Barton Grange, Worlingworth, Suffolk

This remarkable Grade II-listed, Suffolk pink farmhouse was first constructed in the 16th century. It spans almost 6,400 sq ft of space, with seven bedrooms and a set of atmospheric reception rooms, including a spectacular vaulted barn. 17 acres of private grounds emanate from the house, with wildflower meadows, pockets of formal planting, a partial moat and a large industrial barn. Buzzards and woodpeckers swoop and soar, and wild deer and owls are among regular visitors. Supremely peaceful, the house is exceptionally private and is approached via a quiet country lane. Its immediate tranquillity belies its proximity to some of Suffolk's best-loved towns: Framlingham is around 20 minutes away by car, with Woodbridge and the unparalleled Suffolk coastline only slightly further beyond.

Setting the Scene

Barton Grange's history can be traced back to the 16th century; its frontage dates to around 1558 and is picked out in a posy pink - a nod to an age-old architectural tradition associated with the county.

Handsome early features have been carefully preserved in the house, including bay windows and ovolo lintels to both ground-floor fireplaces. The mid-20th century saw a renovation that constructed a lean-to from the left gable and added a gabled porch. Under current ownership, the home's singular charm has been enhanced with the use of warm-toned, characterful materials and colours, along with modern fittings and fixtures that make for an elevated rural retreat.

The Grand Tour

A long driveway, flanked by fields, winds up to the house. Parking culminates at the end of a pea-gravel driveway, with space for multiple cars. On the approach, the main core of the house, in all its vernacular charm, comes into view, with a four-acre wildflower meadow planted in front. A pantile roof crowns the house, and top-hung casement windows punctuate in a regular rhythm. Lime-green details are a playful flourish and hint at the spirited interiors within.

Entry is through a glazed front door and porch to a large and tiled central hallway, with a boot room and a handy WC to one side. Rooms branch out from either side of this central node; on the right is the kitchen, a wonderfully ambient farmhouse space that revels in its rustic appeal. Hardy and handsome custom-built timber units create space and are topped with a Carrara counter. Set centrally, a sky-blue electric Esse stove has been fitted in an eclectically tiled former fireplace and has a useful open shelf above. There is plenty of space for a 12-person table here, apt for both subdued weeknight dinners and lively seasonal festivities.

A hallway beyond the kitchen opens to a large pantry with a sink and room for dried goods, spices and/or pots of homemade jam. From here is the drawing room, with grass-green walls, a William Morris paper, and wide bifold doors to a dining terrace. Opposite is a door to a large utility room. A glazed corridor extends beyond the room, finished in the home's hallmark green and pink shades.

At the end of the corridor is arguably the most impressive space: a voluminous and vaulted barn, with a wattle-and-daub, triple-height roof, almost cathedral-like in its proportions. Towering glass panels lie on opposite sides of the room, looking out to plants that spring into life seasonally. Underfloor heating has been added here, beneath new oak flooring. Exceptionally versatile, the room is presently used for dining and/or relaxing. From the barn is a library, with dual-aspect glazed doors and enough bookshelves for an ample personal library.

The other side of the ground floor is largely occupied by a pair of sitting rooms, both with modern log-burning stoves fitted in period fireplaces. Two of the home's most remarkable features can be spotted here: a pair of ovolo lintels that rest above the brick-built chimney breasts. Tiles ground both spaces, and exposed timbers create a warm ambience. At the furthest end is a bright garden room, currently used as a study.

Three staircases wind up to the upper level. From the drawing room, a staircase ascends to the primary suite, a neutral, bright space with double doors to a private balcony. Set beneath a pitched ceiling, the room has an exaggerated sense of volume. The en suite is similarly spacious and has powder-pink walls and a matching clawfoot bath, along with twin windows that look out across the grounds.

The second bedroom, at the opposite end of the first floor, also has a large en suite, this time finished in a neutral hue and also with a freestanding bath. The remaining bedrooms on this level are all unique in character but similarly spacious, and are served by a bathroom with an additional shower.

An original box staircase from the first-floor landing reaches to the top floor, where there are two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

A wonderful yoga room is accessed from the ground-floor library and is encased by a nest of exposed timbers. On one side, a bank of windows looks out to the gardens, imbuing the space with a gentle brightness in turn.

The Great Outdoors

Versatile, expansive and cleverly delineated, 17 acres of grounds extend from the house. Wildflower meadows lend a wonderfully unconstrained feel, while manicured sections are cultivated and colourful. There is a vegetable garden and cut flower patch, along with a paddock and space for a smallholding. An orchard in front of the house provides a bounty of old house apples, quince and plum each year.

Closest to the house, and accessible from the dining room, is a brilliant terraced spot. South-facing, it is a spot made for hosting, with room for a large dining set-up and a barbecue. For the more solitary of endeavours, a shepherd's hut, nestled away in one of the fields, is a delightful spot to while away an afternoon.

There is also a large industrial barn within the grounds with a footprint of over 3,000 sq ft, which could be transformed should the relevant planning permissions be in place. Additionally, a large store has been built under current ownership and is a handy place for the keen gardener to store equipment.

Out and About

Barton Grange lies in Worlingworth, a charming village mentioned in the Domesday Book. It has a local primary school, along with a pretty 15th-century church.

The market town of Framlingham is 20 minutes away from the house. Here, The Station Pub, Crown Hotel and Watson and Walpole restaurant are all firm favourites, alongside Leo's Deli and bakery Two Magpies. There is an arts venue, exhibition space and creative studio at 10 Church Street as well as a host of bookshops, antique stores and cafés. A twice-weekly market is also held - offerings include artisan cheeses, bread, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.

Woodbridge, a picturesque market town, is around 35 minutes from the house and has been described as the ‘gem in Suffolk’s crown’. It is dotted with independent boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafés, such as The Table and Honey and Harvey. The river hosts annual music festivals, and several clubs and facilities cater to sporting interests.

Only slightly further afield, the Suffolk coast is noted both for its beauty and, increasingly, its cultural attractions, including Snape Maltings. Aldeburgh, Southwold and Walberswick are all around a 45-minute drive away. 

There are plenty of schools nearby, including Framlingham College. State options include Thomas Mills High School, Hartismere Secondary and Worlingworth CofE Primary School.

For travel into London, Diss station is approximately 24 minutes from the house by car and runs services to Liverpool Street in around 90 minutes. By car, the capital can be reached in around two to three hours.

Council Tax Band: F