Long Thurlow, Bury St. Edmunds

THURLOW HOUSE Thurlow House is an exceptional Victorian residence occupying a wonderfully private position within the sought-after semi-rural hamlet of Long Thurlow, surrounded by established gardens and grounds extending to just over one acre (subject to survey). Constructed of traditional Suffolk materials, including locally sourced Woolpit White brick beneath a Welsh slate roof, the property has evolved over the centuries from its Victorian origins through a series of sympathetic extensions and enhancements, culminating in a number of stylish contemporary improvements by the current owners.

Offering substantial and highly versatile accommodation arranged over three floors, this distinguished family home successfully combines elegant period character with modern comforts. The property enjoys beautifully proportioned reception rooms, six bedrooms and extensive ancillary accommodation, complemented by outstanding south-facing gardens, a range of useful outbuildings and excellent parking facilities. Thurlow House presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial country home of considerable charm and character in one of Suffolk's most attractive rural settings.

A welcoming reception hall sets the tone for the accommodation beyond, where high ceilings, period detailing and generous room proportions reflect the home's rich heritage. The principal reception rooms comprise an elegant drawing room, a formal dining room and a comfortable sitting room, each offering an ideal setting for both family living and entertaining.

Further enhancing the versatility of the ground floor is a separate study, perfect for home working, together with a charming garden room that enjoys delightful views across the grounds and provides a seamless connection to the outdoors. A dedicated breakfast room serves the kitchen, creating an informal space for everyday dining.

The well-appointed kitchen is fitted with an extensive range of oak-fronted cabinetry complemented by granite work surfaces and incorporates a combination of integrated and freestanding appliances. Adjacent to the kitchen is a practical laundry room together with a ground-floor shower room, adding further convenience for modern family life.

The first and second floors provide six well-proportioned bedrooms, all presented to a high standard and enjoying attractive outlooks over the surrounding gardens and countryside. These are served by two en-suite and three well-appointed family bathrooms (both with twin basins), creating flexible accommodation suitable for both family occupation and visiting guests.

The gardens and grounds are a particularly outstanding feature of Thurlow House and contribute greatly to its appeal. Extending to approximately one acre, the grounds have been thoughtfully established over many years and provide an exceptional level of privacy and seclusion.

To the rear, formal south-facing gardens create a delightful setting for outdoor entertaining and relaxation, with expansive lawns interspersed by mature trees, shrubs and well-stocked borders. Beyond the formal gardens lies an area of meadow and orchard together with a former paddock, offering excellent potential for a variety of recreational or lifestyle pursuits. A twin stable block further enhances the property's versatility.

Approached via an extensive and discreet 'in and out' driveway, the property benefits from ample parking for numerous vehicles. The driveway serves a substantial double cart lodge and a detached double garage incorporating a gym or hobbies room, together with an attached workshop, making the property equally suited to those seeking space for leisure interests, storage or home-based activities. 

LOCATION Long Thurlow is a charming and highly regarded Suffolk hamlet surrounded by unspoilt countryside and renowned for its peaceful rural atmosphere. The hamlet enjoys a strong sense of community and is characterised by an attractive mix of traditional cottages, period homes and individual modern residences.

The surrounding countryside offers excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding, while the nearby River Stour provides additional leisure pursuits including fishing and boating. Everyday amenities can be found in the neighbouring villages of Walsham-le-Willows and Badwell Ash.

At the heart of Badwell Ash stands its historic 14th-century church, while the village itself offers a range of local facilities including a well-stocked village shop, popular takeaways, village hall and recreational areas. The highly regarded White Horse Inn is particularly renowned for its excellent cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

Long Thurlow lies approximately 12 miles north-east of the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds. There is convenient access to the A14, which links Cambridge, Ipswich and the wider regional road network. Elmswell station provides railway links to Cambridge and Stowmarket, (approximately nine miles away), which in turn offers mainline rail services to London Liverpool Street and Norwich.

Bury St Edmunds is widely recognised as one of Suffolk's finest market towns, boasting over a thousand years of history alongside an exceptional range of amenities. The town offers an excellent selection of independent boutiques, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities, together with cultural attractions including the magnificent St Edmundsbury Cathedral, the beautiful Abbey Gardens, the renowned The Apex and the historic Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Its rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene and outstanding quality of life have earned it a reputation as one of East Anglia's most desirable places to live. Bury St Edmunds is also the location for West Suffolk general hospital. 

ENTRANCE LOBBY Radiator; travertine tiled flooring; secondary staircase leading to first floor. 

