Location

Southwold is a pretty seaside town famed for its painted beach huts, long sandy beaches, iconic 19th century lighthouse and its picturesque pier. There is a wonderful selection of boutique stores, cafés, restaurants and public houses, and a twice weekly market in the market square.   

The town also hosts the Southwold Arts Festival's annual celebration of arts and literature. One of Southwold's notable former residents was the novelist George Orwell.

Neighbouring Walberswick is an idyllic coastal village, associated with artists including Philip Wilson Steer and Charles Rennie Macintosh who famously depicted its beautiful beach and dunes. There are two public houses including Good Food Guide recommended restaurant, The Anchor, and a highly regarded delicatessen, The Black Dog.

RSPB Minsmere (11.5 miles) is a world-class nature reserve. Classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, its 2,500 acres are habitat to exceptional wildlife.   

Aldeburgh (18 miles) is a well-regarded coastal town closely associated with the composer Benjamin Britten. It offers an excellent array of independent shops and award-winning restaurants and, along with Snape Maltings (19 miles), is the venue of the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Music Festival.

Historic market towns, including Saxmundham (15 miles), Framlingham (20 miles) and Woodbridge (27 miles) offer a wide range of independent shops, delicatessens, cafés, restaurants and public houses. Framlingham Castle is an especially iconic local landmark.

Norwich (31 miles) is the largest city in East Anglia and a substantially complete medieval city. There are myriad shops, restaurants, bars and cafés; two striking cathedrals, and the amazing Norman castle, now a gallery and museum.

Barley House is well placed for the commuter: the A12 is 4 miles away, and stations at Halesworth (9 miles), Darsham (10 miles) and Saxmundham offer trains to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich from just under two hours.

Schools in the area are well thought of, including St. Felix School, The Old School Henstead, Framlingham College, Woodbridge School and Norwich School.

There are fantastic local sporting facilities, including golf clubs at Southwold, Halesworth and Aldeburgh; rugby clubs at Southwold and Woodbridge; numerous tennis courts and clubs in the area; and superb sailing along the east coast. Clay pigeon shooting is also available at High Lodge in Darsham.

All times and distances are approximate.

Description

Occupying an exceptional position in the heart of Southwold, with far reaching views over the sea and overlooking Southwold Lighthouse and St Edmund's Church, Barley House is a handsome, early Victorian townhouse, with four bedrooms and a courtyard.

Believed to date from 1857 and retaining many period features, Barley House has attractive rendered elevations, sash windows and a slate roof. Steps leads up to the partially glazed front door.

Internally, the accommodation, which is arranged over four floors, flows remarkably well, comprising elegantly proportioned, light filled rooms with high ceilings, which perfectly balance period charm with comfortable contemporary living.

The ground floor is elevated from street level, providing privacy, and is principally occupied by a magnificent, double aspect sitting room, with original timber floors, picture rail and cornicing; the wooden chimneypiece has an inset gas fire for ease.

Completing the ground floor is a useful lavatory, with stairs to the kitchen/dining room on the lower ground floor, and bedroom accommodation on the first and second floors.

The bright, hand built kitchen has granite worksurfaces and an island, a rangemaster over and a pantry; partially glazed double doors lead to the courtyard garden.

The first floor consists of two generous double bedrooms with en suites and amazing sea views to the front, and views over the historic roofscape to the rear.

On the second floor is the wonderfully proportioned principal bedroom, with fabulous seas views; a further bedroom, which could make an ideal study, nursery or dressing room; and an adjoining bathroom with separate shower.