The Burrow, Laxfield, Suffolk

This charming 17th-century house sits amid a delightful garden in the ancient village of Laxfield. Inside, its atmospheric rooms are framed by exposed timbers; in the sitting room are beams that bear a carved Tudor rose. The home spans some 2,200 sq ft across three storeys, with four bedrooms and two annexes. Marvellously conceived by its landscape-designer owner, the garden is cheerful and spacious and is home to an outdoor kitchen and an idyllic natural pool.



Setting the Scene



Laxfield is a historic village in north-eastern Suffolk. It grew as an agricultural and weaving community during the medieval period and became known for its timber-framed houses, as exemplified by The Burrow. The village church, All Saints Church, dates largely from the 15th century and contains notable medieval carvings.



The Burrow is an important part of Laxfield’s historic fabric. It dates to the 17th century; a beam inside bears ‘1630’ alongside a Tudor rose, while in a first-floor bedroom, ovolo-moulded cross beams are centred with a cartouche bearing the initials ‘NF’. Outside, the home takes a picturesque and traditional profile and is picked out in a buttery yellow shade. Carefully preserved and thoughtfully updated, the home weaves together old and new to create a comfortable yet characterful living space.



The Grand Tour



Set towards the centre of the village, The Burrow is set back from the street and has space to park on the driveway that winds up to its sunny silhouette. Entry is from the side, the front door set within a whimsical porch.



From here, the kitchen and dining room unfold, a generous space characterised by extensive exposed timbers. Pamments run underfoot, and duck-egg-blue cabinetry provides preparation space. Housed in the original inglenook fireplace is a vintage oil-fired cream Aga; other appliances include a large Belfast sink. Windows on two aspects draw in natural light, making the space equally lovely for breakfasts as it is for atmospheric suppers.



Pamments and exposed beams continue in the adjoining sitting room, which has a warming log-burning fire. The ground-floor plan is completed by a quiet study, a neat WC, and an idyllic sun room - a versatile space with panelled walls and banks of garden-facing glazing.



The original staircase ascends to the first floor, where two of the home’s four bedrooms lie. The principal bedroom is a marvellously generous space, with dual-aspect windows and a beautiful en suite with a roll-top bathtub. Both this room and the other bedroom on this floor are grounded with original floorboards.



Upstairs, on the top floor, are a further two bedrooms, embraced by the timbers that line the tall pitched roof. These rooms are also spacious and share a smart shower room.



There are two separate annexes in the garden, both with modern shower rooms. One has a log-burning stove, while the other has a neat kitchenette. Glazing fosters strong connections with the gardens in both.



The Great Outdoors



Oasis-like gardens surround The Burrow, planted with a variety of flowers, shrubs and trees, including hosts of fragrant climbing roses and a variety of fruit trees.



It has a fantastic natural pool, with jettied decking that provides the perfect spot for a pair of sun loungers. Closest to the house is a paved area for dining, conveniently close to the kitchen. Elsewhere, the garden has been left to lawn and is wonderful for summertime games. Nestled at one end is a brilliant wood-fired sauna, complete with an outdoor shower.



Setting the Scene



The lovely market town of Framlingham is only around 15 minutes away by car. As well as its striking castle, it has plenty of shops, an excellent pub, The Station Hotel, and a terrific Italian restaurant, Watson and Walpole. The Dancing Goat Cafe is also a great spot for a coffee.



The house is around a 30-minute drive from Woodbridge, a picturesque and thriving market town often described as the ‘gem in Suffolk’s crown’. Dotted with independent boutiques and shops, there is also a thriving independent cinema and an excellent variety of restaurants, pubs and cafés. The town hosts annual music festivals and has several clubs and facilities catering to sporting interests.



The Suffolk Coast is noted for its beauty and, increasingly, its cultural attractions. Walberswick, around 30 minutes away by car, is regarded as one of Britain’s loveliest coastal villages and has wonderful pubs. Snape Maltings, around 15 miles away, is the home of the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Festival.



Just beyond Snape is Aldeburgh, a seaside town famed for ice cream, fish and chips, and being the home of the late great composer Benjamin Britten. Orford, a pretty medieval village on the River Alde, is also easily reached by car and is home to the famous Pump Street Bakery.



Direct rail connections run from Woodbridge station to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich, with a journey time of approximately 97 minutes. By car, Ipswich can be reached in around 46 minutes, Norfolk in around 70, and Cambridge in around 90.



Council Tax Band: D