SITTING ROOM 14' 2" x 14' 2" (4.33m x 4.32m) Cast iron Victorian fireplace with painted wooden surround and mantle, Victorian tiled hearth and inset stove; two radiators; UPVC sealed unit double glazed windows to front and side aspect; engineered oak flooring. Part glazed door leading to: 

STUDY/OFFICE 12' 4" x 7' 9" (3.78m x 2.37m) With UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash windows into bay to side aspect; radiator and underfloor electric heating; engineered oak flooring; 

INNER LOBBY With engineered oak flooring; understairs storage cupboard; door giving access to: 

DINING ROOM 12' 11" x 12' 2" (3.94m x 3.71m) Radiator; sealed unit double glazed softwood framed sash windows into bay to front aspect; open fireplace with painted wooden surround and tiled hearth - incorporating woodburning stove; alcove cupboards with glass displays and shelving; fitted carpet. Door to front entrance lobby. 

REAR HALLWAY With primary staircase leading to first floor; radiator; travertine tiled floor; door giving access to: 

CELLAR 14' 1" x 4' 6" (4.31m x 1.38m) With light; wine storage racks. 

DRAWING ROOM 20' 0" x 15' 0" (6.10m x 4.58m) With single glazed softwood framed sash windows to front aspect and bay window at side with UPVC sealed unit double glazed bay windows; open fireplace with Adam's style surround, marble inset and hearth; three radiators; high ceilings and period coving and skirtings; solid oak flooring. 

SHOWER ROOM 7' 9" x 7' 1" (2.37m x 2.16m) Tiled shower cubicle with thermostatically controlled plumbed-in shower including overhead rain shower and handheld shower attachment, glass shower screen; vanity wash basin and WC; ladder style towel rail; UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash window; part tiling to walls, ceramic tiled floor. Door leading to: 

UTILITY ROOM 7' 1" x 6' 11" (2.18m x 2.11m) Fitted range of matching wall and floor cupboard units with oak block work surfaces over. Washing machine and tumble dryer included; radiator; UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash window; ceramic tiled floor. 

ORANGERY/GARDEN ROOM 15' 10" x 10' 0" (4.85m x 3.06m) With oak French glazed double doors off rear hallway; three sets of UPVC sealed unit double glazed French doors to outside as well as UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash windows to rear aspect; UPVC sealed unit double glazed lantern above; travertine tiled floor with underfloor electric heating. 

KITCHEN 14' 6" x 12' 2" (4.44m x 3.71m) Well-appointed with range of matching oak fronted wall and floor cupboard units with granite work surfaces over incorporating 1 1/2 bowl sink unit with mixer tap; integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer; dual fuel Leisure Rangemaster 110 range oven with four gas Burners (LPG), electric hot plate and warming plate, electric twin ovens and grill - extractor hood over; UPVC sealed unit double glazed window to rear aspect; radiator; ceramic tiled floor; door giving access to inner lobby and door leading to: 

BREAKFAST ROOM 16' 9" x 9' 8" (5.12m x 2.96m) With range of oak fronted fitted cabinets; floor mounted Grant Oil fired boiler (serving two zone central heating and domestic water); Velux window - automated with remote control and rain sensor; vertical radiator; UPVC sealed unit double glazed French doors (with integral blinds) to rear paved terrace; freestanding American size fridge freezer (included); ceramic tile floor.
 

PRIMARY STAIRCASE LEADING FROM REAR HALLWAY TO FIRST FLOOR:  

LANDING With UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash window to rear aspect; staircase leading to second floor; fitted carpet. 

BEDROOM ONE 16' 9" x 10' 0" (5.12m x 3.05m) Radiator; softwood framed sealed unit double glazed bay window to front aspect and bay window to side aspect with UPVC sealed unit double glazed bay windows; fitted carpet. 

ENSUITE BATHROOM 5' 6" x 4' 5" (1.68m x 1.36m) Panelled bath with shower mixer over and folding shower screen; vanity wash basin and WC; wall light; ceramic tiled floor and fully tiled walls. 

BEDROOM TWO 10' 10" x 10' 4" (3.32m x 3.16m) Radiator and heated towel rail; matching wall lights; bay with UPVC sealed unit double glazed sash windows to rear aspect; fitted carpet. 

ENSUITE SHOWER ROOM 7' 1" x 3' 0" (2.17m x 0.93m) Tiled shower cubicle with thermostatically controlled plumbed-in shower and folding glass screen; vanity wash basin and WC; tiled floor.

Steps leading down from landing to: 

HALF LANDING Recess with shelving and cupboard below radiator; fitted carpet. Secondary staircase leading down to front entrance lobby. 

BEDROOM THREE 14' 1" x 12' 10" (4.31m x 3.93m) Softwood framed sealed unit double glazed sash window; alcoves with shelving; radiator; fitted carpet. 

GUEST BATHROOM ONE 11' 8" x 7' 7" (3.57m x 2.32m) Enamel bath with shower mixer over and folding glass screen; twin vanity wash basins with large mirror above, WC; ladder style heated towel rail; part tiling to walls; sealed unit double glazed sash window to rear aspect; tiled floor. 

