This charming two-bedroom, thatched cottage is beautifully situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Coddenham, Suffolk. Built in the 16th century or earlier, the detached cottage has recently been meticulously restored by the current owner to create a wonderfully characterful home. The house is within walking distance from the village shop and amongst a plethora of beautiful country walks. Suffolk's striking coastline is also within easy reach, as well as Ipswich train station with direct trains to London Liverpool Street from an hour and 16 minutes.

Setting the Scene

The mid-Suffolk village of Coddenham has exceptionally historic roots. During the Roman occupation of Britain, it was the largest settlement in Suffolk. There were two Roman forts at the site of nearby Baylham House, which was then known as Combretovium. A Roman road even ran through the middle of the town, which linked Colchester (then Camuldonum) to Caistor St Edmund (then Venta Icenorum) in Norfolk.

Later the area became a Saxon fort and a trade centre. Today the village has many attractive 15th and 16th-century buildings lining its main street, including this cottage and the village Church, the Church of St Mary, which has a medieval nave, chancel, aisles and north-west tower. From the 14th to the 17th centuries, Suffolk was among the chief manufacturing counties of England, owing to its expansive cloth-weaving industry. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The cottage is painted in a charming shade of Suffolk pink - Porter Pink by Claybrook Studio - and is crowned by a wonderful thatched roof. The wooden windows have been painted a pretty Tuscan Artichoke, which chimes nicely with the pink. The façade is home to a porch, which provides a lovely light entranceway with space for hanging coats and kicking off boots.

From the porch, a stable door leads to a bright and airy sitting room. The room is complete with many original details, from the attractive wooden floorboards underfoot and exposed beams to the fireplace, which is now home to a working stove. The kitchen is located in the centre of the plan and has cabinetry painted in Farrow and Ball's London Clay, set against granite worktops and a tiled splashback. A sweet window sits above the sink, while beams in the ceiling have been painted a neutral white.

Beyond the kitchen is a ground-floor bathroom fitted with a freestanding rolltop bath framed by tongue and groove panelling which lines the walls.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom is spacious and has ample storage space. It is defined by its painted floorboards and further characterful beams. The second bedroom, which could easily be used as a study, is currently fitted with a bespoke bed.

The Great Outdoors

At the front of the cottage is a wonderful patio. A sunny haven, it is the perfect spot for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or a romantic dinner alfresco.

Out and About

The cottage is a short walk from the fantastic village store, which has Post Office services as well as delicious cakes, teas, coffees and light lunches.

Suffolk’s coastline, set in its Area of Natural Beauty, is also under 45 minutes from the house. Woodbridge, a picturesque market town, is even closer - just 25 minutes from Coddenham - and is often described as the ‘gem in Suffolk’s crown’. It is dotted with independent boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes, such as The Table and Honey and Harvey. The river hosts annual music festivals, and several clubs and facilities cater to sporting interests.

Snape Maltings is a 35-minute drive; a mix of malthouses and granaries dating from the mid-19th century, several exhibitions take place here throughout the year. It also hosts Aldeburgh Festival, a 24-day event celebrating music & the arts, opera, comedy and film. There is also a fantastic selection of pubs and restaurants within easy reach of the house. The Station at Framlingham is popular, as is the Michelin-recommended Italian restaurant Watson and Walpole.

For bird lovers, the RSPB Dingle Marshes in Dunwich is an unspoilt mix of habitats that include freshwater reedbed, shingle, coastal grazing marsh and saline lagoons.

Ipswich can be reached in about 20 minutes by car and provides frequent connections to London, as well as to Cambridge and Norwich.