Part of our Signature collection, an attractive Grade II Listed period yeoman farmhouse dating from around 1600 in a sheltered hamlet location, approached over a long private driveway serving the small hamlet.

The original timber framed section of the property has many attractive period features throughout. The property has been extended carefully in keeping with the original property, in addition to seeing the construction of a large detached double garage and adjoining work room/office. The property has a lovely garden of about half an acre with superb views out across partly wooded countryside.

Hickbush is a rare surviving example of a medieval farming hamlet laid out around the yeoman farmhouse which is Howe House. In 1851 the hamlet of houses had 55 residents and locations such as this are rare and extremely unusual. The original section of the house has many attractive period features, including exposed timbering, old flooring and large fireplaces.  It has been extended with great care to retain the character of the original property with the provision of a large sitting room and study on the ground floor with large bedroom on the first floor.

The front door leads in past a utility/cloakroom and there is access on to the timbered kitchen/breakfast room with ceramic tiled floor and a recently fitted new oil Rayburn that runs the central heating system to the house. There is a fitted electric oven with bottled gas hob, sink unit, hard wood worksurfaces with pine units, exposed timbering. The dining room has a large fireplace with fitted log burner, attractive old brick floor, exposed beams and a secondary door leading to the terrace. A door leads on to a sitting room again with fitted log burner, exposed brick chimney breast and exposed timbering and a door leads through to a more recently constructed family sitting room with large brick fireplace and door to the garden.

At the rear is a small study and the rear hallway links the two sections of the house with a staircase leading to the first floor with a good sized landing area and access to the main bedroom suite with ensuite shower room. The landing serves the remaining three bedrooms in the property which are all within the older part of the house and have much character detail throughout.

Outbuildings
Located off the drive is the recently constructed large double garage with a large work room/office adjoining. Situated within the grounds is a separate timber framed workshop building with power and internet connections.

Outside
On approaching the hamlet of Hickbush by way of a long private driveway which terminates in the small hamlet of houses, the property has a good size garden extending to about half an acre lying on the southern side of the house with a south facing terrace area alongside the property. The views out from the garden over un spoilt undulating countryside are exceptional. There is a pylon line which over sails the garden. The property has easy access onto the nearby Stour Valley path a long distance footpath which connects to the excellent network of footpaths in the vicinity.


Location

Hickbush lies on the western side of the Stour Valley within the parish of Great Henny located 3 miles to the south of Ballingdon and the extensive facilities of the thriving market town of Sudbury which retains its branch line railway station, good selection of shops, restaurants, sports clubs etc. A primary school is available in the nearby village of Bulmer with upper schools at Hedingham or Great Cornard which is part of the Suffolk system. Hickbush lies in an area over which there has been discussion to include within the proposed extension of the area of outstanding of natural beauty.

Directions

Please use the postcode CO10 7LU.

Important Information

Council Tax Band - E
Services - We understand that mains water and electricity are connected to the property. Oil fired central heating and private drainage via shared treatment plant with shared maintenance costs but the power supply is supplied by Howe House. High speed broadband access direct to the property.
Tenure - Freehold
EPC exempt
Our ref - SAT

Agents note
There are rights of way over the private driveway which is owned by the adjoining farmer and he is responsible for its maintenance but the occupiers of Hickbush also contribute from time to time to its up keep. The property is currently in the process of being externally redecorated.

Vendors background
In 1980, after our daughter was born, we made the decision to move out of town and into the country. We were shown Howe House and immediately believed we wanted to make it our home.  After some research and deliberation about the location, we chose to buy it. Subsequently our son was born and both children have enjoyed a happy childhood here, followed by four grandchildren who have spent much time with us. After 42 years of living in this beautiful location enjoying magnificent views and very varied wildlife, we have now reached a time of life where our requirements have changed. After these many happy years we have decided to put our home, Howe House, on the market.