2 Shelley Priory Cottages, Shelley, Suffolk

A charming Victorian cottage occupying an idyllic rural setting

2 Shelley Priory Cottages is one of just three other tenements which date circa 1890. Built of soft red brick with distinctive gothic sash windows to the façades, these attractive cottages occupy a fabulous rural setting within the parish of Shelley – a hamlet located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Dedham Vale).

Internally, the cottage provides features which are typical of its architectural period, which include lofty ceilings and cast-iron fireplaces to the sitting room and main bedroom.

The décor throughout is well presented, where a rear lean-to leads into the kitchen, which is fitted on two walls with range cooker, dishwasher and pantry. Further worksurfaces and white goods are to the adjacent utility room, with cloakroom beyond.

The main sitting room provides a focal fireplace, an original pine alcove cupboard and views over the front cottage garden. The first floor provides two double bedrooms which both offer further charming views to both aspect, which are both served by a modern white suite bathroom.

Accessed via the main front bedroom is a further set of stairs which lead to a converted attic, providing a home office or a further bedroom, with a velux window to the rear.

Outside, a shared driveway to the south leads to the rear of the property, offering ample off-road parking with a detached timber outbuilding. Immediately to the north is part of the garden which takes full advantage of the fabulous views over adjacent countryside.

Beyond a line of poplar trees is the principal garden which is immediately to the rear of the cottage (west). A central path flanked by areas of lawn lead onto a central dining terrace. Beyond is a further path and area of lawn, with a raised flower border to one side.

Location
Shelley Priory Cottages are situated in unspoilt countryside in the Suffolk/Essex borders within the Dedham Vale AONB, midway between the villages of Stoke by Nayland, Polstead and Shelley. Local amenities can be found approximately four miles away in the market town of Hadleigh. Colchester, Manningtree and Ipswich provide for more extensive needs, as well as direct rail communications to London Liverpool Street station.

Local Authority and Council Tax Band
Babergh with Mid Suffolk District Council
Band B - (2025)

Services
Mains water and electricity. Oil-fired heating. Septic tank drainage which is shared with the remaining three properties.