Location

The property occupies a desirable setting, of approximately 2.75 acres of garden and woodland, in a quiet, tucked away location affording splendid open views. West Stow is a wonderful village situated only five miles to the northwest of Bury St Edmunds, a popular historic market town offering a wide range of facilities and amenities.

The village is well known for the superb West Stow Country Park (a recreated Anglo-Saxon Village), and the wonderful walks through the forest.

The village is conveniently positioned for Culford School, and for access to the main road networks linking to Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and London via the M11 motorway. The property is sat within the West Stow and Culford Park Conservation area.

Description

The Old School House is a stunning 19th-century former School House meticulously enhanced by its current owners to an exceptionally high standard throughout. The property is accessed through wrought iron electric gates, which leads to the sweeping driveway that winds through a wooded area. The current owners have made several structural and aesthetic renovations to the entire property including; completely re-wiring, re-plumbing, new heating system and radiators, new roof section above the old school room, new bathrooms and kitchen. The ground floor accommodation comprises; an entrance porch that opens into an expansive hallway. This flows seamlessly into the reception hall, leading you to the handsome drawing room. The drawing room is an elegant room featuring high vaulted ceilings and original wood windows now enhanced with double glazing which make the room very light and airy. The room also benefits from a wood-burning stove and has French doors which open out into the formal dining area, which boasts another wood burner, Velux windows and new tiled flooring, making it an ideal space for entertaining.

The beautifully designed study/ snug, is a versatile space with a vaulted ceiling and modern bi-folding doors that open onto the terrace area. Continuing down the well proportioned hallway, you arrive at the stunning kitchen area, which overlooks the front of the property. The kitchen features a marble island with a wine fridge, dual built-in ovens surrounded by an abundance of fitted wall and floor units. This flows neatly into the breakfast room, creating an inviting dining area. Further along the hallway is the internal steam room, complete with an adjacent walk-in rainfall shower. Next to the side entrance is the laundry/boot room, equipped with space for a washing machine, tumble dryer, plenty of built-in storage, cloakroom and a convenient pet shower.

Upstairs, the large landing accesses all the bedrooms and features three large electronic skylights. The principal bedroom is a light and airy room with bi-folding doors opening onto a balcony that overlooks the garden. It includes bespoke built-in wardrobes and an en suite. Bedroom two has double-aspect windows looking out onto the rear gardens. The family bathroom is fully tiled and includes a sink, WC, and a built-in bath with an overhead shower. At the other end of the hallway are the final two bedrooms, one of which is currently used as a dressing room with bespoke built-in wardrobes. The final bedroom is the largest of the four, featuring dual-aspect windows with a window seat and an original fireplace.

Outside
The property is approached through electric cast iron gates and across a sweeping driveway that meanders through an enchanting wild garden and wooded area. Ample parking is available on the expansive gravel drive. The wrap-around garden, predominantly laid to lawn and adorned with additional shrubs, complements the property. Further enhancing the landscape is a walled garden, The Dell, a natural wild garden which boasts vegetable planter boxes and a greenhouse. To the rear of the house lies a terraced dining area, perfect for alfresco dining and makes a delightful hideaway. Another outdoor dining area, nestled within the wooded area near the house, features its own Kadai fire pit. The gym, situated in a separate cabin, includes a sauna and ice bath with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding fields and Suffolk countryside. The double garage has been converted into a separate studio/annexe providing an extra bedroom. Additionally, there has been planning permission to join this space to the main house. This building consists of a kitchen, living area, and bathroom downstairs, with an en suite bedroom upstairs. The property also benefits from PP to erect a cart lodge.

Historical note: J.M Barrie was a friend of one of the headmistress and would visit. During one visit, he sketched an unusual Scots Pine tree in the neighbouring grounds, which he then passed on to his illustrator, Arthur Rackham.