Pear Tree Farm, Halesworth, Suffolk

A tale of two parts, Grade II-listed Pear Tree Farm has its roots in the 16th century. Although its symmetrical frontage is a later addition, it is a picture of quintessential Georgian splendour. It sits surrounded by grounds of just under an acre, with open lawns, an orchard and peaceful spots to sit and gather. Inside, a wonderfully rustic character has been preserved, with an atmospheric kitchen, wonderful sitting rooms and five bedrooms, one of which can be sectioned off to create a two-storey annexe with its own entrance.



Setting the Scene



As its name suggests, Pear Tree Farm began its life as an agrarian building. The oldest part of the building, which dates to the 16th century, is at the rear of the house, while the front dates to the early 19th century. Under current ownership, the house has been transformed. Its period integrity has been preserved, and a restrained but spirited use of colour has imbued the home with a joyous sensibility.



The Grand Tour



Set off a quiet country lane, Pear Tree Farm sits surrounded by greenery. Entry is at the front, via a soft-pink-painted door framed by pilasters and a pediment.



There are multiple points of passage between inside and out; this entrance opens directly to the living room, a delightful space with taupe walls and a traditional working cast-iron fire. There is another living space next door, a snug. Painted in a warm historic smoky-blue shade it is perfect for cosy, family evenings and like the primary living space, it has a fantastic large sash window complete with working shutters.



On the other side of the primary living room is another large space, versatile in nature and currently used as a studio. A large window on one side faces out across the home’s garden. From the back of the living room is the kitchen, an evocative space with exposed beams and a Nobel range set within a former brick fireplace. Beyond a small boot area or porch is a generous utility room with a large reclaimed sink, and a traditionally styled shower room.



There are five bedrooms upstairs, all of a good size and with restorative views over the gardens. Two lie at the west end of the house and have white-painted floorboards, period fireplaces, and large sash windows. The third bedroom, in the centre of the plan, has evocative exposed beams, whimsically papered walls and beautiful, original elm floorboards. A refined sage-painted bathroom sits between, with a bathtub and a walk-in shower.



At the easterly end of the house is a fourth bedroom, accessible via a staircase from the second snug / fifth bedroom below, which is fitted with a log-burner. The privacy of these two rooms, and their proximity to the ground-floor shower room, makes this area a brilliant option for guests, independent teenagers, or elderly relatives.





The Great Outdoors



Pear Tree Farm’s lovely grounds are visible from almost every room and are studded with a wealth of mature trees. There are lawned areas for playing in the summer, and dining spots for hosting in the summertime. Behind the back of the house is a large pond - a beautiful backdrop when cooking in the kitchen. Elsewhere there is a wildflower meadow and scattering of pear, apple and damson trees.



There is also a large historic cartlodge, currently used as a store but ripe for reimagining, should the relevant permissions be secured.



Out and About



Pear Tree Farm is in a wonderful position to explore Suffolk and Norfolk. It sits just six minutes’ drive from Halesworth, a market town with plenty of good cafés, bakeries and shops.



The brilliant Fen Farm Dairy, with its award-winning cheese and butter, is around a 15-minute drive away. Excellent yoga classes can be found at nearby Restaries Farm, which also has rooms. Yoga retreats and supper clubs are also held at Husk.



There are some excellent pubs close to home, including The Buck in Rumburgh (five minutes’ drive) and The Star in Wenhaston, which has a fantastic beer garden. The Ship at Dunwich, and The Bell and The Anchor in Walberswick are all around a 20-minute drive away.



The Suffolk Heritage coastline is also around 20 minutes from the house and is home to lovely towns like Southwold (where excellent fish and chips can be procured in the harbour), Dunwich and Walberswick. There are especially picturesque walks along Dunwich Heath. Cove Hithe, a breathtaking deserted sandy beach, is a 25-minute drive away.



Cultural distractions are aplenty; Orford Castle and Framlingham Castle are both around half an hour away. Snape Maltings is a world-renowned concert hall venue for classical music, established by composer Benjamin Britten. Located on the River Alde, it hosts the Aldeburgh Festival, featuring major orchestras, opera, chamber music, and young artist performances throughout the year. Thorington Theatre is close, as is Henham Park, where Latitude Festival is held.



There are some excellent schools nearby, in the state and independent sectors, including St Felix in Southwold, Thomas Mills in Framlingham, and Bungay School.



Halesworth station is around three miles away and runs services to Ipswich, which has connections to Cambridge and London. The A144 and A12 are close by for local and cross-country routes.



Council Tax Band: F