Location

Flatford Farmhouse is set on the edge of the popular village of East Bergholt which is situated in the sought after Dedham Vale Conservation area. It caters well for local facilities with a general store, post office, bakery, chemist, church, schools and several public houses. Occupying an elevated position in the very heart of Constable Country, which provided the inspiration to John Constable who set up his easel and created the plethora of local works in and around his beloved East Bergholt - most notably The Hay Wain. East Bergholt is situated in the undulating countryside of the Stour Valley with easy access to the A12 trunk road providing main routes to the A14, The Midlands, London and the major motorway networks. The centres of Ipswich and Colchester are also easily accessible with their more comprehensive shopping and educational facilities and the commuter can take advantage of mainline train services to London's Liverpool Street Station from both Manningtree and Colchester. There are excellent recreational facilities in the area including sailing on the Orwell, Deben, Colne and Stour, golf courses at Stoke by Nayland, Colchester and Woodbridge, racing at Newmarket and point to point at Higham.

Description

Flatford Farmhouse is a substantial farmhouse occupying an outstanding, unspoilt rural plot of approximately 16 acres (STS) in the Suffolk countryside. The house is approached via a lengthy driveway which leads to the principal residence, the detached holiday cottage, outbuildings/former stables and off-road parking. The house itself offers beautifully well-proportioned reception rooms accessed via an airy entrance hall. The triple aspect drawing room offers uninterrupted views of the acreage and benefits from a wood burning stove and has French doors leading out on to the terrace. Conversely, the charming sitting room is just off the kitchen and double doors leading onto the terrace, this room could also be utilised as a formal dining room.

The farmhouse kitchen has a large AGA, base and wall mounted units, an island with further storage and a wine rack beneath as well as terracotta floor tiles. A latch door continues through to the utility room and from there into the pool house. A study and cloakroom complete the ground floor accommodation. On the first floor, the landing opens up onto a balcony which provides the visitor with fabulous rural views. The triple aspect principal bedroom similarly enjoys exquisite views and a well appointed en suite. There are a further four bedrooms, an en suite and a family bathroom complete the accommodation.

Outside
A timber-framed pool house, with vaulted ceiling, houses an indoor, heated swimming pool. Three sets of doors open onto the gardens, with a seating area positioned to enjoy both the pool and the glorious outside. A significant outbuilding and four stables provide all that is necessary for the new homeowner to enjoy an equestrian life, across the sixteen acres (STS). We understand from the vendor, that there is planning approval for the stables to be converted into holiday lets. Planning consent for these was granted at the same time as the holiday cottage – which is currently providing income. The mature grounds are predominantly grass, interspersed by trees and shrubs - with a significant pond.

The Cottage
A beautifully presented holiday cottage provides income for the current vendor for those wishing to enjoy relaxation in this outstanding location. Filled with character, the cottage benefits from accommodation comprising living room, kitchen, ground floor bedroom and bathroom, with an additional open bedroom to the first floor.

Agents note
The adjacent holiday cottages benefit from a private right of way over the driveway.

Directions

Distances
Manningtree 4.4 miles,
Colchester 11 miles, Ipswich 10.7
miles, London's Liverpool
Street Station from 55, 50 and
65 minutes respectively (All
mileages and times are
approximate)