5 bed detached house for sale

Cratfield Road, Fressingfield, Eye, Suffolk IP21

Occupying an enchanting and secluded position surrounded by open countryside, Gissings Farm is an exceptional period country house found at the end of a half-mile long private drive. Benefitting from an array of outbuildings, gardens and grounds that provide a true wildlife haven, and a magical tree house with views across open fields, Gissings Farm is an impressive family home.

Described within the listing as having architectural and historic interest, and retaining many superb historical features, the property is believed to have been built between the late 16th and early 17th century, with later 19th century additions. The main house is of a timber-framed structure with both mullion and casement windows, part white brick and part plastered elevations under a plaintile roof with dormers, with a white brick façade providing the house a beautiful frontage.

The accommodation is arranged over three floors and comprises elegantly proportioned and light-filled rooms, with a wealth of period charm including exposed timbers and studwork. The heart of the house is the welcoming farmhouse kitchen, with brick floor and ancient timbers; one of the oldest working AGAs in the country, dating from 1936, set within an inglenook fireplace; bespoke built cabinetry; and a former bread oven, now used for additional storage. There is an adjoining sitting room and generous pantry, which flow from the kitchen and stable doors open out to the courtyard garden.

The drawing room creates a wonderful formal space in which to entertain, with an inglenook fireplace and inset wood burning stove offering a fabulous focal point, along with double aspect views across the gardens and south-facing French windows leading outside. There are various further reception rooms on the ground floor including the sitting room; a large dining room, also with inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove; family room and study - completing the ground floor is a bathroom and utility/boot room.

Arranged over the first and second floors the bedroom accommodation comprises four double bedrooms to the first floor - all offering generous proportions and vistas across the surrounding countryside - as well as a family bathroom with separate shower. The principal bedroom suite however, occupies the entire second floor and is a magnificent space boasting superb views to outside, as well as beautifully-designed and comfortable accommodation comprising bedroom, dressing area and sitting room. The adjoining bathroom features a bath and separate shower/steam cabinet.

General
Local Authority: Mid Suffolk District Council
Services: Mains electricity and water. Oil fired-central heating. Private drainage; further information for which is being sought as to whether it complies with current regulations.
Council Tax: Band G
Tenure: Freehold<br /><br />Approached via a half-mile long, private drive, which sweeps both in front of the house, as well as leading to an area of further extensive parking to the rear, Gissings Farm sits in over seven acres of magical and tranquil grounds; nestling the property in a haven for wildlife, with diverse native and rare flora and fauna, including bee and pyramid orchids, little and barn owls, and various species of song birds, as well as a large pond bordered with irises and wild garlic.

The gardens are predominantly laid to lawn around the house, with mown paths leading through tall grasses and wildflowers to the woodland. Within a glade of Oak trees, the current owners have built a hidden away "tree house". Built of English timber, the structure is partially glazed providing spectacular field views; a balcony and hammock.

To the rear of the farmhouse are an array of substantial and useful outbuildings arranged in a quadrangle around the house itself. Adjacent to the house is a red brick building, which is currently utilised as an office/music room and gym, leading through into an inner vestibule and bathroom. The vaulted office/music room provides doors out to a decked terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining. This building offers potential for use as an annexe or holiday let, subject to necessary consents. An adjoining, timber-framed barn with water and electricity supply connected, provides extensive storage; divided into four useful stores, including 33’3" x 30’3" room with double doors and a further 32’6" x 20’3" room. Completing the quadrangle is a triple garage and cart lodge, with two additional garden and machinery stores. The cart lodge benefits from ev charging points ideal for electric cars. The quadrangle of buildings creates a courtyard garden, with lawns divided by shingle paths, and planting to the borders. As well as the decked terrace beyond the music room, further seating areas are found by the drawing room and to the front of the house.

In all 7.2 acres.<br /><br />Found within an area known as High Suffolk, Fressingfield is a delightful and historic village surrounded by gently undulating countryside and rural green spaces. Fressingfield was included in the Domesday Book and retains many historic buildings including the medieval church, and popular Fox and Goose Restaurant which dates back to the 16th century. The village also hosts a further pub, The Swan Inn, village shop with post office, medical centre and various clubs and facilities including tennis, croquet and bowls.

Halesworth is a market town, built upon the remains of a Roman settlement, with a selection of shops, including a Co-op supermarket, a weekly farmers market and a number of cafés, restaurants and public houses.

Renowned for its magnificent 12th century castle, Framlingham is a thriving market town which provides a great range of amenities including the Michelin and Good Food Guide recommended Watson and Walpole, a number of public houses, independent shops and a twice weekly market.

There are excellent schools locally in both the state and independent sectors - Fressingfield has a primary school; Thomas Mills and Debenham High School are both included in the Good Schools Guide, as are the independent Framlingham College and Prep, and Woodbridge School.

The town of Diss is about 15 miles away and offers mainline railway services to London Liverpool Street in approximately 95 minutes.

Fressingfield village 2.4 miles, Halesworth 9 miles, Framlingham 10 miles, Diss 15 miles (London Liverpool Street about 95 minutes)