Clayhill Cottage, The Street, Aldham, IP7 6NN

Ref: EC0617
Clayhill Cottage – A charming unlisted four-bedroom period home set within approximately three acres of land, featuring stables, a private driveway, and a garage. Enjoy stunning countryside views and scenic walks from your doorstep, all just minutes from the vibrant market town of Hadleigh.

Property Description

Front

Nestled amidst rolling countryside, this charming and substantial home boasts an attractive frontage with breathtaking rural views. A spacious driveway provides ample parking for multiple vehicles and leads to a garage, offering both convenience and additional storage. The front lawn, bordered by mature hedging and thoughtfully planted flowerbeds, enhances the home’s kerb appeal while providing natural screening and privacy. A welcoming pathway guides you to the entrance, setting the stage for the warmth and character found within this exceptional countryside residence.

Ground Floor

Stepping inside, you are immediately greeted by the character and charm that define this exceptional home. The inviting hallway is a true focal point, featuring a striking exposed brick wall, oak effect LVT flooring, and a vintage gravity-fed 1950s oil Rayburn Royal stove. While not connected to the central heating system, this unique feature enhances the ambiance, making it the perfect spot to warm mulled wine on winter evenings—ideal for entertaining and welcoming guests. Attractive handcrafted wooden doors lead to the sitting room, dining room, and kitchen, each offering a blend of period charm and modern comfort.

The sitting room is a generously sized retreat, showcasing a characterful brick chimney with a multifuel burner, newly lined in 2024. Windows flood the space with natural light and offer picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, creating a tranquil setting to unwind.

To the rear of the proeprty is a well-appointed kitchen that is designed for both practicality and style. A range of base and wall units provide ample storage, complemented by a tiled floor, integrated dishwasher, and space for a breakfast table. Windows frame delightful garden views, while a door leads to the boot room and another provides direct access to the exterior. Adjacent to the kitchen, a heated conservatory with a tiled floor serves as a bright and relaxing space, perfect for enjoying the changing seasons while overlooking the rear garden.

The spacious dining room is another standout feature, complete with a second exposed brick fireplace and multifuel burner, offering warmth and a charming ambiance. From here, doors lead to a ground-floor bathroom, a well-equipped utility room, and a walk-in pantry. Additionally, a separate home office provides a versatile workspace, ideal for remote working or creative pursuits.

Further enhancing the functionality of the ground floor is a separate downstairs WC and a variety of storage cupboards, ensuring a well-organized and convenient living space.

First Floor

The first floor retains two staircases offering a versatile layout. The primary staircase, accessed from the main hallway, leads to three bedrooms and a spacious family bathroom. Two of the bedrooms are doubles, while the third, a versatile single room, is currently utilised as a home office. A loft hatch provides access to a partially boarded loft space, offering additional storage solutions.

The second staircase, located off the dining room, ascends to a substantial landing area, which serves as a flexible space suitable for use as a snug, additional office, or reading nook. A further door leads to a fourth double bedroom, creating a self-contained area ideal for a teenager, guest suite, or family member seeking greater privacy. Additionally, a loft hatch provides access to a fully boarded loft space with lighting, enhancing the property's storage capacity.

Gardens

The gardens and extensive grounds are a standout feature of this exceptional property, offering a picturesque and versatile outdoor space. Spanning approximately three acres, the land is thoughtfully divided into a formal rear garden and an expansive field, providing ample opportunity for equestrian pursuits, recreational activities, or further landscaping.

A key advantage of this property is its unique dual access to the rear land. To one side, a gated entrance leads directly to the stables, ensuring ease of use for equestrian owners, while to the other side, a vehicular access point provides direct entry to the rear field, offering convenience for larger equipment and land management.

This idyllic setting is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, creating a serene and private retreat. Complementing the stables is a substantial outbuilding, ideal for storage, workshop use, or potential conversion to suit individual needs. The combination of well-maintained gardens, extensive land, and practical equestrian facilities makes this an exceptional opportunity for those seeking a home that embraces both countryside living and outdoor pursuits.

Additional Information:

• Unlisted Freehold detached property
• Approximately 3 acres of land
• Stables and outbuilding 
• Oil central heating with a programmer and TRVs. 
• A new energy efficient boiler and hot water tank including immersion heater.  This was installed August 2024, and is still under guarantee. 
• Mains connected water, waste, and electricity. 
• Local Authority: Babergh
• Council Tax: E (estimated at £2600 pa).
• Energy Performance Rating E with potential to improve to an B rating.
• Mobile Phone Signal: O2, Vodaphone, Three
• Cable Satellite TV available in area: BT and Sky
• High spend internet: estimated speeds of up to 1000 mbps
• Flood Risk: rivers and seas (no risk), surface water (very low). 

