Sulleys Hill, Lower Raydon, Ipswich, IP7 5QQ

Ref: EC0617

Guide Price: £525,000 - £550,000

Summary:

This charming 4-bedroom detached period cottage offers privacy, character, and stunning countryside views from nearly every room. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle, it provides direct access to scenic walking trails, combining spacious living with the tranquillity of nature right on your doorstep. An abundance of local amenities in neighbouring villages, plus easy access into the popular historic market town of Hadleigh and also East Bergholt, makes this an ideal place to live. 

Ground Floor

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Suffolk countryside, this period cottage effortlessly combines the charm of yesteryear with modern living. As you approach, a footpath leads to an inviting veranda-style porch, setting the scene for the characterful interiors to follow.

Stepping inside, you're welcomed into a cosy sitting room, which boasts beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Featuring an inglenook-style fireplace with a brick hearth and an inset wood burner, the room exudes warmth and character, with exposed timbers and a strip wood floor adding to its rustic appeal.

Moving into the kitchen and dining area, this bright, triple-aspect space is perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is fitted with modern appliances, including an electric oven and induction hob, all seamlessly integrated into solid wood worktops. The open-plan design includes ample room for a dining table, while double doors open out onto the garden, offering a perfect flow for indoor-outdoor living during the warmer months.

A study provides a quiet retreat with views of the rear garden, ideal for those working from home. Completing the ground floor is a convenient cloakroom with a tiled floor and modern fittings.

First Floor

Upstairs, the property offers four generously-sized double bedrooms, each benefitting from far-reaching views across the countryside. The master bedroom enjoys dual aspects, filling the room with natural light, while the other bedrooms feature exposed brickwork for added character. All rooms are well-appointed with radiators and plenty of space for storage.

The family bathroom is a modern yet stylish space, equipped with a panelled bath, separate enclosed shower cubicle, and a pedestal wash-hand basin. Fully tiled, it includes a heated towel radiator and an extractor fan for added comfort and convenience.

Outside Space

The property is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens that wrap around three sides of the house, providing a peaceful haven from everyday life. The front garden, with its expanse of lawn, offers stunning views that stretch across the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A block-paved driveway provides off-road parking for two cars, while steps lead up to the house, bordered by mature planting.

To the rear, the garden is mostly laid to lawn and interspersed with mature trees and shrubs, creating a private, serene outdoor space. It includes two patio areas, perfect for alfresco dining, and a shed for extra storage. The garden is enclosed by a hedge, offering privacy, while features such as a raised vegetable garden, ornamental pond, and a workshop add to the property's appeal. Additionally, an oil tank and boiler are neatly tucked away to the side.

This stunning period cottage not only offers breath-taking views and characterful interiors but also provides ample outdoor space for relaxation, making it a truly special place to call home.

Additional Information:

• Parking - a block paved parking area for 2 cars. A third space is available nearby. 
• Freehold, detached property
• Oil central heating with a programmer, room thermostat, and TRVs.
• Recently installed septic tank for waste. 
• Mains electricity and water.
• Plot Size: approximately one quarter of an acre
• Internal size: 1319 sq ft
• Local Authority: Babergh
• Council Tax Band C (approximately £1900 pa)
• Energy Performance Rating C.
• Insulated floor, walls and roof. 
• Low-energy lighting in 100% of fixed outlets
• Mobile Phone Signal: O2 and Vodaphone
• Cable Satellite TV: BT and Sky
• Internet: speeds up to 60mbps

Owners Comments: "Living at Briar Cottage gives you a sense of total escape into a truly magical place, surrounded by nature and open skies, it feels like a hidden retreat, where there is no need for curtains."

