Hawstead, Suffolk

An individual 1970s house requiring modernisation, situated in an exceptional rural setting surrounded by undulating open countryside, located on the edge of this well-regarded village close to Bury St Edmunds. Offered with no onward chain.


Occupying an exceptional, secluded setting close to the village green and surrounded by gently undulating open countryside, Brook View is an intriguing mid-century house offering considerable scope for transformation.

Believed to date from the mid-1960s, the house has an individual architectural character, with strong horizontal lines, mono-pitched roof forms and extensive glazing that reflect the design influences of its period. Now requiring a comprehensive programme of modernisation, it represents a rare opportunity to reimagine an already substantial house and create a striking contemporary home that takes full advantage of its wonderful rural surroundings.

There is considerable potential.

A new owner may choose to work largely within the existing footprint, introducing a more contemporary specification and stronger connection between the house and gardens, or explore more ambitious remodelling and extension, subject of course to the necessary consents.

Including the integral garaging, the accommodation extends to over 3,000 sq ft and is arranged predominantly over the ground floor, providing an unusually versatile layout with particular appeal for those seeking the possibility of substantial single-storey living.

The present accommodation begins with a reception hall leading into a distinctive split-level sitting and dining room. This impressive triple-aspect space has an open fireplace, parquet flooring and doors opening onto the east-facing terrace. From here there is access to a study and a ground-floor bedroom with adjoining shower room, presently finished with Italian marble tiling.

The kitchen has been updated in more recent years and is fitted with red high-gloss base and wall units, a range cooker and further integrated oven and microwave. It connects with a rear lean-to conservatory and an inner hall, from which stairs rise to the first floor. A boiler room and utility room provide further practical accommodation.

Of particular interest is the extensive integral garaging. Originally designed as a double garage, this has subsequently been considerably enlarged and now provides space for up to five cars. The area is insulated and heated and offers obvious potential to incorporate some or all of the space into the main accommodation, perhaps creating a substantial kitchen/living space, studio, leisure area or self-contained annexe, subject to any necessary consents.

On the first floor, the landing enjoys views across the adjoining farmland and leads to three bedrooms and a modernised family bathroom.

Outside
The property is set back from the road, with access from Bells Lane, Brook View is set well back from the road, approached from Bells Lane through timber gates onto a substantial driveway providing generous parking for numerous vehicles.

The grounds are predominantly laid to lawn and contain a variety of mature trees and established shrubs, creating an impressive degree of privacy and seclusion. The mature planting forms an attractive natural backdrop to the house, while selective thinning could open up more extensive views across the surrounding countryside and strengthen the relationship between the house and its setting.

To the west is a collection of timber-framed outbuildings. The largest has insulation, electricity and plumbing connected and was formerly used by the owners as a recording studio, providing useful additional space for a variety of purposes.

On the eastern side of the house is a terrace, positioned to enjoy the morning and daytime sun, together with a seven-seat hot tub.

Services
Mains water and electricity. Private draining. Oil-fired heating (untested). Full burglar alarm (untested).

Location
Hawstead is a small village only 3 miles south of the historic cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds, which is a unique and dazzling historic gem with a richly fascinating heritage - the striking combination of medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and glorious Cathedral and Abbey Gardens provide a distinctive visual charm.

With prestigious shopping, an award-winning market, plus a variety of cultural attractions and fine places to stay, Bury St Edmunds is under two hours from London and very convenient for Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich.