Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

SITUATION & LOCATION Believed to date in part from the medieval period, Honeysuckle Farm-formerly known as Dagwood Farmhouse-is a truly enchanting Grade II listed thatched residence, set well back from the road within an exceptional private setting. Surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens of approximately one acre (subject to survey), the property forms part of a small cluster of distinguished period homes, including Willow Farm, Mulberry Farm and Oak Farm, each reflecting the area's rich architectural heritage. Historically, the house is thought to have been of notable status, associated with the neighbouring farmstead, with land once owned and cultivated by the monks of nearby Bury St Edmunds Abbey. The grazing land to the front, with its frontage onto Ashfield Road, was originally the village green, enhancing the sense of history and openness that defines this unique setting.

The accommodation is both generous and versatile, beautifully blending period charm with thoughtful modern improvements. Character features abound throughout, including exposed timbers and impressive fireplaces. The elegant drawing room enjoys delightful views across the gardens and is centred around a striking fireplace, while the cosy sitting room features a substantial inglenook fireplace with a Bressemer beam and intricate carvings, creating a wonderfully atmospheric retreat. The ground floor further comprises a well-appointed kitchen, utility room and shower room, while the first floor offers four bedrooms, a family bathroom and an additional shower room, all accessed via two separate staircases, adding to the home's inherent character. The property is served by a gas heating system.
The gardens are undoubtedly a defining feature of Honeysuckle Farm, having been meticulously designed and maintained to provide year-round colour, texture and interest. A series of thoughtfully arranged spaces offer both sun and shade, creating a tranquil and ever-changing landscape. Beyond, far-reaching views stretch across open countryside and farmland, while the historic village moat, which runs along side the eastern boundary to the property, attracts an abundance of wildlife and enhances the overall sense of peace and seclusion.

Honeysuckle Farm presents a rare opportunity to acquire a home of considerable character and historical significance, offering privacy and charm without compromising on convenience. The property lies within easy reach of the well-served village of Elmswell, with its range of local amenities, as well as nearby market towns. Early viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the setting and lifestyle on offer.
Elmswell itself is a thriving Suffolk village, ideally positioned approximately eight miles east of the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, five miles north-west of Stowmarket and within convenient reach of Ipswich and London. The village benefits from a railway station on the Ipswich to Ely line, along with excellent access to the A14, making it well connected for both commuting and leisure.

Rich in history, Elmswell is referenced in the Domesday Book of 1086, its name derived from the Old English "elm" and "wella", meaning "a spring or stream where elm trees grow." Among its notable landmarks is the impressive St John the Divine Church, dating back to the 14th century, alongside the iconic Elmswell Windmill, a rare surviving example from the early 19th century.
Today, Elmswell offers a welcoming and vibrant community, with a range of local shops, pubs and amenities, as well as regular events such as the annual Elmswell Show. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it provides an impressive balance of rural charm and modern convenience, making it a highly desirable place to call home.
 

ENTRANCE HALL With Oak entrance door to front and rear; exposed beams, joists and stud work; radiator; ceramic tiled floor. 

THE SNUG 13' 1" x 16' 9" (4.00m x 5.12m) Inglenook brick fireplace with Bessemer beam and brick hearth incorporating wood burning stove, double aspect windows, oak floor, radiator. 

DRAWING ROOM 16' 11" x 15' 5" (5.16m x 4.72m) With part glazed oak entrance door; exposed joists, beams and stud work; beautiful open brick fireplace with brick hearth, grate and fire canopy; triple aspect windows with secondary glazing; three radiators; wall lights; oak flooring. 

DINING ROOM 10' 11" x 17' 4" (3.34m x 5.30m) Exposed beams, joists and stud work; secondary glazing to double aspect windows; two radiators; fitted carpet. 

KITCHEN 9' 7" x 14' 11" (2.94m x 4.56m) Fitted range of bespoke handmade cabinets with beech block work surfaces over incorporating Butler sink with mixer tap and filtered water tap; slot-in range master electric oven with extractor/expelaire above; recess for small fridge/freezer; larder cupboards with shelving; exposed joists, beam and stud work; windows to front and rear aspect; ceramic tiled floor. 

