Hungate House, Hungate Lane, Beccles, Suffolk

A stunning example of refined Georgian features, perfectly preserved and beautifully married with soft modern flourishes. Breathing in light and space through the tall floor to ceiling windows and vast proportions, the whole home feels airy and bright with plenty of space for the whole family (plus a guest or two).
From the moment you step into the central hallway, the typically symmetrical proportions spread around the stunning staircase with sweeping bannisters whilst the natural light pouring through the vaulted dining area beyond, enticing you to immediately explore the distinctive open plan kitchen-dining area.
There’s a fantastic flow from room to room, winding up that classic staircase to the sleeping quarters where four double bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms spread across the upper two floors, again with that similar pleasing symmetry.
But all roads lead back to the vaulted, open plan kitchen dining space. An exercise in minimalist tranquillity with a touch of period elegance to get the balance just right, the kitchen pairs modern function with a heart of the home feel. Finished with soft pebble cabinets, the sleek white stone counter tops radiate the natural light which floods through the bi-folding doors and skylights above within the vaulted ceiling. With a wide range of integral appliances, this space is a true chefs delight with the essential space needed to socialise and dine whilst enjoying views out to the secluded garden through the bi-folding doors. We feel it is also important to note the cellar at Hungate House, found beneath the sitting room below winding stairs from the hallway, a fantastic space ideal for keen wine enthusiasts and general cool storage.
The additional two reception rooms allow great versatility as this home grows with you over the years, the sitting room is cosy and intimate thanks to modern log burning stove whilst the study has a much more sociable feel to it.
Having retained both staircases over the years, the versatile flow carries you up either flight to the first floor, where the first of two double bedrooms can be found and the family bath and shower suite which is in addition to the shower room downstairs. Again, full of light from the tall Sash windows, both bedrooms feature pretty ornate fireplaces, a wonderful focal point and a gentle reminder of the remarkable heritage.
The second floor has been sensitively enlarged, so both of the remaining bedrooms are again really good size double rooms and served by the third remaining shower room. A special mention must go to the scaling rooftop views out of either room, spanning across the neighbouring historical rooftops and over to the iconic Beccles Church Tower.

Outside…

Every space has been considered and immaculately finished and the walled garden is no exception. Clearly a labour of love over the years, the borders are incredibly stocked with a wide and exotic range of mature palms and shrubs. A real sun trap in the afternoon, the bi-folding doors are the cherry on the cake, allowing a wonderful and natural flow inside and out. The driveway allows space to park one vehicle and the generous garage is great for secure parking with a recently renovated studio space upstairs.

The Important Bits To Consider…!

Hungate House is a Grade II listed home, with a historical past heritage of being the local Registrar’s office and also a safe haven for Chateubriand, the aristocratic exile from the French Revolution in the late 1700’s. The notable Yew Tree in the front garden is protected (which we consider a good thing) and the surrounding area is a Conservation area.

Franks Thoughts…

There’s no point in hiding it, we are totally in love with this house. There is a sense of living, breathing cultural history within the very fabric of this building. Lovingly nudged into the modern world, this is without question a truly remarkable home.