressive inglenook red brick fireplace, exposed beams, studwork and secondary staircase to the first floor. The games room, behind the sitting room, has a delightful bay window with triple sashes affording stunning views over the gardens. The drawing room, next to the library, has exposed studwork, beams and a red brick fireplace. The current owner have refurbished much of the house with great flair. The dining room and kitchen are both situated along the rear of the property. Both rooms are fitted with matching dressers, cupboards, shelved china and drawers, walk-in shelved cupboards and full height storage cupboards. The kitchen has an electric Aga, marble work surfaces, Miele three plate gas hob, two concealed dishwashers, full height fridge and freezer. The conservatory is very spacious and has gothic shaped windows from the panelled dado up to pitched panelled ceiling with automatic opening vents. Triple and double French windows to east and west terraces. To the east of the conservatory lies the rear hall, third staircase to the first floor and utility. The first floor is reached by three staircases the principal of which opens to the main galleried landing. The principal bedroom has a dual aspect, fireplace with carved mantle and a large en suite bathroom and dressing room. There are a further three bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor. There is an additional staircase on the first floor which leads to a further bedroom. There is a further bedroom accessed via a private stair from the rear hall.
Outside
Front and rear drives with electric gates gives individual entrance and exit from the property. The entrance drive is flanked by holly and yew hedges and opens onto a large cobbled parking area fronted by the main Barn is constructed from red brick under a pitched red pan tiled roof this barn has been converted into an amazing gym/entertaining space and is incredibly flexible for further uses. To one side of the barn is an annexe. There is a further range of outbuildings which include a machinery store, tool shed and garages. Above the triple garages and office range lies another annexe with kitchen and bathroom all fully renovated and beautifully presented. There is a further newly constructed range of outbuildings currently used for storage or garden machinery. To the south lies the Astro turf tennis court with retractable netting set in trellis. Herringbone steps lead up to decorative pavilion. A wisteria clad pergola separates the heated tiled swimming pool which is surrounded by wide York stone paving, decorative box hedges with lines of Olive trees enclosed by yew hedging. The formal gardens surround the house and were exceptionally well designed and laid out divided by high red brick walls with topped pillars, yew and holly hedging forming individual rooms of enormous character. The gardens are enclosed by five bar wrought iron parkland fencing with gates opening out to hedged paddocks. They include, vegetable and fruit gardens with espaliered pears and apples, cherries and soft fruit cages, lavender hedged ornamental gardens divided by lawn and York stone walkways, rose garden with raised trellised beds, rose arbours designed around a pebbled rectangular pond fountain. Fronting the principal elevations are wide York stone terraces opening to lawns.
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The Old Rectory has to be one of my favourite houses in this part of the world, there is an amazing and versatile offering both within the house, newly converted barn, gardens and surrounding parkland.
Peter OgilvieProperty agent