Claypits Hall, Foxearth, Essex

This distinguished five-bedroom home sits in over two acres of land in Foxearth, a pretty village near the Essex/Suffolk border. Grade II listed, over 3,600 sq ft of space extends over three storeys, including a versatile series of living spaces and a bright kitchen with folding doors onto the garden. There are several useful outbuildings, including a large barn rendered in a striking ochre finish. A paved terrace is apt for outdoor dining, while a pontoon on the duck pond is an excellent spot for reclining. The market town of Sudbury is a short drive away; its rail station provides regular connections to London.

Setting the Scene

Foxearth is a small village with a long agricultural history. The area became notable for its art in the 18th century; Sudbury is the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, whose landscapes offered inspiration to John Constable, another Suffolk painter of the surrounding Stour Valley area.

This fine timber-framed house, once a farm, dates from the 17th century. Period features have been carefully retained, including leaded windows, inglenook fireplaces and an 18th-century corner cupboard.

The Grand Tour

A tree-lined private lane shared with one neighbour leads up to the house. The main entrance is to the side, underneath a red-tiled porch. Entry is to a large boot room with flagstone flooring and exposed timber beams. The house can also be entered at the front; here, an original plank and muntin door opens onto a vast dining room; at one end, an inglenook fireplace has a timber mantel.

It leads to a bright sitting room, an original leaded window framing views of the field beyond. There is fitted alcove shelving, and a fireplace with carved stone mantelpiece is perfect for hunkering down on cooler evenings.

A Shaker-style kitchen sits to the rear. Folding doors extend across its length, opening onto the garden and outdoor dining terrace. Smart cabinetry is topped with granite work surfaces, and appliances include a black-painted Aga, a Miele oven and a Bosch induction hob. It has underfloor heating, and a separate pantry provides additional storage space.

There is also a second sitting room, currently used a study. It has an original oak ledged door, an inglenook fireplace and a corner cupboard dating from the 18th century.

The principal bedroom lies on the first floor, tucked away at the end of a long landing. Its walls and ceiling are criss-crossed by timber beams, and a pretty casement window frames treetop views. There are two further double bedrooms on this floor, each with far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside, as well as two large shared bathrooms. One has a large bathtub framed by casement windows, as well as a walk-in shower and a dressing room, while the other has a shower.

The second floor is home to an expansive sitting area, two large double bedrooms - one with bath and basin - and a large bathroom; here, a bathtub is perfectly positioned below a casement window with bucolic views.

A large barn rendered in a warm ochre hue is currently used for entertaining, along with providing substantial storage space, and would also be suitable as an annexe (with the correct planning permissions). There are also several additional barns and sheds, currently used as a tool shed, a workshop and a temperature-controlled wine store.

The Great Outdoors

The house sits in around 2.3 acres of glorious gardens, peppered with ancient oak trees and a variety of flora and fauna. A paved dining terrace is framed by a trellis intertwined with hessian roses; it overlooks a duck pond with a decked pontoon.

There is a wildflower garden and an orchard, as well as a gravelled area with parking for at least eight cars. The house is surrounded by open farmland, affording spectacular views across the landscape.

Out and About

Foxearth is a small rural village close to the River Stour. It has a church and a thriving community; the village hall runs popular pub nights every fortnight.

The nearby town of Sudbury offers excellent amenities, including a twice-weekly market and a Waitrose. Local favourites include Cradle, an independent plant-based bakery and restaurant, and The Mill Hotel for drinks and dinner beside the river. The village of Long Melford is a short drive away, with its excellent antique shops, pubs and restaurants, including The Swan, The Black Lion and Nethergate Brewery. Bury St Edmunds is around a 30-minute drive away. Along with an array of delicious place to dine, including the Michelin starred Pea Porridge, it has a thriving theatre scene at both The Theatre Royal and The Arc, together with an Everyman cinema and the very popular independent Abbeygate. Further and more extensive amenities, restaurants and shops are found in Colchester, approximately a 40-minute drive away.

Long Melford and Lavenham, both within 20 minutes of the house, have stunning Tudor houses, pubs, and, in Long Melford’s case, two excellent stately homes – Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall. Closer to home, several idyllic walking and cycling routes are available directly from the house, and there is also a wild swimming spot close by.

This part of the country inspired many artists and writers, including Thomas Gainsborough, who spent his early life sketching in its woods and fields surrounding. His house can be visited in Sudbury, and has a large collection of his oil paintings.

Schooling options in the area include Old Buckenham Hall prep school, Thomas Gainsborough in Sudbury and Stour Valley Community School in nearby Clare.

Sudbury rail station is a 13-minute drive from the house. Connections can be made to London Liverpool Street via Marks Tey, with a total journey time of around an hour and 15 minutes.

Council Tax Band: G