School Lodge, Raydon, Ipswich, IP7 5LH

School Lodge: 

Guide Price: £600,000-£625,000

Set in the Dedham Vale(AONB), School Lodge is a converted old school/village hall, completed to the highest specification throughout. 

Approached through an oak-framed storm porch, the entrance hall sets a refined tone with its flagstone flooring, drawing the eye through to an exceptional open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. Here, full-height rear glazing, complemented by windows flanking a pair of French doors, frames captivating views of the south-west facing walled garden. The kitchen has been thoughtfully designed across two elevations, appointed with solid quartz work surfaces, an inset butler’s sink, extensive full-height cabinetry, base units and drawers, alongside a suite of integrated appliances. Throughout much of the ground floor, oak flooring creates a warm and cohesive flow, beautifully offset by pastel-toned doors and walls. The living area continues into an inner hallway, where a guest bedroom is served by a nearby shower room of high specification. Beyond lies a versatile study, equally suited as an additional bedroom, with French doors opening directly onto the garden, allowing for independent access.

Ascending to the first floor, the landing reveals a striking rear balustrade that overlooks the garden and stretches further to grazing paddocks beyond the boundary wall. Bedroom two enjoys this same picturesque outlook through its dormer window, while bedroom one is bathed in natural light from a dramatic full-height ‘borrowed’ window spanning its rear wall. Both rooms are served by a stylishly appointed shower room.

School Lodge occupies a discreet position, set well back behind the front boundary wall. It forms the more intimate element of this unique conversion, with the adjoining School Hall positioned centrally. While the two properties share part of the asphalt driveway, each benefits from its own dedicated parking area.

The private, south-west facing walled garden is a further highlight. An expansive Dijon stone terrace provides a generous setting for outdoor living, flowing onto a well-kept lawn. Defined timber fencing encloses the space, complemented by raised planters set against the far boundary wall, creating both structure and charm within this secluded retreat.

Additional Information:

• Freehold property
• Detached 1293 sqft property.
• Panasonic air source heating system
• Mains electric and sewerage
• Local Authority: Suffolk
• Council Tax: TBC
• Energy Performance Rating: C
• Mobile Phone Signal: O2, EE, Three and Vodafone
• Cable Satellite TV: BT and Sky
• High spend internet: estimated speeds of up to 1800 mbps
• Flood Risk: Very Low (rivers, seas and surface water).

Local Area Guide: 

Location & Setting

• Raydon is a tranquil Suffolk village and civil parish in the Babergh district, situated roughly two miles south-east of Hadleigh. It lies within easy reach of Ipswich to the east and the Essex border to the south, offering a peaceful countryside setting with excellent access to local towns. The south-west of Raydon falls within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the northern part features several ancient woodlands — Raydon Great Wood, Long Wood, Squares Grove and Tom’s Wood — maintained as nature reserves.
   

History & Heritage

• Recorded in the Domesday Book as “Reindune” / “Reinduna” and later as “Roydon” on 17th-century maps
• Name believed to mean “hill where rye is grown”
• Raydon Mill, now a residence, once housed German prisoners of war during WWII
• WWII saw the construction of RAF Raydon (USAAF Station 157), still remembered locally
• The former Hadleigh branch line and Raydon Wood station now form part of the scenic Railway Walk nature reserve
   

Neighbouring Villages & Local Area

• Hadleigh – Market town with shops, services and historic High Street
• Layham – Picturesque village lying between Hadleigh and Raydon
• Holton St Mary – South-west neighbour in rural Suffolk
• Shelley – Small settlement west of Raydon
• Together, these villages form a rural network of communities with shared amenities and countryside charm.
   

Amenities, Pubs & Dining

• While Raydon itself is rural and quiet, nearby Hadleigh offers a variety of shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.
• The Marquis - an upmarket restaurant, hotel and spa. A true gem to have on your doorstep.
• The King’s Head in Hadleigh – Historic inn with terrace dining
• Hadleigh Eight Bells – Traditional listed pub with hearty meals
• The Bell Inn, Kersey – A highly regarded village restaurant
• Everyday essentials such as groceries, pharmacy and post office are available in Hadleigh, only a short drive away.

 
Schools & Education

• Primary schools in Hadleigh and surrounding villages
• Secondary schools in East Bergholt, Hadleigh and Ipswich, with school transport available
• Private education accessible in nearby Ipswich with private coach transfers from Hadleigh Bus Station. 
   

Transport & Connectivity

• By road – Ipswich is just 10 miles away, around 15 minutes by car
• Public transport – Local bus routes connect Raydon to Hadleigh and Ipswich
• Rail – Nearest stations at Manningtree and Ipswich, providing mainline services to London and beyond.
• Walking & cycling – Scenic routes include the Raydon Circular Walk and the Railway Walk nature reserve

Character & Appeal

• A village setting within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Easy access to woodland, historic sites and walking routes
• Close proximity to Hadleigh for daily amenities
• Quick road links into Ipswich for rail, shopping and leisure
• This balance of rural seclusion, natural beauty and convenience makes Raydon a highly desirable location in Suffolk.