Old Bank House, Yoxford, Suffolk

This characterful three-bedroom house sits in the pretty village of Yoxford, Suffolk, a short drive from the likes of Southwold and Aldeburgh. Built in the 19th century, it has been the subject of a sensitive restoration by its current owner. Two versatile sitting rooms are found on the ground floor, alongside a dining room and a separate kitchen. A south-facing garden with access to a spacious barn extends at the rear.



Setting the Scene



This house has its roots in the 1800s, and originally comprised two separate cottages. In 1908, the left-hand side of the building was the short-lived Waveney Photographic Studio. By 1916, the property was used as a sub-branch of Lloyds Bank Limited in Saxmundham. By 1939, the building was known as 'Bank House'.



Inside, the house is peppered with period features, including a double-sided inglenook fireplace and exposed timber studs and lintels. The current owner has updated it with a sensitive hand, adding refined paint colours.



The Grand Tour



In front, a shingled driveway has room to park a car. A gabled porch at the side of the house frames a smart black front door. It opens to reveal two bright sitting rooms on either side of the entrance hall. Original timber studs define the separate spaces, one of which has a warming Jotul stove. The dining room, also fitted with a wood-burner, sits to the rear.



The second sitting room has half-height panelling, oak flooring and French doors onto the garden. In the kitchen, red quarry tiles run underfoot, while handmade units are topped with granite and finished in Abigail Ahern paints.



The first floor is home to three atmospheric bedrooms, each with a ledged pine door. The principal bedroom is washed in a dusky pink hue, while the second is picked out in an earthy green. The third has access to eaves storage. There is also a bathroom on this floor, and a ground-floor shower room with green tiling.



The Great Outdoors



A large south-facing garden sits to the rear of the house, looking onto the wood behind. Mainly laid to lawn, it provides ample space for planting, playing and outdoor dining. A separate barn and laundry room are located in the garden.



Out and About



Yoxford is a historic Suffolk village between Southwold and Aldeburgh, close to Dunwich on the Heritage Coast. At its heart are a pub, The King’s Head, The Black Dog Deli, Horner’s Village Stores, Rowe & Williams art gallery, the Yoxford Antiques Centre and Ox Café, a primary school and a Grade II*-listed church, with an active village hall community.



The village has long attracted writers, artists and musicians, a creative spirit that continues today. Directly opposite the house is Nancy Main Ceramics, which also runs classes. Exceptional local produce is close at hand, including Maple Farm in Kelsale, home of PINCH, and its renowned crullers.



The area is rich in good pubs and restaurants, including the Westleton Crown, the Ship at Dunwich and the Greyhound in Pettistree. Saxmundham is the nearest town to Yoxford and has a Waitrose and Tesco, banking facilities, a burgeoning food stall area and the Social Bar. Framlingham offers a weekly market, its hilltop castle and Framlingham College.



Aldeburgh brings an elegant mix of independent shops, cafés, galleries and restaurants, including the award winning The Suffolk with its rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. Nearby, Britten Pears Arts at Snape Maltings hosts world class music, art and boutique shopping. Cinemas are available in both Aldeburgh and Leiston.



Southwold, Walberswick and Dunwich offer spectacular beaches, and the surrounding countryside is ideal for walking, with numerous footpaths from the house.



Darsham station is a short walk or three minute drive, passing the striking Yoxman sculpture by Laurence Edwards at Cockfield Hall. Regular trains run to Ipswich, with onward connections to London Liverpool Street in around two hours.



Council Tax Band: C