Church Lane, Wickham Skeith, Eye, Suffolk

Built in 1840's as the Rectory for St. Andrew's Church, Wickham Hall is a handsome and imposing detached period house, set in a prominent, idyllic position surrounded by peaceful countryside. The property provides more than 4,500 sq ft of beautifully appointed accommodation set over four floors, with various splendid original details, and benefits from a detached, self-contained coach house annexe providing two further bedrooms.

Entering through an imposing porch, you are greeted by the family room, a welcoming space in which to relax, with its wooden flooring, ornate carved detailing and impressive open fireplace. From here one is lead through to a central hallway, off which there are a further four reception rooms. These include the similarly proportioned drawing room and sitting room, both of which have fireplaces and dual aspects, including southeast-facing bay windows overlooking the gardens, and a formal dining room which offers access to the gardens via French doors. The kitchen and breakfast room together create a wonderful space for modern family life; the well-equipped kitchen is fitted with farmhouse-style units to base and wall level, integrated appliances, an electric Aga and a central island. Access to the basement is from the inner hall
and includes a wine cellar.

To the first floor, the impressive galleried landing has a ceiling lantern skylight overhead, welcoming plenty of natural light, and provides access to six double bedrooms; these include the generous principal bedroom with its spacious, luxury en suite bathroom, two bedrooms with en suite shower rooms. The remaining three bedrooms have access to two family bathrooms. Stairs rise to the second floor, where there is an additional double bedroom, a study area and an en suite shower room.

Coach House
The Coach House creates an ideal annexe, and offers splendid ancillary accommodation. Comprising a sitting room, study, a fully equipped kitchen/dining room, two double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms connected via a galleried landing, and a shower room. The space provides complete living accommodation for guests, family members or even short-term use as a holiday let.

General
Local Authority: Mid Suffolk District Council
Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage services are connected. Oil-fired central heating.
Mobile and Broadband checker: Information can be found here
Council Tax: Band H
EPC Rating: F
Agent's note: The property is on two titles. There is a pedestrian and vehicular right of way to St Andrew's Church only. A small parcel of gravel beside the church belongs to the property, but is licensed to the church by the current owners on an annual basis for use as car parking.

Nestled in a wonderfully secluded and rural spot in the Mid Suffolk village of Wickham Skeith in grounds extending to 6.5 acres, the property is approached via an impressive gated entrance, which opens onto a sweeping gravelled driveway. A spacious area to front of the property provides ample space for several cars as well as access to the main outbuildings. The Coach House benefits from an open courtyard area as well as a garage. A further range of outbuildings sit to the side of the main house, forming a further courtyard area, and comprise various stores, potting sheds, a utility, and a further garage/workshop; in addition a brick-built games room is set adjacent to a substantial greenhouse.

The gardens are immaculately presented, with beautifully landscaped areas, a variety of mature trees and shrubs, canvassed by uninterrupted panoramic views over the undulating countryside beyond. There are numerous areas to enjoy, including a fully stocked lake with a wooden bridge leading to a central island, complete with golf tee, a tennis court and ample space in which to play. An undercover outdoor dining area provides a fabulous space in which to cook and dine al fresco, complete with brick-built pizza oven. A shower room offers useful space for those using the swimming pool, which is set away from the house and surrounded by stone terracing and ample room for lounging, an orchard and all framed by a Wisteria covered pergola. There is also an impressive partly-walled kitchen garden with large fruit and vegetable cages, with an array of established fruit trees and raised beds.

To the other side of the lane leading to the neighbouring church is a small parcel of post and railed paddock which could offer ideal grazing or further room in which to play.

Wickham Skeith is a charming village located about 5 miles from the popular and friendly historic market town of Eye. The town is surrounded by rolling Suffolk countryside, midway between Ipswich and Norwich and has winding, narrow streets and historic buildings, lending the surroundings plenty of character. There are several shops and amenities in Eye, including two supermarkets, a library and a number of specialty shops including a delicatessen. Over 6 miles to the North, the town of Diss provides further amenities and larger supermarkets, while Ipswich, 20 miles to the south, provides an excellent selection of shops, amenities, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities.

Schooling in the area includes Hartismere School, a secondary school rated outstanding by Ofsted, as well as Framlingham College and Prep, and Finborough School. There are good road links to Norfolk via the A140 and London via the A14 and A12. Main line trains to London Liverpool Street run from Diss and Stowmarket.

Distances
Eye 5.3 miles
Diss 6.7 miles
Framlingham 15.9 miles
Ipswich 17.7 miles
Bury St, Edmunds 19 miles
Norwich 28 miles

Nearby Stations
Stowmarket - mainline (80 mins)
Diss - mainline (90 mins)

Key Locations
Eye Market town
Suffolk Heritage Coast
Diss Market town
Framlingham Castle

Nearby Schools
Finborough School
Hartismere School
Framlingham College