13 bedroom townhouse for sale

A stunning Grade II* listed Medieval Merchant’s House presenting extensive accommodation over three floors around a central Italianate courtyard.

The Old Neptune offers extensive and flexible use accommodation, well suited to today’s multi-generational and blended family life and/or letting income.

The house has been sympathetically restored and maintained over the years, with the current owner’s interiors setting off the historic detailing, which makes this property so spectacular.

The main accommodation, which runs along the west wing, has a stunning drawing room with huge fireplace, double height dining hall with timbered walls and ceiling, together with an extensive farmhouse kitchen. Above is the principal bedroom suite featuring a timbered vaulted ceiling, there are three further bedrooms on the first floor and two on the second floor, all with en suites.

The east wing has a sitting room, kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, all connected to the main house but can be separated as an annexe.

There are four further flexible use rooms accessible from the courtyard, previously used as income generating self-contained studio flats, but currently configured as en suite bedrooms. These rooms have the flexibility to be utilized as a gym, study, teenage games area or guest suite accommodation.

The 15th and 16th century architecture, together with later additions, have been set off tastefully with furnishings, curtains and pictures, all of which can be included in the sale, subject to valuation. A rare opportunity to acquire a complete lifestyle.

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Old Neptune is Grade II* listed, declared a house of national importance, and is one of the oldest residential buildings in Ipswich.

Based on a hall house from 1490 and extensively ‘modernised’ and heightened for a wealthy merchant in 1639, with much original internal details preserved - screens passage, huge open fireplace and plastered ceilings.

Following the decline of the wool trade in the 18th century, the house became a notorious waterside inn. Margaret Catchpole, the first women to be shipped to Australia, aided and abetted her smuggler boyfriend, Will Lord, by signalling when custom men were present. The inn flourished through the 19th century and was said to have been visited by Charles Dickens.

It fell into disrepair in the 1900’s and would have been lost if not for the efforts of George Bodley Scott, a local businessman and ‘Bon Viveur” who bought the house in 1947. He undertook much sympathetic restoration across his life including a study (now a bedroom) panelled with 18th century printers block with sloping leaded windows echoing the sea faring past of the property. He hosted many events and parties, after which the house became home to a local family who raised their five children there.

The current owners saw the potential of this incredible building and have run it as a very successful celebration venue with thousands of guests having stayed over the last 20 or so years, all leaving with fabulous memories of this warm and charming home.

OUTSIDE

A private paved Italianate central courtyard providing a tranquil area with shrubs and borders together with central fountain. Perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining. The rear entrance has parking for 3-4 cars.

LOCATION

The Old Neptune Inn is situated on Fore Street, Ipswich, immediately adjacent to the revitalised Ipswich Waterfront.

The town of Ipswich has grown in strength and recognition with its vibrant commercial economy, large scale shopping developments and winning streak for the football club. There are excellent local schools including the independent Ipswich School and is situated in the catchment area for the well reputed Northgate High School.

The town is strategically placed at the head of the Orwell River with its 24-hour lock giving access to all boating traffic, be it pleasure or commercial. Associated British Ports have made a substantial investment in the inner wet dock, along with the marina providing over 300 berths. The colourful waterfront has been upgraded with a ‘St Katherine’s Dock’ type feel, with major landmark buildings including The Old Customs House and recent luxury waterside flat developments.

Industry, IT in particular, is thriving here. The town offers a multimedia complexes, excellent public swimming pool and Christchurch Park, with its mansion house open to the public as a museum.

Good communications are via the A12 to the M25 and London with the A14 connecting through to the Midlands. A main line rail link connects direct to London Liverpool Street with intercity trains taking approximately 65 minutes.

DISTANCES

Ipswich Station – walking distance (London Liverpool Street 70 mins approx)
Town Centre, school & all facilities – walking distance

DIRECTIONS (IP4 1LB)

From Fore Street (which is one way) look out for The Neptune and The Salt House Hotel on your left-hand side. There is parking immediately outside the property.

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SERVICES

Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage are connected.

Council Tax: Band G

EPC - D

Tenure: Freehold with vacant possession on completion.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

Items regarded as fixtures and fittings, including carpets and curtains, are initially excluded from the sale, although certain items may be available by separate negotiation.

VIEWINGS

Strictly by appointment with the agent.