The Log House II, Southwold, Suffolk

This exceptional four-bedroom house brings a slice of alpine living to a perennially popular part of the Suffolk coast. Creatively and sustainably conceived, it extends upwards, carving out two additional evocative bedrooms on the top level, including the principal room with its glorious sea view. Light ripples throughout, although brightness abounds in a glazed sunroom, well-placed to watch the sunrise. Outside, a lovely garden encircles the house and has a handy studio neatly slotted within the garage eaves.



The Tour



From the quiet, unadopted lane, gates open to the home’s private driveway, which has space to park two cars. Its characterful silhouette rises behind, with renewable Finnish log exteriors and Alpine-inspired windows shaded an attractive duck-egg grey. Photovoltaic panels have been added to the front facade of the en bloc garage.



There are multiple points of passage between indoors and out. The principal front door opens to the kitchen and dining room, where white-painted walls provide a blank, gallery-like backdrop for arranging favourite ceramics on open shelves. Timber-topped grey units run along one side, with wood block worktops above. A wall of stacked logs, washed in white, hints at what unfolds beyond. On one side is a door to a large pantry, while a utility room and WC can be accessed from a central hall.



Next door is the spacious living room, where pinewood panelling on the walls and ceiling, along with pine boards underfoot, add an embracing feel. A warming log burner amplifies the cosy feel on winter nights. Beyond is a long sunroom that spans the width of the ground-floor plan and is wrapped in glazing that fosters an unbroken connection with the greenery beyond. Double doors here provide easy passage between indoors and out.



The house has four bedrooms, each unique in character but with a similarly considered finish. The first two extend from the living room; one has Jack-and-Jill access to a brilliant bathroom beyond the utility room.



There are two more bedrooms upstairs, accessible via an open-tread timber staircase. The principal is an especially generous room, with timber-clad ceilings, skylights and a large central window with views as far as Southwold's iconic beach huts. Soft carpet flows underfoot, and there is built-in storage on one side.



The upstairs bathroom has beautiful geometric floor tiles and a white-painted timber ceiling. Like the ground-floor bathroom/shower room, it has a luxurious roll-top bath and a relaxing ambience.



Outdoor Space



A thoughtfully landscaped and spacious garden surrounds the house, planted with the likes of cordoned apple trees, raspberry bushes and vibrant beds in subtly delineated 'rooms'.



With shady and bright pockets, it has several distinct spots to sit outdoors, including a rear deck and what the current owners refer to as 'the vineyard', a space at the side of the home. A decked area in front of the house is a delightful spot to sit throughout the day, but especially with a sundowner in the evening.



There is a garage next to the driveway, which can also be accessed from the pantry. It has an adjoining WC/shower and is currently used as a studio and study retreat, though it would suit multiple uses.



The Area



Southwold is a long-standing coastal favourite, with its Blue Flag beach and wealth of independent eateries. The highly regarded Two Magpies is recommended for coffee and cakes, and the harbour is a popular spot for fish and chips. Boutique Collen and Clare stocks a beautiful range of clothing.



Other local towns and villages are also a delight, including Dunwich, a historic 'sunken town' with a museum and an old smugglers' inn, The Ship, which has dog-friendly rooms.



Multiple exceptional coastal walks and wildlife are found in the surrounding area. The RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve - one for the keen ornithologists - is close by. For more remote beaches, the windswept Covehithe Beach is a short drive, with its sandy dunes stretching out towards Benacre Lagoon.



Snape Maltings, on the banks of the River Alde, is home to the internationally renowned Benjamin Britten Concert Hall. The institution is home to a mix of malthouses and granaries dating from the mid-19th century and has a stellar musical programme throughout the year. It also hosts the Aldeburgh Festival, a 24-day event celebrating music, the arts, opera, comedy and film.



Aldeburgh and its famous beach are easily reached. The town is home to Lighthouse Restaurant and a lovely independent bookshop. The Suffolk serves up delicious lobster and chips, whilst The White Hart Inn provides pizza in a garden setting.



Darsham and Halesworth stations are both around a 15-minute drive away and run services to Ipswich, which in turn connects to London and Cambridge.



Council Tax Band: E