Location

Closely associated with the composer, Benjamin Britten and famed for its pebble beach and iconic 'Scallop' sculpture by Maggi Hambling, Aldeburgh is a thriving seaside resort with an exceptional array of amenities.There are superb restaurants, including the celebrated Fish & Chip Shop and The Suffolk. Aldeburgh offers a wonderful selection of cafés, independent shops, galleries, a delicatessen, butchers and wine merchant. The Aldeburgh Cinema was founded in 1919 and is one of the oldest in the country. Aldeburgh has tennis, golf and sailing clubs.

Neighbouring Thorpeness (2.5 miles) has a charming boating lake, country club and golf club. Snape Maltings (6.6 miles) is home to the internationally renowned concert hall, with various concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

Historic market towns, Saxmundham (7.5 miles), Framlingham (14 miles) and Woodbridge (17 miles), provide a comprehensive range of amenities, including Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets in Saxmundham.

For the commuter there is easy access to the A12 (7 miles); there are branch line railway stations in Saxmundham (to London Liverpool Street from 115 minutes) and Woodbridge (from 92 minutes). Ipswich offers direct trains from 68 minutes.

Schools in the area are excellent including Orwell Park Prep School, Summerhill, Woodbridge School, Framlingham College and Ipswich School, all of which are included in the Good Schools Guide.

All times and distances are approximate.

Description

Sand Downs is a beautifully presented home, set back from the road and enjoying views over the mature gardens to both the front and rear of the house. The position is highly sought after set very close to North Warren Nature Reserve.

There are excellent walks directly from the property accessing a series of footpaths that link North Warren Nature Reserve, wonderful marshland walks, The Meare in Thorpeness and give direct access to the coast and beach in Thorpeness and Aldeburgh. Positioned in the Suffolk Heritage Coastline, it yields immediate access to superb recreational facilities including sailing and fishing on the coast and the River Alde. There are a number of 18 hole golf courses in the area including Aldeburgh's own. The Snape Maltings, home of the famous Aldeburgh Music Festival, is about 5 miles away and the town benefits from a variety of excellent shops, public houses, restaurants and a cinema. Saxmundham, which is about 7 miles away, has a station which connects hourly to Ipswich and has a direct line to London's Liverpool Street Station.

The house is light and bright, with large windows and high ceilings throughout. The living accommodation is predominantly open plan and flows seamlessly between the principal rooms. The front door opens into a well-proportioned entrance hall, which leads through to the sitting room and kitchen. The triple-aspect sitting room is centred around a remote-controlled Gazco fire and enjoys delightful views over the gardens. The contemporary kitchen is fitted with base and wall units and features integrated Neff appliances, including a dishwasher, double ovens, microwave, induction hob, and fridge freezer. Beyond the kitchen is the dining room, which is an equally impressive space with a vaulted ceiling, a Gazco wood-burning stove, and double doors opening onto the terrace, creating the perfect setting for alfresco dining. To one side of the house lie three bedrooms, including two doubles and the principal bedroom. The principal bedroom, in particular, is generously sized and benefits from an en suite shower room. Completing the accommodation is a study and a family bathroom.

Sand Downs is approached via a gravel driveway, which provides ample parking for several cars. There is also a substantial double garage, which could be converted subject to the necessary consents. To the rear is a delightful garden, mainly laid to lawn and interspersed with mature shrubs and trees. There is also a large terrace, which provides a lovely space for relaxing or entertaining. Within the gardens there is also a wonderful studio, offering a versatile additional space. A shed also provides useful storage.