Woolnough Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk

This exceptional five-bedroom house occupies an elevated position in a peaceful pocket on the edge of Woodbridge, east Suffolk. Set at the end of a quiet, unmade lane yet a short walk from the market town's historic centre, the home was recently reconfigured and extended by the current owner to maximise the sense of space and light. It spans a generous 3,400 sq ft and makes deft use of contemporary finishes across its open plan. Outside, a wraparound garden of approximately half an acre has mature plantings and several designated areas for entertaining.


The Tour



The house's silhouette nods to the original, simple single-storey form of its previous incarnation. The home, now substantially enlarged, is characterised by clean architectural lines and a coherent design palette that combines greying larch cladding and slate roofing with expansive glazed openings. Approached via a leafy lane, the house sits in a tranquil location and has a private driveway that provides generous off-street parking for several cars.



The primary entrance is at the front of the house. Double doors, set within a wall of glazing, open into a roomy lobby area with handy storage for boots and coats. This, in turn, flows into a large inner hall, the perfect place to pause and chat; there is also additional space for everyday clutter here.



Inside, each space has been thoughtfully conceived to optimise easy living. The plan has a flowing feel that produces a series of welcoming rooms finished with contrasting materials and colours. Large glazed doors and windows invite an excellent quality of natural light and frame beautiful vignettes of the enticing garden.



The kitchen sits centrally. Grey veined marble work surfaces sit atop simple white cabinetry, and painted floorboards ground the space. Beyond lie three living rooms, each distinct in character and use.



A short flight of steps descends directly from the kitchen to the capacious family room. With a concrete floor and lofty ceiling, this is a wonderful place to gather, relax and enjoy larger dining parties. Awash with natural light, the room merges onto the adjacent terrace, which is the perfect spot for evening soirees come summertime.



Painted pink, the living room is another warm and well-lit spot. Triple-aspect, this bright, colourful space also opens to the surrounding terraces and grassy verges. Herringbone parquet flooring unites the seating areas, and an open fire is a wonderful focal point.



The snug offers a contrasting retreat and is a quiet haven for watching movies, reading and playing games. Leading directly from the entrance hall, and sitting adjacent to the kitchen, is a peaceful study area. With a glazed door framing colourful garden views, this versatile space is currently used as a creative studio.



There are three bedrooms on the ground floor level. The main bedroom, accessed through a luxurious dressing room, is generously proportioned, dual-aspect and opens to a private west-facing patio. It has an opulent bathroom that also has wonderful garden vistas.



The second bedroom is bright and airy. It has a wall of generous floor-to-ceiling storage and a smart en suite. Sitting adjacent to the family room is a further double bedroom and a handy shower room. Completing the ground floor layout is a utility room with direct garden access and an additional WC.



A striking galvanised metal spiral stair ascends from the family room to a beautifully light landing, shared by two further large double bedrooms. Set within the roof space, each is characterful and has stunning far-reaching views, care of carefully positioned windows and roof lights. Walls of storage cupboards line the eaves throughout, and a large shower room is positioned centrally.



Outdoor Space



Externally the garden is an integral part of the overall experience of the house. Edged in leafy beech hedging, it is primarily laid to lawn, making it the perfect spot for family games or kicking a football.



The many terraces are accessed via several points around the house and give a variety of places to sit and relax or eat and entertain, in both the shade and sun. Scatterings of mature trees, colourful blossoms and swaying long grasses add a variety of hues and fragrances and attract a huge array of wildlife and bird species.



The Area



Woodbridge is a well-renowned Suffolk highlight, a riverside market town characterised by its historic centre and less than 10 miles from the south Suffolk coast.



There is a wide selection of independent shops. New Street Market is a treasure trove for homespun clothing and homewares and has a café, Canteen with delicious homemade cakes and coffee. Vanil has wonderful Scandi-inspired goods, and The Merchants’ Table sells beautiful hand-crafted objects. The town has an independent cinema, The Riverside.



Michelin-starred The Unruly Pig, in nearby Bromeswell, is a lovely spot for a delicious lunch of modern and seasonal produce, and a stroll along the river ends at The Anchor pub.



Sailing and rowing clubs are within easy reach on foot, and there are also several notable schools for all ages nearby, including Woodbridge Independent School.



Further up the Suffolk coast are the popular seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold, with Snape Maltings also close by. The station at Woodbridge is around 20 minutes’ walk from the house or a five-minute drive, with connections to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich in approximately 97 minutes.



Council Tax Band: D