Substantial Victorian house in an idyllic and popular coastal village.

Description

Green Gates is a particularly handsome Victorian property, offering substantial accommodation, and set within about a third of an ace.

The house forms the principal part of a former mansion, dating from about 1895, known as The Tower House; though the tower has subsequently been removed, the outline remains and forms the snug and part of the principal bedroom.

A Country Life advertisement from 1938 describes The Tower House as "an exceptionally well-built residence... in a healthy position".

In its current form, Green Gates has been a much loved home for over 35 years, and though now requiring modernisation - offering the new owners an incredible opportunity to fashion a superb family home - it offers well-proportioned accommodation in a sought-after location.

The building has attractive red-brick elevations with clay tiles, timber and dormer windows, and original chimneys. The front elevation has a stylish veranda and wrought iron balcony overlooking the front lawn.

The front door opens into the generous reception hall, with high ceiling heights, parquet flooring, and picture and dado rails; doors lead on to the drawing room and utility, with steps down to the kitchen and dining room, and an original staircase leading to the first floor.

The elegantly proportioned drawing room has a magnificent moulded ceiling and a handsome chimneypiece with inset wood burning stove; it flows through to a hexagonal snug - a remnant of the original tower.

Completing the ground floor are the kitchen, with wooden work surfaces and glazed door out to the garden; the dining room, a spacious space with a brick chimneypiece, an alcove and a pair of windows; and a useful utility.

A half floor comprises a bedroom, which our clients have used as a self-contained studio with sitting room/kitchenette and adjoining shower room; and a family bathroom.

Steps lead up to the library and on to the superb principal bedroom - an especially generous and bright room, with a dressing area and French windows out to the wide balcony.

A second half level consists of an additional two bedrooms, one with an en suite shower room while the other has a basin; another bathroom and a separate lavatory.

The top floor has a large lantern, which fills the house with natural light and a further two bedrooms, with views out to the sea.

Green Gates is set within about 0.3 of an acre. To the front is an expanse or lawn, with shrubs and trees.

There is a partially walled side garden with a terrace, shrub border and lawn; a beautiful wisteria climbs the side elevation.

There is ample parkin provided via a shingle drive and garaging.

Location

Green Gates occupies a magnificent position in the enchanting village of Walberswick within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Walberswick has been a favourite spot for families and artists over many generations, with painters including Philip Wilson Steer and Charles Rennie Macintosh famously depicting its beach and environs. Today, the village is a thriving community and home to an increasing number of young families.

Village amenities include a small local Co-op shop, two public houses including Good Food Guide recommended restaurant, The Anchor, and a highly regarded delicatessen, The Black Dog.

Southwold (8 miles via car or a 1.7 mile walk/cycle) offers boutique shops, restaurants and cultural amenities including an independent cinema and the Southwold Arts Centre. The town also hosts the Southwold Arts Festival’s annual celebration of arts and literature.

RSPB Minsmere (8.5 miles) is a world-class nature reserve. Classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, its 2,500 acres are habitat to exceptional wildlife.

Aldeburgh (14.9 miles) is a popular coastal town closely associated with composer Benjamin Britten. It offers an excellent selection of independent shops and restaurants and, along with Snape Maltings, is venue of the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Music Festival.

Historic market towns, including Halesworth (8.4 miles), Saxmundham (12.1 miles), Framlingham (17.4 miles) and Woodbridge (24.5 miles) offer a wide range of amenities and services. Waitrose and Tesco supermarkets are available at Saxmundham.

Green Gates is well placed for the commuter with easy access to A12 and railway stations in Darsham (7.2 miles), Halesworth and Saxmundham offer trains to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich from just under two hours

Excellent sailing is within easy reach, with moorings at Walberswick harbour, and clubs at Southwold, Orford and Aldeburgh. There are golf clubs in Southwold, Halesworth, and Aldeburgh, and clay pigeon shooting at High Lodge in Darsham.

Schools in the area are superb, including St. Felix School, The Old School Henstead, Framlingham College, and Woodbridge School.

All times and distances are approximate.

Square Footage: 4,359 sq ft


Acreage: 0.3 Acres

Additional Info

Services: Mains water, electricity and drainage; oil fired central heating

Agent Note: Please be aware that there are various infrastructure projects proposed for east Suffolk including plans for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell. Wind farm expansion in the North Sea is also taking place and bringing power ashore along with associated cabling and substation works are also being proposed in Friston.