Ipswich, Suffolk

We are delighted to offer an exceptional circular residence where history, architecture, and countryside living come together in perfect harmony. Formed from two conjoined rotundas, this architecturally rare, 3/4-bedroom detached residence, set in 0.2 acres, offers an opportunity to own a home that is as unique as it is beautiful. Whether as a permanent family residence, a countryside retreat, or a boutique holiday let, this home is an exceptional proposition.

- An incredibly unique property
- 3/4 bedrooms
- Detached
- Off road parking for multiple vehicles
- Quiet location
- Summer house
- A12 dual carriageway easily accessible
- Manningtree Train station approx. 10 minutes' drive
- Local village with shop and pub
- Potential for Airbnb use/second home

A Home With A Story To Tell
Hidden amongst the rolling Suffolk landscape near Capel St Mary and Manningtree, The Round House is a living piece of Suffolk's heritage. The current owner bought it after a long search for a historic property and loved its style and location, being close to amenities and commuter links. Believed to date back to the early 18th century and first appearing on maps in 1725, historical records suggest the original round building served as a holding prison and overnight stop for prisoners being escorted between London and Norwich. Remnants of this history remain today, including original chains discovered within the grounds and period clay pipes unearthed over the years. The land was once owned by the father of renowned landscape painter John Constable, before passing into the ownership of a Cambridge college. During the mid-20th century, two sisters occupied the property before the first roundhouse was purchased by the Miller family, who sympathetically expanded the home by adding the second rotunda. Historical documentation, original sales particulars, and floor plans from the 1970s remain available, providing a fascinating archive of the home's evolution. Since 1986, the current owner has lovingly cared for and preserved this extraordinary residence.

Step Inside
Enter into a generous hallway between the two rotundas, with a cleverly placed cupboard housing the freezer and the laundry appliances. To the right is the living area, expansive and cleverly zoned into seating and dining areas, with separate kitchen. The sitting room is swathed in light from the four large windows, so remains a light and bright room even in winter, when the cosy fireplace with open fire comes into its own. The various small alcoves were once the original windows, sensitively preserved and the arched doors from the dining room into the hall mirror the curved lines of the whole building. The dining area is close to the kitchen ensuring an easy flow and French doors lead out to the garden and terrace - a pretty space to enjoy the peace and quiet of the grounds. The kitchen, with its own external door, is surprisingly well equipped for what might seem an intricate shape to fit out and features a wonderful electric Belling range with Calor gas hob, bespoke cabinetry (by Churchills) to fit the curved walls, with an ingenious extendable work top cum breakfast bar for that first peaceful cuppa of the day. The building is not listed, and none of the internal walls are load bearing, so there is potential here to reconfigure the space if desired, to suit your individual lifestyle. One option would be to completely open plan the kitchen, dining and living area with a central two-sided fire perhaps and a kitchen island!

Sleep Tight My Precious
The home reminds one of a Hobbiton home, reminiscent of Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings! The sleeping quarters are completely separate from the living areas in their own rotunda: three double bedrooms and a smaller room ideal as a dressing room and currently used as on office. The principal bedroom has the lovely feature of an electric fire, for snuggling down in winter and enjoys its own shower room, whilst a family bathroom serves the three remaining bedrooms.

Step Outside
Approached from a gravel driveway there is parking for visitors at the front of the house, and further parking at the rear - the gates open both ways to get cars in and out which is really handy. Outside, established gardens envelop the home, lawns enclosed by mature trees and shrubs, creating a secluded and tranquil environment. A former copper vessel has been transformed into an elegant water feature, providing a charming focal point within the patio area, a favourite spot for breakfast, with just sounds of the birds. The sun rises over the bedroom accommodation and sweeps across the gardens all day, ending with sunset views from the kitchen or last window in the rotunda. Sometimes the living room turns red, and the owners know this is the time to run outside and watch a fiery scarlet sun disappear behind the trees, such a beautiful spectacle. The detached garden room offers flexibility for home office, artist's studio, hobby room, wellness space, or guest accommodation (subject to permissions) and has its own courtyard seating area too. It also features a kitchenette, and this is where the current owner loves to entertain, cooking and chatting in the summer house and, weather permitting, eating alfresco. In the past they have held parties with marquees on the lawns and cooked up a feast between the house and the summer house and with Wi-Fi extending throughout the grounds, modern convenience blends seamlessly with historic charm. The gardens also come with sheds and a stable used in the past for garden storage, camping gear and motorbikes, plus a log cabin workshop.

On The Doorstep
The property offers countryside living and exceptional connectivity within a peaceful, family friendly, village-edge setting while remaining exceptionally well connected. Nearby amenities include a village-owned shop and village-owned pub within walking distance, regular community events, coffee mornings, and social gatherings, active local church communities, a riding school nearby and fresh farm eggs available from neighbouring farm. Primary schools are on hand in Capel St Mary and Bentley with senior schooling in East Bergholt, and independent schools in Ipswich.

How Far Is It To….
In spite of its rural setting you are afforded easy access to the A12 dual carriageway, and connections to the wider motorway network north and south plus easy access to the coast. For commuters and holiday makers, Manningtree Station is approximately 10 minutes by car, providing direct rail services to London in around one hour.

What Three Words Location
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Services, District Council and Tenure
Calor Gas Central Heating
Mains Electricity, Water & Drainage
Broadband Available - please check
Mobile Phone Reception - depending on network provider Please see to check.
Babergh District Council - Band E- Freehold