St. Nicholas South Elmham, Harleston

Once part of the grand Flixton Hall Estate, Beech Farm has stood since 1843 as a quiet witness to the rhythm of Suffolk life, enduring, elegant, and full of soul. Beyond its five-bar gate, the gravel drive winds toward a home that feels both storied and alive, where every brick and beam speaks of care through generations. Sunlight spills across oak floors and settles on the curve of old fireplaces, while the scent of woodsmoke and orchard fruit lingers in the air. The farmhouse kitchen, with its AGA humming softly and granite surfaces gleaming, is a place where conversation flows as easily as morning light through the windows. In winter, fires crackle in the sitting and dining rooms; in summer, doors open to the terrace, where birds trace the dusk above the garden. Upstairs, calm bedrooms frame views across open fields, while the principal suite, with its exposed timbers and soft light, feels timeless. Beyond the house, the garden tells its own story, birch and copper beech standing guard, fruit trees heavy with promise. The old stable-turned-studio waits quietly for inspiration, a retreat for thought or creation. Beech Farm is more than a home, it’s a place where history breathes gently, and life unfolds at a slower, truer pace.

The Location

St Nicholas South Elmham is a quiet and picturesque corner of rural Suffolk, set about five miles south of the market town of Bungay. Once a parish in its own right, it was combined with neighbouring All Saints’ South Elmham in 1737 to form the joint parish of All Saints and St Nicholas, South Elmham. Today, it remains one of the “Saints” villages – a small cluster of historic parishes that make up this tranquil part of north Suffolk.

The area is known for its peaceful lanes, traditional farmsteads, and gently rolling countryside that stretches between Bungay and Halesworth. It’s a place where time feels as though it moves at a slower pace, offering a real sense of rural calm. While there are no large shops or facilities directly in the parish, nearby villages and towns provide everything from cosy pubs and cafés to independent shops and markets, with Bungay being the nearest hub for day-to-day needs.

St Nicholas South Elmham has a rich sense of history, with traces of its medieval past still visible in the landscape and local buildings. The surrounding area is dotted with ancient churches, old farmhouses, and quiet footpaths that invite exploration. Walkers and cyclists will find plenty of routes weaving through open fields, wooded tracks, and along peaceful country lanes, offering views of unspoilt Suffolk scenery.

Despite its rural setting, the parish is well-placed for reaching the Suffolk coast and larger towns such as Halesworth, Beccles, and Southwold. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes it a particularly appealing spot for those who love countryside living but still want to stay connected. With its mix of natural beauty, local heritage, and community warmth, St Nicholas South Elmham captures the charm of traditional Suffolk life at its most genuine and unhurried.

Beech Farm, St. Nicholas South Elmham

Welcome to a home that embodies the essence of rural Suffolk life, timeless, tranquil, and steeped in heritage. Originally built in 1843 as part of the distinguished Flixton Hall Estate, Beech Farm is an exceptional five-bedroom Victorian farmhouse offering a rare combination of character, craftsmanship, and modern comfort.

Part of the Flixton Estate’s history, the farmhouse was sold by auction around 1906 with approximately 35 acres of land, which has since been divided and sold off. What remains today is a beautifully preserved and thoughtfully updated home that has been improved over time while clearly retaining its original period features wherever possible. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens and framed by far-reaching countryside views, Beech Farm tells its story through every beam, brick, and view beyond its windows. Peacefully positioned with views across open farmland, it offers a truly quiet setting with a wealth of countryside walks right on the doorstep.

From the moment you approach through the timber five-bar gate and matching pedestrian gate, and onto the wide gravelled driveway, a sense of calm and authenticity takes hold. The farmhouse stands proudly within its large front garden, surrounded by lawns dotted with apple, pear, plum, and damson trees, all edged by mature hedgerows.

Step through the substantial solid timber front door and be welcomed into a home built to last, a place of history, yet designed for today. The entrance porch, adorned with geometric Victorian tiles, leads into a wide hallway that immediately reveals the home’s generous proportions and enduring quality.

To one side, the dual-aspect dining room offers the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family. This elegant room features oak flooring, a wood-burning stove, and two antique cast-iron style radiators, with double-glazed hardwood windows allowing light to pour in from two aspects. Oak flooring, an arched brick fireplace, and a cast-iron wood-burning stove create a space that’s as inviting on a winter’s evening as it is filled with sunlight on a summer afternoon.