Lower Raydon Local Area Guide:

Nestled within the picturesque Suffolk countryside, Lower Raydon is a charming village offering tranquil rural living while being conveniently located near larger towns with excellent amenities. Its peaceful surroundings, historic charm, and proximity to countryside walks make it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet, yet well-connected lifestyle. Here's a guide to what Lower Raydon and the surrounding area has to offer:

Nearby Towns & Amenities

• Hadleigh (4 miles) The quaint market town of Hadleigh, just a short drive from Lower Raydon, is a hub of history and local life. Known for its beautiful medieval buildings and independent shops, Hadleigh provides an array of amenities. You’ll find several supermarkets, including Morrisons and The Co-op, as well as traditional butchers, bakeries, and a range of boutique stores. Hadleigh also has a weekly farmers' market offering fresh, local produce. For medical needs, the Hadleigh Health Centre is conveniently located, along with several dental practices.
• Colchester (13 miles) A 20-minute drive brings you to Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town. Colchester is a bustling destination, with a wide range of amenities including shopping centres, such as Culver Square and Lion Walk, as well as major supermarkets and retail parks. The town is also home to Colchester General Hospital and offers excellent educational institutions, from primary schools to the University of Essex. Rich in history, Colchester boasts the iconic Colchester Castle and beautiful parks like Castle Park for a perfect day out.
• Manningtree (9 miles) Known as the smallest town in England, Manningtree is only 15 minutes from Lower Raydon and offers a lovely riverside setting on the River Stour. Manningtree has a well-connected railway station with regular services to London Liverpool Street, making it ideal for commuters. The town itself offers a charming selection of cafés, independent shops, and a small supermarket. Manningtree’s location on the edge of the Dedham Vale makes it a gateway to exploring the Essex-Suffolk border.
• East Bergholt ( 3 miles) This is a popular village with restaurants, pubs, sports centre, doctors surgery and primary and high schools being the catchment area for Lower Raydon including doorstop bus travel for students.

Sports & Recreation

• Hadleigh Rugby Club
  For sports enthusiasts, Hadleigh Rugby Club offers training and matches for all ages. It’s a vibrant part of the community, hosting social events and matches throughout the year.
• Hadleigh Leisure Centre
  This modern facility in nearby Hadleigh offers a gym, swimming pool, and a range of fitness classes, from yoga to high-intensity interval training. There's also a sports hall for badminton, basketball, and other activities, catering to all fitness levels.
• Colchester Sports Park
  Located in Colchester, this large facility includes everything from football pitches and tennis courts to a state-of-the-art indoor cycling track. Whether you're into casual sports or more competitive leagues, the sports park provides something for everyone.
• East Bergholt: The sports centre in East Bergholt, Essex, offers various recreational activities, including fitness classes, sports leagues, and youth programs. It serves as a community hub with facilities like sports halls and pitches, promoting health and wellness locally.
• Cycling:  Lower Raydon offers cycling amenities with scenic routes ideal for both casual riders and enthusiasts, to include being on the South Suffolk cycling route.  The area features quiet country roads, connecting to larger cycling trails, and is popular for its peaceful, rural landscapes. Cyclists can enjoy routes through nearby villages and countryside, making it a great destination for leisurely rides and outdoor exploration.

Country Walks & Outdoor Activities
One of the highlights of living in Lower Raydon is the access to stunning countryside walks and outdoor activities. The village is surrounded by fields, woodlands, and scenic footpaths ideal for walking, cycling, or simply soaking in the beauty of the area.

• Dedham Vale & Stour Valley: Just a stone's throw from Lower Raydon, Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers some of the most scenic walking routes in the region. The Stour Valley Path is a long-distance walking trail that passes through picturesque villages like Dedham and Flatford, where the famous painter John Constable drew inspiration for his landscapes.
• Kersey Walk: For a quintessentially Suffolk walk, take a trip to nearby Kersey. Known for its medieval streets and the iconic ford, Kersey offers peaceful walking routes through rolling hills, fields, and woodland. The Kersey Mill Walk is particularly lovely, combining history with nature.
• Alton Water: Alton Water, located a short drive away, is a large reservoir offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Popular for cycling, birdwatching, and sailing, it also features several walking trails along the water’s edge, offering beautiful views and picnic spots.

