Location

Sheepfold is located just outside the charming village of Earl Soham and occupies a wonderful position. This delightful and historic village offers an array of superb facilities, including an award-winning butcher, John Huttons, and a popular public house and brewery, The Victoria. There is a notable medieval church, a village green, tennis club, primary school and doctors' surgery.

Renowned for its magnificent 12th century castle, Framlingham is a thriving market town which provides a greater range of amenities including the Michelin and Good Food Guide recommended Watson and Walpole, a number of public houses, independent shops and a twice weekly market.

On the banks of the River Deben, Woodbridge is a highly regarded town with a harbour and a rare working tide mill, which traces its roots to the 11th century. There is an excellent selection of independent shops and boutiques. The Unruly Pig in neighbouring Bromeswell is considered one of the top gastropubs in the country. Sutton Hoo is home to Britain's most important archaeological site, the Anglo Saxon burial ground of King Rædwald.

Sheepfold is well placed for the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, comprising delightful seaside towns and pretty villages including Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Southwold, Walberswick, Dunwich and Orford.

Local sporting facilities are superb and numerous, including golf clubs in Woodbridge, Halesworth and Aldeburgh; sailing in Woodbridge and along the coast; tennis and rugby clubs in Woodbridge.

Schools in the area are excellent in both the state and independent sectors, including Thomas Mills High School, Debenham High School, Framlingham College, Woodbridge School and Ipswich School - all of which are included in the Good Schools Guide.

Description

Set within fabulous grounds of just over 1.3 acres, Sheepfold is a handsome period farmhouse, which is believed to date back to 1630.

Constructed with a traditional timber frame, rendered elevations, and topped with handsome peg-tiled and pantiled roofs, the property holds an esteemed Grade II listing for its special architectural and historical significance. Inside, the house is rich in period character, showcasing an array of original features such as exposed timbers, inglenook fireplaces, and studwork. The accommodation is light-filled, well-proportioned, and combines historic charm with modern comforts.

The front door opens into the entrance hall, which provides access to the principal reception rooms: the dining room and the sitting room. Both rooms are double-aspect and elegantly proportioned. The heart of the home is the beautifully light-filled kitchen, appointed with a range of oak cupboards and Corian worktops. There is also a butler sink with a mixer tap and a window providing beautiful views over the gardens. A door from the kitchen opens into a shelved pantry offering ample storage, while another door leads to a cloakroom. Beyond the kitchen is a breakfast nook, which benefits from French doors opening onto the garden, with a utility room located just off this space. Completing the ground floor accommodation is a study and a light-filled conservatory, which provides stunning views over the gardens and access to the terrace.

Stairs from the entrance hall lead up to the first floor, where there are two exceptional bedrooms, including the principal bedroom. Both rooms are double-aspect and enjoy far-reaching views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. The principal bedroom also benefits from a dressing room and an en suite shower room. A further staircase leads up to the second floor, where there are two additional well-proportioned bedrooms.

Outside
Sheepfold is set back from the road behind a neatly clipped lornicia nitida hedge and mature trees, creating a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion. A gravel driveway leads to the property and provides ample parking for numerous vehicles.

The gardens at Sheepfold are beautifully maintained, principally laid to lawn and interspersed with well-stocked flower beds, shrubs and a variety of mature trees, including maple, walnut, fig and three impressive oaks. To the rear, a terrace provides an ideal setting for al fresco dining and entertaining.

Barn
Leading off the driveway is a substantial barn with power connected. It is currently used by the owners as a workshop; however, it offers excellent potential for conversion, subject to the necessary planning consents. Adjacent to this is a garage with an up-and-over door.