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.

St. James 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 a most exceptional position in the heart of Southwold, just a short walk from the beach and high street, St. James House is a handsome redbrick house with a delightful, principally west-facing garden and integrated garage.

St. James House comes to the market for the first time in over 30 years, having been a much-loved home, presented in immaculate condition. The accommodation flows remarkably well and is arranged over four floors, with views of the iconic lighthouse and towards the sea from the sitting room and upper levels.

The front door opens into a useful porch, leading through to the reception hall. On the ground floor is the generous sitting room, featuring high ceilings, a picture rail, and a large window overlooking St. James Green and towards the sea. Opposite the sitting room is the library, a charming additional reception room that can also serve as a home office or study—ideal for remote working.

Stairs descend to the lower ground floor, which comprises a snug, utility room, and cloakroom, with access to the gardens. French windows from the snug and a glazed door on the landing open out to the terrace and gardens. There is also access to the useful cellar, providing additional storage.

The dining room and kitchen are situated on the upper ground floor. The dining room is spacious and well-suited for formal dining and entertaining, with a pair of French windows leading to a sunroom that overlooks the garden and the varied rooftops of the town. The kitchen features a range of base and wall-mounted units, twin Bosch ovens, and an induction hob.

Four double bedrooms are arranged over the first and second floors, along with a family bathroom. The elegantly proportioned principal bedroom has an adjoining bathroom, featuring both a bath and a separate shower, and enjoys spectacular views of the lighthouse and towards the sea.

OUTSIDE
St. James House has delightful gardens that wrap around the house. Immediately adjoining the rear of the property is a terrace, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining, bordered by well-stocked herbaceous and shrub beds. Steps lead up to a small lawned area, while a paved path continues to a secondary garden and greenhouse. A walkway leads to a gate, providing direct access to St. James Green. The garden also includes a number of useful stores.

A generous integrated garage provides parking and additional storage.