Gravel Hill, Nayland, Suffolk, CO6

Set in the heart of the Dedham Vale’s AONB and enjoying a wonderfully secluded and tranquil setting amidst 22 acres, an enchanting unlisted five-bedroom residence complete with pool and tennis court.

THE PROPERTY

Set at the end of its long driveway, Old Pest House enjoys a magical, rural setting within its ring-fenced environment, nestling in a gentle fold in the landscape. The original timber framed cottage is understood to date from the 16th Century and has been imaginatively extended in recent years to the designs by well-reputed local architects Wincer Kievenaar, to create a well-balanced residence, blending nicely the old and the new.

The accommodation extends to some 2,950 sq ft and includes a vaulted entrance hall with a study off, and stairs to a raised hall with double doors opening into a well-proportioned twin aspect drawing room, with French doors onto the west garden terrace and a brick fireplace with wood burner. In the heart of the house is the well-equipped kitchen, with its large central island, granite work surfaces and AGA. This is open plan into the dining conservatory, which has French doors onto the west terrace. Beyond the kitchen is an atmospheric sitting room and there is a utility room and shower/cloakroom.

On the first floor, accessed by twin staircases, are five double bedrooms and two shower/bathrooms.

The property benefits from an oil-fired central heating system and many of the rooms enjoy views across the gardens and surrounding countryside.

Adjacent to the house is an impressive multi-purpose studio/function room (potential annexe) (25 ft x 19 ft) with a wide glazed elevation opening onto the deck with views into the woodland. There is a kitchenette and a shower/cloakroom and changing room with access to the sheltered heated swimming pool to the rear.

OUTSIDE

Set at the end of a quarter of a mile shingle driveway, surrounded by its land, there is a wide shingled parking area fronting onto which is a garaging range with workshop with multi-purpose attic room above. The house itself nestles in a picturesque shallow valley sheltered by a mature mixed woodland backdrop. Its immediate south facing gardens are sheltered by a natural hedgerow and include a wide terrace, accessible from the house, which is ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining. Beyond, are open grassland meadows to the west, enclosed by a natural hedgerow, from where there are panoramic big sky views over the picturesque countryside of The Stour Valley. To the east there are parkland grounds with a variety of fine mature specimen trees, through which the driveway sweeps. There is a hard tennis court and beyond a small stream is a sheltered orchard and further grassland meadow. In all the property extends to about 22 acres.


LOCATION

The Old Pest House enjoys an edge of village setting off a quiet lane. Nayland, one of the most picturesque villages in Suffolk, with its numerous medieval houses, stands on the banks of the River Stour. There is an active community, a local pub and primary school. There are further local facilities in the neighbouring village of Stoke by Nayland, including well reputed pubs and a restaurant, garage and golf/country club. The Littlegarth prep school is just 1.5 miles, and there is a direct access via the A134 to Colchester (6 miles) with its main line rail serve providing regular services to London’s Liverpool Street Station in about 50 minutes. The A12, which bypasses Colchester provides a direct link to London’s M25 as well as Stansted Airport via the A120.


DIRECTIONS (CO6 4JB)
Travelling north on the A134 from the Colchester direction turn off the first turning into Nayland village (Horkesley Road). Proceed over the river and continue along the high street passing the church. At the junction with Birch Street turn right and then take the next left hand turning (Gravel Hill). Follow this narrow lane as it climbs the hill for for 0.6 of a mile where the marked driveway entrance to Old Pest House will be found on the left-hand side.

If approaching from Stoke by Nayland proceed into Nayland taking the first right hand turning into Gravel Hill and follow the direction as above.

SERVICES

Mains electricity is connected. Water? Modern private drainage system.


DISTANCES

Nayland Village – within walking distance
Colchester Station - 6 miles (London Liverpool Street 50 mins approx.)
A12 - 6 miles
Stanstead Airport – 60 mins approx