Bridge Street, Kelsale, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17

Immaculately presented manor house

Description

The Old Manor House is an immaculately presented manor house set in a secluded position at the end of a long, private drive. The property is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, which extend to approximately 5.7 acres.

The property is constructed of brick under a clay peg tile roof and is Grade II Listed for its architectural and historical importance. Believed to date from the late 16th century this remarkable home was extensively remodelled in 1906 when London barrister Courthope-Munroe, commissioned the well-reputed Cambridge architect Edward Schroeder to transform the original farmhouse into a striking Arts and Crafts manor. The result is a beautifully balanced residence arranged in a U-shaped plan, with three elegant, intersecting wings.

In recent years, The Old Manor House has undergone a comprehensive and sensitive restoration, with every detail carefully considered to preserve its character while introducing the highest standards of design and comfort.

The accommodation is extensive and thoughtfully arranged across three floors. The front door opens in to a grand double height galleried entrance hall, which in turn leads to four elegant reception rooms, each with its own unique personality and charm; including a drawing room, sitting room, dining room, and library.

To the rear of the house there is a stylish Aga kitchen/ breakfast room with bespoke Plain English fitted kitchen with granite and wooden worksurfaces. There is also a striking, light-filled garden room with bi-fold doors opening directly onto the gardens. Completing the ground floor accommodation there is a laundry room, boot room and two cloak rooms.

A staircase from the east wing provides access to the lower ground floor housing a wine cellar.

The Old Manor House benefits from underfloor heating in the east wing beneath the French limestone tiling. There is also a Lutron lighting system and a new Sonos entertainment system throughout the house along with upgraded modern security and IT systems.

The sweeping staircase leads to the first floor, where a spacious landing provides access to the main bedroom accommodation. Located in the west wing, the sumptuous principal bedroom suite boasts an extensive dressing room and a luxurious bathroom featuring a freestanding bath.

To the east, a generously appointed guest suite includes an adjoining sitting room and a private en suite bathroom. Completing this level are two additional double bedrooms, one of which benefits from an en suite, along with a well-appointed family bathroom.

The second floor comprises two additional bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, accessible via two separate staircases. The second floor also houses attic rooms and a sewing/hobby room.

Gardens and Grounds
The Old Manor House is approached through automatically controlled wooden gates, where a gravelled drive leads to the property. The grounds at The Old Manor House extend to 5.7 acres and comprise beautifully designed gardens and grounds.

To the front of the property there is a south facing formal front garden with crescent shaped lawn bordered by deep, well stocked herbaceous and shrub borders with a screening beech and holly hedge. Central steps, designed by Gertrude Jekyll, lead down to a delightful pond. Also to the front is a secure heritage double garage and an oak-framed cart lodge with a newly tiled roof, a well-equipped workshop, and a versatile studio space above. Subject to the necessary consents, this building offers excellent potential for conversion into an annex.

Directly to the east of The Old Manor House there is a sheltered courtyard enclosed by yew and box hedging. There is a paved terrace, perfect for alfresco dining and walkways divided up by lavender, flower beds, water fountains and olive trees.

To the west there is a climbing rose clad pergola walk with lavender and flower borders leading from the property. This scenic walk leads to a picturesque wooden bridge, which crosses the moat and into the grounds. The grounds are well maintained and have areas of wild grass and meadow framed by mown tracks.

Within the grounds, there is a charming ‘hedge house’, constructed of brick under a traditional peg tile roof, offering panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. There is also a stunning heated swimming pool, productive kitchen garden with raised beds and an orchard containing apple, plum, pear, quince and medlar trees.

Location

The Old Manor House is nestled in a peaceful rural setting on the outskirts of the charming village of Kelsale, near Saxmundham. This historic village offers a variety of local amenities, including a well-regarded village shop, a popular public house, The Poacher's Pocket, and a community-run village hall. The village is also home to the notable medieval church of St. Mary and St. Peter's, and a strong sense of community spirit is prevalent.

Just a short drive away, Saxmundham is a thriving market town that provides a wider range of amenities. Known for its historic architecture and traditional market, Saxmundham offers a selection of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as a twice-weekly market. The town also benefits from excellent transport links, including a train station with services to Ipswich and London Liverpool Street.

Local sporting facilities are numerous and of high quality, including golf clubs in Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, and Southwold; sailing along the coast; and tennis and rugby clubs in Saxmundham and Woodbridge. Education in the area is well-regarded, with excellent state and independent schools nearby. Notable institutions include Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham College, Woodbridge School, and Ipswich School, all of which are featured in the Good Schools Guide.

Square Footage: 8,182 sq ft


Acreage: 5.7 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.

Agent Note: Please be aware that there are various infrastructure projects proposed for east Suffolk including plans for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell. Wind farm expansion in the North Sea is also taking place and bringing power ashore along with associated cabling and substation works are also being proposed.