With rich history dating back to the 1920’s, this prestigious residence sits moments away from the scenic River Waveney, in the beautiful market town of Beccles. Telling a story of the properties past, within the original character features that the current owners have restored and maintained, whilst upgrading the interior with premium fixtures and fittings. Graciously showcasing an elegant design, with original high panelled ceilings, a charming wood burner, traditional decorative fireplaces and large bay windows. Highlighting an extended kitchen/dining/family room with a grand central island and an oak lined loggia, for gathering with family or occasional settings. Accommodation is spread across two floors, with a total of five double bedrooms, promising the utmost comfort and privacy. If you are searching for an exceptional family home, this residence is one you would not want to miss out on!

Explore the market town of Beccles…

Beccles is a beautiful market town located in the county of Suffolk. The town is positioned on the River Waveney, which forms part of the boundary between Suffolk and Norfolk. Beccles has a rich history, with its origins dating back to Roman times, and it is known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture. Today, Beccles is a thriving town with a mix of retail, cultural, and recreational offerings, drawing both locals and visitors to its scenic riverside setting. It is a thriving market town which has small independent shops and cafes, including The Pavilion fresh fruit and veg store, WJ Seppings butchers, Tywford’s family run Café that opened in 1996, The Open Garden shop for home décor and the Beccles Flower Shed for bouquets. It also features main supermarkets, restaurants and pubs, including a Tesco superstore, Morrison’s, Lidl, Roy’s, Boots, a Weatherspoons, Wine Vaults restaurant and the Bear and Bells pub. For families with young children, there is various schools in the Beccles area, with a Forest school and early years, as well as Sir John Leman High School, with the achievement for all and aspiring for excellence. There is a local bus station which runs a regular service to Lowestoft, with connections to the city of Norwich and many of the smaller villages around. Beccles train station runs a link to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich.

Beccles is approximately 10 miles away from the seaside town of Southwold. It’s a short and scenic drive through the Suffolk countryside. Known for its scenic beauty and traditional British seaside atmosphere, it boasts a stunning sandy beach, a vibrant pier, and pastel-coloured beach huts. The town is renowned for its historic lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since the early 19th century, and its iconic Adnams Brewery.

Beccles is 15 miles south of the city of Norwich, the capital of Norfolk. Due to its proximity to Norwich, Beccles enjoys a relatively quick and easy connection to the city, with a journey by car typically taking around 30 minutes. The town is also well-connected by rail and bus services, making it a convenient location for those who need access to Norwich while enjoying the quieter, more rural setting of Beccles. Norwich offers a wider range of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, Norfolk And Norwich hospital, a main train station with multiple connections and Norwich airport.

The history of Ballygate…

Dating back to the 1920’s, Virginia Lodge and its neighbouring properties were formally built on the Homefield Estate. Originally, four almshouses built in 1670 stood on this site, which was removed by Thomas Rede, who did wish to see the sight of old and poor from his windows at St Mary’s. The meadow was sold in the Ashmans’s Estate sale in 1860 to John Edwin Crisp, which was then purchased by a local builder in 1917 when Crisp passed. The local builder proceeded to build five properties, including Virginia Lodge, and was sold to Hamilton Joseph Bunbury of Cranavone, who was the first owner of Virginia Lodge. He had been been educated at Downside which has close links to St Benet’s Minister, the Roman Catholic Church situated at the end of Ballygate. After serving as a captain and Major in the First World War, he served Privy Chamberlain of the Sword and Cape to His Holiness Pope Plus XI. He passed in 1949 and was buried at St Benet’s.

The grand tour…

It’s exquisite façade sets the tone for what’s to come, set back from the road. Greeting you with a paved driveway that leads down to a large carport for sheltered parking and a garage for storage options. Front and rear grounds have been landscaped and maintained to complement the interior that lies within. Completed with planted beds, manicured shrubbery and mature trees, that provides seclusion from its surroundings. The sizeable plot allows space for your own personal touch, with your own addition of a summerhouse, greenhouse or timber storage sheds, perfect for garden enthusiasts.

Welcome inside, where you are captured by the properties original character features that have been lovingly maintained over the years, telling a story of the properties past. Natural light filters through the stained glass windows in the porch, enhanced by traditional tiled flooring. Moving through into a bright and airy entrance hall, with an arched doorway into the boot room, for storing your outdoor wear. Drawing you in with its warm and inviting ambience, is the double aspect sitting room, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Accentuated by a fireplace with inset wood burner and an original panelled ceiling which has been restored by the current owners. An oriel window gives light from the South, as well as a large bay window looking out to the front aspect. Adjacent to the sitting room, lies a versatile snug with the option to be a home office, playroom or formal dining room, adapting to your own preferences. A focal point of the room is a decorative feature fireplace with shelved alcove, alongside a preserved ceiling.

Encouraging family gatherings and occasional settings, is the extended open-plan kitchen/dining/family room, presenting itself as the heart of the home. Showcasing an impeccable design of high-quality fixtures and fittings, including contemporary wall and base units, a traditional Aga cooker, a Quooker tap, a grand central island for socialising and an integrated wine cooler. Three sets of French doors seamlessly connects to the outdoors, opening out to the breath-taking oak lined loggia, that creates the perfect spot for your outdoor seating arrangements, for hosting al-fresco dining, summer BBQs or simply relaxing in the serene environment. Completing the ground floor layout is a functional utility room for your laundry essentials and a convenient WC, designed to accommodate a modern family lifestyle.

Ascend both staircases to reveal a total of five double bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed to offer utmost comfort and privacy. The principal bedroom stands out amongst the rest, flaunting its own en-suite, that adds a luxury yet convenient touch to your everyday routine. The remaining bedrooms have the flexibility to be accommodation, a dressing room or guest rooms, while sharing a family bathroom with a separate WC. Two of these bedrooms are located on the second floor, treating you to views over the town at the rear and the River Waveney at the front, stretching to the beyond countryside. Additionally, there is easy access to the eaves storage, perfect for storing your seasonal items and possessions.

Agents Notes

We understand that this proeprty is freehold.

Connected to mains water, electricity, gas and drainage.

Heating system - Gas central heating.

Council Tax Band: E