Ferry Road, Walberswick

“A subtly updated 18th-century cottage in an unspoilt tidal setting at the mouth of the River Blyth”

Tucked away in the heart of Walberswick, Eastway Cottage is a three-bedroom house that subtly elevates its 18th-century character with an arresting modernist extension. The cottage is wonderfully positioned in one of the most sought-after villages on the Suffolk coast, within easy walking distance of the harbour and its seasonal, picturesque ferry crossing to the lively seaside town of Southwold.

The Tour

Eastway Cottage presents a charming façade, comprising stone and render elevations beneath a clay pan-tiled roof.

Entry is to the original part of the house and into a formal dining room, centred around a wood-burning stove. The design is kept deliberately simple, with white ceramic tiles and white-painted walls, a scheme also applied to the kitchen.

From here, the plan continues into a spacious bipartite sitting room, where the original cottage meets the newer extension with surprising familiarity. A second wood-burning stove delineates the two halves, while exposed ceiling beams transition into an impressive, modern timber-clad space. French doors open onto the garden, lending the room a sense of connection to the outdoors and allowing a coastal breeze to pass through.

The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry against the white-tiled backsplash wall, and integrated appliances. A door leads out to the garden, and a utility room, a downstairs bathroom, and a separate WC sit beyond.

Stairs rise to the first floor, where two generous bedrooms are arranged and are decorated with soothing, powder-blue tones. The principal bedroom features double-aspect windows and a romantic window seat overlooking the river and Southwold in the distance. The second bedroom has an en suite shower room and views of the river.

Outdoor Space

The garden provides a peaceful and secluded setting, with a verdant lawn bordered by mature shrubs and an apple tree. A terrace beyond provides a space for outdoor dining in warmer months.

The Area

Eastway Cottage sits in the heart of Walberswick, one of Suffolk’s most popular coastal villages, only a short walk from the beach. Once a bustling fishing village, Walberswick is now home to a thriving artistic community, hosting regular exhibitions. The village has a wealth of shops and amenities, including the Good Food Guide-recommended restaurant The Anchor, The Bell Inn, and popular deli The Black Dog.

Walberswick’s family-friendly beach is popular with surfers, sea swimmers and dog walkers, who are permitted year-round. Crabbing at the little harbour is a particularly favoured pastime, as is a boat trip on the River Blyth. In summer, a ferry runs a quick and scenic journey to Southwold, home to Southwold Arts Centre, a Blue Flag beach, and a wealth of independent eateries.

Darsham station is a 20-minute drive away and provides links to Ipswich in under an hour; from here, London Liverpool Street can be reached in around 75 minutes. The A12 connects to the capital in approximately two and a half hours.