UTILITY ROOM 8' 2" x 14' 2" (2.50m x 4.34m) Butler sink and plumbing for washing machine; space for tall fridge freezer; wall mounted gas fire boiler (serving central heating and domestic hot water); fitted storage cupboards with shelving; exposed joists and stud work; radiator; ceramic tile floor; secondary staircase leading to first floor; door to outside. 

SHOWER ROOM 2' 7" x 7' 5" (0.80m x 2.28m) With tiled shower cubicle and plumbed-in shower, W.C and hand basin; ceramic tiled floor.

Main staircase leading from entrance hall to first floor: 

LANDING Exposed joist, beams and stud work; radiator; fitted book shelving; oak flooring; secondary glazing to sash window to front aspect. 

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM ONE 17' 2" x 14' 8" (5.24m x 4.49m) With exposed stud work and joists; sloping ceilings; secondary glazing to triple aspect windows including original timber mullions; two radiators; open brick fireplace with oak Bessemer beam and brick hearth; built-in double wardrobe cupboard and alcove storage cupboard; fitted carpet. 

BEDROOM TWO 10' 7" x 17' 5" (3.23m x 5.32m) Exposed joists, beams and stud work; window to side aspect; two radiators; recessed book display; sloping ceilings; oak flooring. 

INNER LANDING Exposed joists and stud work; radiator; built-in storage cupboards; airing cupboard with pressurised hot water cylinder and immersion heater; exposed pine flooring. 

BATHROOM 5' 8" x 6' 11" (1.73m x 2.13m) Panelled bath with thermostatically controlled shower over and glass shower screen, vanity wash basin and W.C; part tiling to walls; heated towel rail; exposed joists; sloping ceiling and window to rear aspect; stripped pine floor. 

SHOWER ROOM 4' 5" x 9' 7" (1.36m x 2.93m) Corner approach tiled shower cubicle with thermostatically controlled plumbed-in shower; vanity wash basin and W.C; sloping ceiling and window to rear aspect; exposed ceiling joists; stripped pine floor. 

BEDROOM THREE 9' 8" x 14' 3" (2.96m x 4.35m) With steps leading down from inner landing; feature brick fireplace; exposed beams, joists and stud work; sloping ceilings and window with secondary glazing to rear aspect; fitted carpet. Door leading to: 

SECONDARY INNER LANDING With steps leading down from bedroom three and then up to bedroom four. Also secondary staircase continues down to ground floor, laundry room. 

BEDROOM FOUR / OFFICE 7' 8" x 14' 2" (2.36m x 4.34m) With exposed joists; radiator; window to side aspect; feature brick fireplace; fitted carpet. 

OUTSIDE Set well back from the road and enjoying a wonderfully private setting, the gardens form an integral part of this enchanting Grade II listed thatched home, offering a quintessentially English country backdrop with far-reaching views across open countryside.

Extensively laid to lawn, the grounds are interspersed with a rich tapestry of mature deciduous and evergreen trees, including striking magnolias that bring early seasonal interest, while established shrubs and carefully curated borders provide colour and texture throughout the year. In spring, drifts of naturalised bulbs emerge beneath the trees, creating a picturesque scene alive with movement and colour.

Vehicular access is off Ashfield Road over a long private shingled driveway which leads to a five bar field gate through which the driveway continues into the formal gardens. A shingled parking area provides good parking and leads to a useful timber framed single cart lodge.

The garden has been thoughtfully designed to balance open, sun-drenched spaces with areas of dappled shade, perfectly suited to both relaxation and entertaining. A favourable south-westerly aspect ensures the grounds enjoy sunlight well into the evening, enhancing the sense of tranquillity and connection with the surrounding landscape.

Wildlife is naturally drawn to this peaceful haven, with birdsong and pollinators adding to the charm of the setting. The result is a beautifully established and secluded garden that complements the historic character of the property while offering a serene and ever-changing outdoor environment. 

SERVICES All mains services connected. Mains water, electric and drainage. Gas central heating. 

COUNCIL TAX BAND F 

TENURE Freehold