Bawdsey, Suffolk

Planning permission and historic listed building consent to refurbish a previously converted early nineteenth century Martello Tower.

Permission for an expansive perimeter glazed, zinc roofed room on the former gun deck, a first floor open-plan kitchen living room, lower floor with bedroom, utility room, shower room and cloakroom,
galvanized external stair with viewing platform looking south.

Grounds extending to 0.4 acres including a WWII engine room.

Description
Martello Tower W stands in a superb position with unparalleled panoramic views over the sea and coast of Suffolk. It is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Tower is designated a Grade II Listed Scheduled Monument. It is understood that the Martello Towers take their name and structural design from Corsican buildings at Mortella. Martello Tower W was built in 1809 and is one of only 17 on the east coast. Historic England remarked that the quatrefoil gun-deck, complete with three vertical 18th century naval canons, is the best preserved and most original of any Martello Tower they have seen. The Tower was converted to residential use in the mid 1980s and has currently been taken back to its core ready for new refurbishment works. East Suffolk Council granted permission on the 22nd September 2023 under reference DC/23/30001/FUL to replace the roof structure, replace the external stairs, fenestration and internal alterations. The property is accessed from a track that leads to the grounds that extend to approximately 0.4 acres. Adjacent to the entrance gate is a concrete store which was a former World War II engine shed, generating power for nearby coastal artillery search lights. Steps, that have permission to be replaced, lead up to the first floor. This open area provides a general living space and was fitted with kitchen, sitting room and dining room. An aperture and stairs lead down to the ground floor where the proposed plans indicate a bedroom, utility room, shower room and cloakroom. Access via two staircases from the first floor leads to the upper floor, the former gun deck. This is home to a basic conservatory which has consent to be replaced with a contemporary, zinc-roofed room. Beyond this is an open rooftop with 365° views out to sea and inland over fields towards Bawdsey.

Location
Tower W is the south-most in a ‘club’ of four Martello Towers. To the north past the small WWII lookout tower and freshwater reservoirs, are two closely spaced lower lying Towers, Y and Z, then Tower AA which stands before the row of houses known as Shingle Street. Two of these towers, Y and AA, have also been converted and are occupied. The view then curls around to Orford, where Pinneys Oysterage - famous for their locally smoked fish, and the excellent Pump Street Bakery can be found. Orford church and the 12th century castle, clear on the horizon, then onto Orford Ness. Further north, the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold and Benjamin Britten’s renowned classical concert hall at Snape Maltings with a programme running throughout the year. Bawdsey is a quiet village with a primary school, church and cricket club. The quay on the Deben estuary offers a wide variety of water sports, with the neighbouring village of Alderton having a village shop, medical centre and pub. Beyond the famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial of Sutton Hoo is the popular riverside market town of Woodbridge, approximately 9 miles from Bawdsey. Woodbridge provides a variety of shops, restaurants and a farmers market twice a month. Excellent schools in both the private and state sectors including Farlingaye High School and Woodbridge School. Regular trains run from Woodbridge to London Liverpool Street with a journey time of 1.5 hours.

Viewing - Strictly by appointment with the agent.

Services - Mains water and electricity. Private drainage system (the septic tank is believed to drain into a drainage field so is likely to be compliant. However, as part of the wider renovation works, a buyer may wish to budget to install a new sewage treatment plant).

Broadband - To check the broadband coverage available in the area click this link –

Mobile Phones - To check the mobile phone coverage in the area click this link –

EPC - Rating = N/A (Grade II Listed)

Council Tax - Band D, £2,071.27 payable per annum 2024/2025

NOTES
1. Every care has been taken with the preparation of these particulars, but complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If there is any point, which is of particular importance to you, please obtain professional confirmation. Alternatively, we will be pleased to check the information for you. These Particulars do not constitute a contract or part of a contract. All measurements quoted are approximate. The Fixtures, Fittings & Appliances have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Photographs are reproduced for general information and it cannot be inferred that any item shown is included. The agents have not been made aware of any covenants or restrictions that may impact the property, unless stated otherwise. Any site plans used in the particulars are indicative only and buyers should rely on the Land Registry/transfer plan.

2. The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 require all Estate Agents to obtain sellers’ and buyers’ identity.

3. The Tower lies adjacent to substantial coastal defences. Reports have been commissioned and are available via email from the agents.

4. Some of the interior photos show rooms before they were stripped back in readiness for refurbishment.  July 2024