Lawshall, Bury St Edmunds

SELLERS INSIGHT "We were attracted to the property as it afforded the space we needed as the children were growing. It was fantastic to be able to return the house to a characterful and warm home, retaining so many of the original period features. We extended and renovated the original building over 10 months before moving in and will miss the peaceful setting with the open countryside and views to the rear as well as the great family space of the kitchen and not forgetting the great village pub the Swan just down the road."  

SUMMARY Fox Cottage is a fine example of an English countryside home, full of charm and character. With a brand-new thatched roof completed at the end of 2024. The exterior has been freshly lime washed, and partly fitted with new windows, blending modern comfort with its traditional appeal. Adding to its story, Fox Cottage was even featured on Escape to the Country in June 2024. 

FOX COTTAGE This picturesque 15th century period home offers charming accommodation throughout retaining a wealth of original features whilst enjoying a delightful setting within a sought after village location. The property, which is half thatched and half tiled, extends to circa 3,681 sq ft of accommodation which includes four bedrooms, three period reception rooms, modern open plan kitchen/diner, annexe with en-suite over double garage, extensive driveway and terraced seating area, mature grounds, in all circa one acre. Fully restored and extended by the current owners in the late 1990's. Estimated to have been built as a medieval hall house in the late 15th century, this Grade II Listed property is a unique home of considerable character with an abundance of features including two large feature Inglenook fireplaces, numerous exposed beams and studwork, as well as a mix of period and modern with original Georgian windows and ceiling beams through to Lutron mood lighting controls in many of the rooms. The property must be one of the finest renovated period properties on the market in the local area, and an early viewing is highly recommended. Services; Mains electricity, water and drainage. Oil fired radiator central heating. Council tax band F. 

STEP INSIDE The main entrance is to the rear, which opens to the lean to entrance porch with slate roof, exposed reused brick floor and three quarter glazed windows to the rear. Leading from the porch is the dining room with wide Inglenook fireplace with brick surround and spine beam with sunk quadrant beams, wood burner and carpeted throughout. From here leads the small carpeted snug, with dual aspect and exposed original chamfered spine beam. The main sitting room is a superb reception full of character with dual aspect and a wealth of exposed timbers and jowled corner studs, the original front door, exposed original brick floor and large Inglenook fireplace with wood burner.

The lower lobby with oak stairs to the first floor has an exposed timber floor with understairs cupboard and utility room with brick floor, sink over base units and barn door to the side. The wooden flooring extends to the heart of the house - the kitchen/diner with double wood part glazed doors to the terrace and an adequate seating area to accommodate eight plus diners. The kitchen has a central island with granite work top over, recessed LED lighting and bespoke wood panelled base and wall units providing plenty of drawer and cupboard space beneath granite preparation surfaces. The main features include an oil fired Stanley range cooker, integral dishwasher, space for an American style fridge freezer, large dry goods cupboard, large separate pantry and triple aspect to the rear gardens.

Two staircases lead to the first floor accommodation, with the principal bedroom on one side with dual aspect windows, an adjoining dressing room with wardrobe and a newly fitted en-suite. The fully tiled shower room for this side of the cottage is at the foot of the stairs and has under floor heating, a walk in power shower, toilet and wash basin with towel cupboard off. The second staircase with long landing has three bedrooms off, two with period features and one modern triple aspect room with fitted wardrobe. Modern family bathroom with free-standing roll top ball & claw bath, toilet and basin set off with carpeted floor. Large boarded loft space above the landing. 

STEP OUTSIDE The house is approached over a block paved drive and through automated electric double gates which leads to a gravel and block paved driveway providing ample vehicle parking for up to ten vehicles. Turning space and access to the detached double garaging with annexe above currently set out as a good sized cinema room with separate shower room with scope for further bedrooms or large home office/studio if desired. The gardens are a delightful feature being stocked with a range of flowering plants, mature trees and shrubs whilst providing the occupants with a good degree of privacy with sunken patio area with part surround brick wall topped with willow weave fencing, pergola, pond and wood fired oven which is great for slow roasts or pizzas, in all circa one acre. 

LOCATION The property enjoys a delightful location in the village of Lawshall, which is an attractive and most sought-after village being around 7 miles south of Bury St Edmunds, which offers excellent facilities with both road and rail network links into London. Bury St Edmunds, with a thousand years of history to explore, offers a wealth of award-winning restaurants, cafes and casual dining. The historic cathedral of St Edmundsbury, once one of the most important monasteries in medieval Europe, is set in the elegant surroundings of the Abbey Gardens and is a centrepiece for the town. There are many local shops, annual festivals and stunning parks. The Apex and Theatre Royal offer a variety of live productions and along with two cinemas provide excellent entertainment for all ages. Bury St Edmunds is truly "a jewel in the crown of Suffolk". South of Lawshall the villages of Long Melford, Lavenham and Sudbury also provide valuable facilities.

Lawshall has an excellent primary school, Ofsted rated 'outstanding', church, public house, village hall/community centre and nursing home. There are plentiful meandering public footpaths and views over open countryside around the property.