Boxford Suffolk
RAISING THE RAFTERS Inspired by Grand Designs we were looking for a project and as soon as we saw the barn we knew it had great potential. It was just a shell when we looked round but when we stepped out the back and saw the sweeping views and big Suffolk skies we just knew we had to have it.
With amazing views down across the Stour Valley this fantastic barn conversion offers a wonderfully spacious contemporary home. The main barn has been transformed into a huge open plan living space where the relaxing, dining and kitchen areas all flow effortlessly, whilst the four bedrooms are aligned off a sheltered courtyard in what were once the cattle sheds. Taking inspiration from the surroundings the old barn doors have been replaced with floor to ceiling glass, flooding the barn with natural light and allowing uninterrupted views of the rolling countryside.
Grand Designs Situated in the small village of Boxford, the barn overlooks the Stour Valley on the Essex/Suffolk borders, an area renowned for its attractive rolling countryside made famous by the paintings of John Constable, and it was this view that first seduced the current owners. Inspired by Grand Designs we were looking for a project and as soon as we saw the barn we knew it had great potential. It was just a shell when we looked round but when we stepped out the back and saw the sweeping views and big Suffolk skies we just knew we had to have it. This was back in 2004 and over two long years the couple painstakingly rebuilt the barn timber by timber to create the amazing open plan living space you see today, as well as converting the flint livestock barns into luxurious accommodation. We managed to salvage most of the old timbers and tried wherever possible to replace them in their original position. I love being able to see the exposed framework of the barn and the open rafters; it has so much character.
Three-in-One Inside the barn they have created a wonderful living space with striking Indian sandstone to the floor and underfloor heating that creates a lovely ambience. To one end deep leather sofas are used to create a relaxing area and there would be room to add a free-standing wood-burning stove if required. To the central section a large dining table is used a clever divider and to each end of this are the huge floor to ceiling glass doors that have replaced the old barn doors. We love the way the light travels across the interior of the barn throughout the day, and these massive glass panels flood the space with light and allow us to enjoy these fabulous views. To the other end of the barn is the large kitchen area; a wonderfully sociable area with a free standing island and bespoke oak units. We have had some brilliant parties here, from dinner parties with friends where everyone chats in the kitchen whilst we cook, to big parties with a DJ and everyone dancing out on the terrace. It is quite a party house!
Barnyard Bedrooms Double doors then lead out from the barn to an area that has glass panels to both sides and is used as a large boot room and there are doors out to the garden and inner courtyard. From here a long hall lit with pretty coloured LED lights then leads you through to the converted barns that contain the bedrooms. These are all beautifully appointed and there are four doubles which all overlook the sheltered courtyard. The first of these is the master bedroom which has double doors out to the courtyard, a dressing room and en-suite bathroom. In the summer it is lovely to sleep with the doors open or to be able to wander out and look up at the night sky, and in the day it is such a sun trap and is great place to sunbathe. Two of the other bedrooms share a large family bathroom which has a luxurious sunken bath, whilst the fourth is also en-suite making it an ideal guest room, and all of them have been decorated using calming neutrals, and the fixtures and fittings are of a very high specification.
Expansive Views Right at the end of the hall there is a large reception room which the current owners have used as a cinema room, but could easily be used as second sitting room, teenager s snug or a study. It is a very useful space as it has a separate entrance and so would be a great work space or studio as visitors do not have to come through the main house. The property is set back from the road with a large shingle drive that allows plenty of parking for when friends and family visit, and the grounds extend to approximately five acres. The main landscaped gardens are found to the rear of the barn, where there is also a large terrace surrounded by pretty planting that is the perfect for summer entertaining. In the summer we try to eat out here as much as possible and it is where we head for after work to relax with a glass of wine and to watch the ever-changing skies. Boxford is a pretty village with a good primary school and a couple of pubs, and Hadleigh is only a short drive, which has a lovely range of independent shops and cafes, and with the A12 nearby both Colchester and Bury St Edmunds are very accessible
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg. No. 07008580 Registered Office: Essex Country Properties Ltd. 17 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1QJ copyright 2016 Fine & Country Ltd.
Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in metric with imperial equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. * These comments are the personal views of the current owner and are included as an insight into life at the property. They have not been independently verified, should not be relied on without verification and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agent.
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