Cotton, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14

A most attractive timber framed farmhouse with a stunning double height barn annexe set in part-moated mature grounds, paddock land with woodland belt with panoramic rural views.

Hill Farmhouse dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, presenting a very pretty facade with rendered and colourwashed elevations under a peg tile and pan tile roof. The property has been skillfully and sympathetically extended, restored and renovated using high quality fixtures and fittings. The facade was altered in the Georgian era and is now defined by large sash windows and pretty dormer windows. There is extensive use of natural materials including exposed brick and oak floors, together with cast iron radiators. The property has been beautifully decorated throughout and the well laid out accommodation is arranged over three floors.

The formal entrance lobby accesses the large drawing room, with oak plank floorboards and open inglenook fireplace, off which is the study with fitted bookshelves, door to the dining room with bay window and double French doors to the terrace behind. The large galleried staircase hall leads into the vaulted double height kitchen, with four-oven AGA, granite worktops and French doors with gothic arched windows accessing the terrace. There is a good-sized sitting room and hallway with additional external door. A utility room/pantry leads to a glazed link that connects the main house to the adjoining barn. On the first floor of the main house is a very large master bedroom with en suite dressing room and bathroom, good sized guest room and family bathroom, with three further bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor.

Annexed to the house is a stunning double height barn with large recreation/sitting area with glazed double doors out onto the timber deck overlooking the pond.

A staircase leads to the first-floor mezzanine with seating and study area. Beyond is an entertainment room and further bedroom with en suite.

GARDENS AND GROUNDS

The gardens are laid mainly to lawn, with a number of formal cut flower beds and mature trees, including horse chestnut, willow, cherry, apple, plum, pear and quince.

Decking extends round to the side of the barn annexe adjacent to one of the orchards. From the terrace outside the kitchen and dining rooms a lavender walk leads to an attractive bridge over the moat. There is a kitchen garden with fruit cage, yew hedge surround and two orchards. Beyond the garden are two stock-proof paddocks and a shelterbelt of trees with delightful pathways encompassing the further boundaries of the property. The grounds in all total approximately 11.5 acres.

OUTBUILDINGS

There is a gravelled drive to the front of the house, with parking and turning area, that continues round past the barn annexe to a double bay cart lodge and a timber clad barn beyond (85.5 ft x 38.3 ft) providing extensive storage and wood pellet boiler and hopper. Beyond is a hard tennis court.

LOCATION

Hill Farm is set on the outskirts of the village of Cotton in an elevated position with lovely views over its own grounds. There are local facilities in Bacton, including shop, pubs, church and school. The town of Stowmarket is approximately 6 miles to the south, with its regular intercity rail service direct to London Liverpool Street Station. The A14 gives fast and easy access west to Cambridge, the A1 and M1 as well as to the east and the A12. There are excellent walking and riding opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

DISTANCES

Bacton – 2 miles
Stowmarket – 6 miles (London Liverpool Street 78 mins)
Ipswich – 19 miles
Bury St Edmunds - 16 miles

DIRECTIONS (IP14 4RQ)

Drive north from Stowmarket on the B1113. Turn right into the centre of the village of Cotton. Continue down the lane, with the church on your right-hand side and at the end of the lane at the T-junction, turn left and Hill Farmhouse is the first property on the right.

What3words: ironclad.ramble.polishing

PROPERTY INFORMATION

Services: Mains water and electricity are connected. Private drainage. Pellet boiler central heating for both house and barn.

Council Tax – Mid Suffolk, Band H.

Mobile: Ofcom reports mobile signal is available.

Broadband: Ofcom reports superfast services are available.

EPC: E

Tenure: Freehold and vacant possession upon completion.

Fixture 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: By appointment with Jackson-Stops