5 bedroom detached house for sale

Delightful period house set on the banks of the River Brett.

Description

Nestled among other historic houses in the particularly pretty and popular village of Monks Eleigh, The Old Guildhall is an enchanting period house and much-loved family home, coming to the market for the first time in over 25 years. Believed to date from 1380, with later additions throughout the centuries, the house is Grade II listed for its special historical and architectural significance, and included in Pevsner’s guide to West Suffolk. There is a wealth of exceptional historical features throughout, including most notably the crown post and the striking inglenook fireplaces. The timber-framed house has an attractive render façade with jettied upper stories to the east wing.

Internally, the accommodation flows remarkably well, comprising wonderfully proportioned rooms including a kitchen/breakfast room, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, and study.

Situated in what was likely an original courtyard, the kitchen/breakfast room seamlessly blends modern convenience with period charm, featuring an AGA, granite work surfaces, bespoke cabinetry, and a butler-style sink. French windows lead out to the garden and flood the room with natural light.

The elegantly proportioned, double-aspect drawing room has large sash windows overlooking the lawns and an impressive inglenook with Jetmaster fireplace. The other reception rooms, including a sitting room, dining room, and study, provide versatile living spaces suitable for a variety of uses.

The first floor consists of four well-proportioned bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a dressing room, which could also make a useful nursery or 5th bedroom. The principal bedroom, with delightful ensuite bathroom, is an especially attractive space with exposed timbers; natural light flows from the Velux window offering views of the garden and towards the river. There is a useful attic space providing further storage and, subject to necessary consents, potential for additional accommodation.

Outside
The Old Guildhall sits within grounds of just under an acre, with beautiful verdant lawns leading to the River Brett, our client’s canoe included in the sale. There is an array of mature and specimen trees and well-stocked flowerbeds. Immediately to the rear of the house is a generous terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining. The spacious (32’ x 18’) barn offers excellent versatility, currently used for storage but with potential for conversion into additional accommodation, subject to the necessary consents, and could serve as a home office, studio, or even a guest annexe.
Ample parking for numerous cars is discreetly set behind the house, accessible via an archway.

Location

Lavenham 4 miles, Hadleigh 6 miles, Sudbury 8 miles, Colchester 18 miles

Monks Eleigh is a popular and picturesque village surrounded by undulating countryside and situated about 4 miles to the east of Lavenham. Village amenities include a village shop, church and a highly regarded pub/restaurant. Neighbouring Chelsworth is particularly pretty and has a good pub. Nearby Hadleigh, Long Melford, Lavenham and Sudbury all provide for more extensive needs including a branch line station from the latter. Colchester is about 18 miles to the south with an excellent range of shopping, schooling and commercial facilities as well as a mainline station to London’s Liverpool Street with fast trains to the city taking from 48 minutes.

Square Footage: 3,342 sq ft



Additional Info

Mains water, electricity & drainage. Oil fired central heating.