Local Area Guide for Aldham & Elmsett: 

Education: Clayhill Cottage is advantageously situated near a variety of educational institutions catering to diverse needs:

• Primary Education: Elmsett Church of England Primary School, located in the nearby village of Elmsett, offers education for children aged 4 to 11. With a current enrollment of 57 students, the school emphasizes a caring, family atmosphere where pupils can learn and grow with confidence and self-discipline. The curriculum is designed to foster interest, enthusiasm, and respect for others, aligning with the school's Christian values.
• Secondary Education: Hadleigh High School serves students aged 11 to 16, providing a comprehensive curriculum that encourages academic excellence and personal development. The school is committed to creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
• Private Education: Ipswich offers several esteemed private schools:
  -Ipswich High School: Known for its rigorous academic programs and extensive extracurricular activities, Ipswich High School fosters a culture of achievement and personal growth.
  -Royal Hospital School: This prestigious institution offers a broad curriculum complemented by a strong emphasis on character development and leadership skills.
• Higher Education: The University of Suffolk, located in Ipswich, provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is recognized for its modern approach to education, focusing on employability and research opportunities.

Pubs and Restaurants: The area surrounding Clayhill Cottage boasts a variety of dining establishments:

Elmsett: The Rose and Crown is a notable local pub offering a welcoming atmosphere and a selection of traditional dishes. Patrons appreciate its cozy ambiance and the quality of its food and drink offerings. Nearby villages also offer a number of pubs offering great food and drinks:

o   The Bell Inn, Kersey - Nestled in the picturesque village of Kersey, The Bell Inn is a 13th-century pub that exudes historic charm. Under new management since December 2022, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a luxurious dining lounge, bar, and garden. Patrons can enjoy craft cocktails, local beers, and home-cooked meals, making it a favored destination for both locals and visitors. 

o   The Lindsey Rose, Lindsey - Situated in the tranquil village of Lindsey, The Lindsey Rose is a traditional country pub that forms part of the Nedging Hall Estate collection. Approximately three miles from The Bildeston Crown, it is connected by a scenic "Pub to Pub" walk through the beautiful Suffolk countryside. The pub offers a cozy ambiance, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quintessential English pub experience. 

o   The Bildeston Crown, Bildeston - Located in the heart of Bildeston, The Bildeston Crown is a 500-year-old gastropub that seamlessly blends historical features with modern comforts. The establishment boasts 13 indulgent rooms, original low beams, large fireplaces, and cozy spaces furnished with comfortable armchairs. With four beautiful courtyards and terraces, it provides ample space for relaxation, whether indoors by the fire or outdoors in the sun. 

Hadleigh: The town features numerous restaurants and pubs catering to diverse culinary tastes. Establishments such as The King's Head are praised for their great food, excellent service, and lively atmosphere. There are also numerous takeaways to include Chinese, Turkish, Indian and Fish & Chips.
Ipswich: As a larger urban center, Ipswich offers an extensive array of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, reflecting a wide range of international cuisines. The vibrant food scene ensures that residents and visitors can find dining experiences to suit all preferences. 

Health and Leisure

Medical services are readily available in Hadleigh, including general practitioners and dental clinics, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support. The proximity to Ipswich further expands access to specialized medical services and hospitals.

Hadleigh Pool and Leisure, located on Stonehouse Road in Hadleigh, Suffolk, is a modern facility managed by Abbeycroft Leisure. The centre offers the following amenities designed to promote health and well-being within the community:

• Swimming Pool: The centre features a traditional 25-meter swimming pool, suitable for both casual swimmers and those seeking to improve their fitness levels.
• Gym: Refurbished in 2020, the gym houses 22 stations equipped with contemporary fitness equipment, catering to a range of workout preferences.
• Group Fitness Classes: A diverse schedule of group fitness classes is available, accommodating various fitness levels and interests.
• Community Hall and Social Room: These spaces serve as venues for community events, meetings, and social gatherings, fostering a sense of community engagement.
• Café: Patrons can enjoy refreshments and light meals at the on-site café, providing a convenient spot to relax before or after activities. 
   

Country Walks: The surrounding countryside presents numerous walking opportunities:

Hadleigh: The area is rich in scenic landscapes and historical sites, with guided walks and country trails allowing residents to explore the natural beauty and heritage of the region. Popular routes include riverside walks and paths through ancient woodlands, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers.
Aldham: The village itself offers tranquil walking paths amidst rolling fields and picturesque settings, ideal for those seeking peace and a connection with nature. These walks provide opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy the changing seasons.

Shopping and Entertainment: For retail and entertainment needs:

• Elmsett: Community village shop offering a selection of the essentials. 
• Hadleigh: The town offers a range of shops, boutiques, and local markets, providing residents with access to daily necessities and unique artisanal products. Cultural events, such as local theater productions and art exhibitions, contribute to the town's vibrant community life.
• Ipswich: As a larger urban center, Ipswich provides extensive shopping centers, theaters, cinemas, and a vibrant arts scene. The town hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year, ensuring a dynamic and engaging environment for residents and visitors alike.

Transport Links: Clayhill Cottage benefits from convenient transport connections:

• Road: Proximity to major roads facilitates easy travel to nearby towns and cities. The A12 and A14 highways provide direct routes to Ipswich, Colchester, and London, making commuting and leisure travel straightforward.
• Rail: Ipswich Railway Station offers regular services to London Liverpool Street, with typical journey times of approximately 70 minutes. The station also connects to other major cities and towns, enhancing the property's accessibility for both work and leisure.

In summary, Clayhill Cottage's location in Aldham provides residents with a harmonious blend of rural tranquillity and accessibility to essential amenities, quality education, diverse dining options, and efficient transport links. The area's rich cultural heritage, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal setting for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.