Nearby Golf Clubs

For golf enthusiasts, the area surrounding Lower Raydon offers a range of excellent courses, each set within beautiful countryside and providing a great day out for all abilities. Here’s a summary of some of the top golf clubs nearby, including distance and approximate travel times:

• Hintlesham Golf Club ; Distance: 5 miles. Travel Time: 10 minutes
  Located just a short drive from Lower Raydon, Hintlesham Golf Club is known for its scenic and well-maintained 18-hole course. Set within the grounds of Hintlesham Hall, this club offers a relaxed atmosphere and challenging play for golfers of all levels. Facilities include a clubhouse, driving range, and practice areas.
• Stoke by Nayland Golf Club: Distance: 8 miles. Travel Time: 15 minutes
  One of the most prestigious golf clubs in the area, Stoke by Nayland features two championship courses: the Gainsborough and the Constable. Set within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the club is renowned for its stunning views and top-tier facilities, including a hotel, spa, and multiple dining options. It's a popular choice for both local and visiting golfers.
• Brett Vale Golf Club: Distance: Less than a mile away.
  This friendly 18-hole parkland course offers a more laid-back and informal experience. Located in the peaceful Suffolk countryside, Brett Vale is perfect for golfers seeking a less crowded environment. The course is relatively flat, making it accessible for all abilities, and it includes practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse.

Nearby Primary and Secondary Schools:

Lower Raydon offers access to a range of well-rated schools, with nearby Hadleigh providing both primary and secondary options. The local schools enjoy strong reputations, with most rated "Good" or "Outstanding" by Ofsted, and within a short commute. For independent education, Ipswich offers a selection of excellent private schools.

Primary Schools

• East Bergholt High School: Distance 3 miles. Travel Time 8-10 minutes. This property falls into the catchment area for this school and conveniently, a nearby bus stop provides direct transport links to the school. The school has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. 
• Hadleigh Community Primary School: Distance: 4 miles. Travel Time: 10 minutes. Situated in nearby Hadleigh, this large primary school has a solid reputation for academic achievement and student welfare. It offers a broad curriculum, including extracurricular activities, and has a modern, well-resourced campus. Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Hintlesham and Chattisham Church of England Primary School: Distance: 6 miles. Travel Time: 12 minutes. A smaller primary school located in the nearby village of Hintlesham, it is known for its nurturing environment and strong community ethos. The school promotes Christian values and achieves good academic results. Ofsted Rating: Good

Secondary Schools

• Hadleigh High School. Distance: 4 miles. Travel Time: 10 minutes. Hadleigh High School is the closest secondary school to Lower Raydon, offering education for children aged 11–16. It provides a supportive and inclusive environment, with a good track record for academic performance and pastoral care. The school has modern facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Ofsted Rating: Good
• East Bergholt High School: Distance: 3.5 miles. Travel Time: 8 minutes. Located in the village of East Bergholt, this secondary school has a good reputation for academic success and offers a broad curriculum tailored to meet the needs of all learners. The school also emphasizes personal development and has strong links with the local community. Ofsted Rating: Good
• St Joseph’s College, Ipswich: Distance: 12 miles. Travel Time: 20 minutes
  For families seeking independent education, St Joseph’s College in Ipswich provides schooling from 3 to 18 years. It offers a broad, high-quality curriculum alongside excellent sports, music, and drama programs. Independent School: Rated highly in parent reviews and educational performance.
  
  
  

Transport Links
Lower Raydon benefits from excellent transport links, offering convenient access to both major road networks and rail connections, making it an ideal location for commuters and those who enjoy travelling further afield.

• Road Links: The village is well-connected via the A12 and A14, both major routes providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A12 runs just a short distance from Lower Raydon, linking the village to Colchester (20 minutes) to the south and Ipswich (25 minutes) to the north. From here, drivers can access the A14, which offers routes to Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, and the Midlands. The A12 also connects to London, making Lower Raydon an attractive option for those commuting to the capital, with the journey taking around 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
• Rail Links: For rail travel, Lower Raydon is conveniently located near several railway stations. Manningtree Station (15 minutes by car) offers regular, direct services to London Liverpool Street, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Manningtree also has connections to Ipswich (15 minutes by train), Colchester (10 minutes), and other destinations in East Anglia. Hadleigh does not have a train station but is within easy reach of Manningtree or Ipswich Station (25 minutes by car), providing additional rail options, including services to Norwich and further afield.

Viewings: This property is being marketed by “Edd Callegari - Personal Estate Agent”, offering a personal and proactive service seven days a week. Viewings by appointment only.