BEDROOM FOUR 12' 5" x 8' 3" (3.81m x 2.53m) Softwood framed sealed unit double glazed bay window; built-in wardrobe; radiator; laminate flooring. 

GUEST BATHROOM TWO 9' 11" x 9' 8" (3.03m x 2.97m) Enamelled roll top claw footed bath with shower mixer tap; tiled shower enclosure with electric shower unit, glass screens and glass pivot door; twin pedestal wash basins and WC; softwood framed sash window to rear aspect; radiator with heated towel rail; airing cupboard with hot water cylinder and immersion heater as well as hot water 'solar boost' (for solar panels); cushion Flooring.
 

STAIRCASE FROM MAIN LANDING LEADING TO SECOND FLOOR:  

LANDING With sloping ceiling; fitted carpet. 

BEDROOM FIVE 14' 10" x 10' 5" (4.53m x 3.19m) With sloping ceilings; UPVC sealed unit double glazed window to front aspect; radiator; built-in wardrobe cupboards; laminate flooring. 

BEDROOM SIX 10' 4" x 6' 9" (3.17m x 2.08m) With sloping ceilings; UPVC sealed unit double glazed window to side aspect; radiator; laminate flooring. 

BATHROOM 9' 3" x 4' 5" (2.84m x 1.35m) With sloping ceiling; modern suite comprising panelled bath with shower mixer, vanity wash basin and WC. UPVC sealed unit double glazed window; cushion flooring. 

OUTSIDE Approached via an extensive shingled carriage driveway, Thurlow House immediately conveys a sense of arrival. The sweeping 'in and out' driveway provides generous parking for numerous vehicles and is framed by mature hedging, creating an impressive approach whilst ensuring a high degree of privacy from the lane. To one side, double gates provide wide vehicular access to the rear grounds, while an attractive arched brick wall and pedestrian gate offer a charming secondary entrance to the gardens.

A detached double garage is complemented by an adjoining gymnasium or hobbies room, creating a versatile space ideally suited to fitness, home working or leisure pursuits. To the rear, a useful timber workshop and store provides additional practical storage. 

DOUBLE GARAGE 17' 9" x 17' 5" (5.43m x 5.31m) Brick, block & Tiled; With twin side hung doors. Door at rear to: 

GYM/ HOBBIES ROOM 17' 1" x 8' 11" (5.21m x 2.73m) personnel door at side; inverter for solar panels- decorated room with light, power and electric panel radiator. Butler sink with cold water tap. Cushion flooring. 

REAR TIMBER STORE/WORKSHOP 15' 9" x 6' 3" (4.81m x 1.92m) The gardens and grounds are a particularly outstanding feature of the property, having been carefully cultivated and nurtured over many years. Immediately adjoining the house is a generous paved terrace, providing an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining and al fresco dining whilst enjoying views across the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Beyond, expansive lawns are interspersed with established beds and borders that are richly stocked with a wide variety of ornamental shrubs, mature trees and seasonal planting. A raised alpine bed adds further interest, whilst an abundance of roses, elegant Acers and climbing plants create colour and texture throughout the seasons. Arbours draped with mature climbing specimens, including a magnificent wisteria, provide focal points and sheltered seating areas within the garden.

Amongst the many mature trees stands a remarkable pear tree, believed to date back to the property's earliest origins. This impressive specimen overlooks an ornamental wildlife pond, creating a tranquil haven for both wildlife and garden enthusiasts alike. A charming timber summer house is discreetly positioned within the formal gardens, providing a peaceful retreat from which to enjoy the surroundings.

Beyond the formal gardens lies an area of pasture, formerly utilised as a paddock and enclosed by established deciduous trees. Within this area is a traditional orchard planted with a selection of fruit trees, further enhancing the property's quintessential country appeal.

To the side of the grounds stands a twin stable block, offering excellent potential for equestrian, recreational or ancillary use. Beyond this is a further expanse of pasture and lawn, also enclosed by mature trees, creating an attractive and private setting. A productive vegetable garden, complete with aluminium-framed greenhouse, provides an opportunity for those seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.

Backing directly onto open farmland and unspoilt Suffolk countryside, the grounds enjoy a wonderful sense of space, privacy and connection with the surrounding landscape, making them a truly exceptional complement to this distinguished family home. 

SERVICES Mains water and electricity is connected. Mains drainage. Oil fired central heating. Fibre broadband connected to house. 

SOLAR VOLTAIC PANELS Solar panels fitted to the garage roof provide supplemental power, with direct conversion to immersion heater in hot water tank, and solar export payments for power exported to grid.  

ENERGY RATING (EPC) Rated C 

COUNCIL TAX BAND Band G 

TENURE Freehold