Location

Godfreys is located in one of the most sought after and attractive rural areas within the Dedham Vale. The area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Stour Valley has many beautiful and popular villages including Dedham, East Bergholt, Higham and Stoke by Nayland, between them they have a variety of shops, schools, hotels, restaurants and other amenities. The ancient Roman town of Colchester, the oldest recorded town in England, has a more extensive range of shopping, educational and recreational facilities and together with Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk they offer a wide range of amenities. There are excellent schools in the area with Littlegarth at Nayland, Holmwood House at Colchester, Orwell park at Nacton.

The Royal Hospital School at Holbrook. Colchester Grammar School is also within easy reach. The commuter can take advantage of convenient access to the A12, linking into the major motorway network, and trains from Colchester and Manningtree which terminate at London's Liverpool Street Station. Other amenities in the area include golf at Stoke by Nayland, Hintlesham, Colchester and Ipswich, sailing on the Orwell and Stour estuaries and racing at Higham.

Description

Exceptionally secluded and yet conveniently positioned, Godfreys is reached by a long private driveway (shared with only one other house and the local farmer). The house which is not listed is believed to have been constructed in the mid 1600s and is built predominantly from timber frame with rendered elevations and composite cladding under pitched peg tiled roofs and an aluminum roof. The current owners have completely refurbished and extended the property to a very high specification throughout having sympathetically modernised a historic home.

The house is now light and bright combining period character with a contemporary feel. Period features include an array of exposed beams and studwork, a fine Newell staircase, exposed red brick chimney breasts and open fireplaces fitted with wood burning stoves.

The ground floor accommodation comprises an entrance hall which gives access to two well proportioned reception rooms either side both benefitting from wood burning stoves. The sitting room is open plan leading through to the newly fitted bespoke kitchen/breakfast room which is a wonderful family space with two sets of bi-fold doors and a set of sliding doors leading out on to the terrace, deck and garden beyond with fabulous views over the garden and wooded valley. The vaulted kitchen affords underfloor heating, NEFF ovens, hidden extractor fan, induction hob and a hot water tap. The wooden base and wall mounted units have quartz worktops as does the large island, centrally placed within the room with extensive storage beneath. On the other side of the sitting room lies the door to the cellar, downstairs shower room, utility room and downstairs bedroom with free standing bath. The drawing room is also off the internal hallway and is a spacious light and airy room with bi-fold doors out on to the terrace and garden.

The first floor is reached via two staircases. The large vaulted principal bedroom has a wonderfully long balcony with stunning countryside views, fitted dressing room and en suite bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi bath. There are two further double bedrooms and a shower room. The second floor provides a fifth bedroom and a useful store room.

Outside
The house is approached across a gravel driveway with a triple garage and double cart lodge with machinery store. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature of the house surrounding the property on all sides. There are some exceptional mature trees that drop down into the valley and a retaining wall has been built, a clever modern take on a historic haha, beyond which lies a lawned area leading down to a meandering brook at the bottom and one small lake and three ponds, which is a haven for wildlife. The formal gardens lie to the south of the house, which is bordered by a south facing wide stone terrace and a decked terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. A detached office has been built in the garden with wifi, electricity connected and an air conditioning unit. To the side of the office is a very productive apple orchard. The private woodland surrounds the property and provides a high level of privacy and seclusion. Included within the woodland area is a tree house and a number of sheds and a wood store. The garden and land extends to approximately seven acres.

Directions

From Ipswich proceed south on the A12 and leave at junction 30 on to the B1029 signposted Dedham and turn right almost immediately signposted Stratford St Mary. Proceed through Stratford St Mary and turn right onto Dedham Road signposted to Langham. Proceed along this road and turn left on to Rectory Road. Continue down Rectory Road and the drive with a signpost to Godfreys will be seen on the right hand side.

From London proceed north onto the A12 and turn off signposted Stratford St Mary. Proceed on this road and turn left onto Dedham Road signposted to Langham and follow the directions as above.