Opposite, the sitting room provides another double-aspect sanctuary, a warm and elegant space where light floods through the windows, highlighting the brick-lined fireplace and timber mantel that frame another wood-burning stove. This room also features oak flooring, two antique cast-iron style radiators, a built-in bookshelf, and a glazed cupboard set into the wall — a charming blend of practicality and period character. It’s a room designed for peaceful evenings, quiet reading, and fireside conversation.

At the heart of the home lies the farmhouse kitchen with dining area, crafted for both beauty and function. Shaker-style units with polished granite surfaces and a matching central island blend classic country style with modern practicality.

The kitchen is equipped with a two-oven electric AGA, Neff induction hob and built-in oven, and an integrated dishwasher, ensuring both charm and convenience.

Adjoining the kitchen, a well-equipped utility room offers plumbing for a washing machine, a boiler, and an Aquadial water softener, providing excellent practicality without compromising on style. A rear lobby leads directly to the garden, while a side porch connects conveniently to the cloakroom, keeping the flow of the home effortless and natural. The cloakroom (WC) features a modern WC, wall-mounted hand wash basin, and heated towel rail.

To the rear, an ‘Amdega’ conservatory opens the home to the outdoors. Elevated on a brick plinth and glazed on three sides, with underfloor heating beneath your feet, it’s a space designed to be enjoyed in every season. Here, you can take in peaceful views across the garden and beyond, morning coffee, evening light, and a constant sense of connection to the surrounding landscape.

Upstairs, the first floor hosts the elegant principal suite: a light-filled bedroom with exposed roof timbers, polished oak flooring, and captivating countryside views. The adjoining dressing room, complete with walk-in wardrobe and fireplace, offers both luxury and practicality. The en-suite includes a shower cubicle, basin, bidet, WC, towel rail, and underfloor heating. Another generous double bedroom and a well-appointed family bathroom share the same charm and attention to detail. The family bathroom features a WC, bath, pedestal basin, shower cubicle, and a heated towel rail connected to the central heating system (with an electric element for summer use), as well as underfloor heating.

The second floor provides two further double bedrooms and a contemporary shower room, private, peaceful, and perfect for guests or older children seeking their own space. The shower room includes a shower, WC, basin, and heated towel rail, maintaining the same thoughtful specification as elsewhere in the home. All five double bedrooms are beautifully presented and benefit from column radiators, blending period charm with modern efficiency.

Outside, the gardens are a true extension of the home. To the rear, a good-sized garden stretches out, mainly laid to lawn, with a greenhouse and garden shed adding practicality. Mature trees, including two silver birch, a Canadian maple, a twisted willow, and copper beech trees, provide structure, shade, and year-round interest. A large paved terrace provides the perfect stage for outdoor dining and entertaining, surrounded by carefully tended borders and open sky.

The detached garage offers power and lighting, with an external staircase leading to a studio above, ideal as a home office, art studio, or quiet retreat.

This is more than a farmhouse; it’s a lifestyle, rooted in heritage and surrounded by nature. Just a short distance from Halesworth, Bungay, and the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Beech Farm offers the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. A place to savour slow mornings, golden sunsets, and the timeless rhythm of countryside life.

Here, every detail speaks of care and continuity. Every room invites you to stay a little longer. Beech Farm is not simply a home, it’s a chapter of Suffolk’s story, ready for its next custodian to write the next.

Agents Note

Sold Freehold

Connected to oil-central heating, septic tank, mains water, electricity.

Disclaimer

Minors and Brady (M&B), along with their representatives, aren’t authorised to provide assurances about the property, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of their client. We don’t take responsibility for any statements made in these particulars, which don’t constitute part of any offer or contract. To comply with AML regulations, £52 is charged to each buyer which covers the cost of the digital ID check. It’s recommended to verify leasehold charges provided by the seller through legal representation. All mentioned areas, measurements, and distances are approximate, and the information, including text, photographs, and plans, serves as guidance and may not cover all aspects comprehensively. It shouldn’t be assumed that the property has all necessary planning, building regulations, or other consents. Services, equipment, and facilities haven’t been tested by M&B, and prospective purchasers are advised to verify the information to their satisfaction through inspection or other means.