Guide price £425,000-£450,000 Steeped in history and rich with timeless character, this captivating Grade II listed cottage in the heart of Rickinghall offers a rare blend of heritage and modern comfort. Dating back in part to the 16th century, the home welcomes you with a warm and inviting atmosphere, from its exposed beams and striking inglenook fireplace to the impressive vaulted dining room and beautifully appointed farmhouse kitchen. Versatile living spaces include a ground-floor bedroom and shower room, ideal for guests or a home office, while upstairs offers two further bedrooms and a stylish family bathroom with a roll-top bath. Outside, the mature rear garden provides a private haven for relaxation and entertaining, complete with terrace, lawn, and double garage with conversion potential (stpp). A true Suffolk treasure, this cottage embodies the best of village living, with character and endless charm.

Location

The Street is situated in the heart of the attractive Suffolk village of Rickingshall, a well-served rural community offering an excellent range of local amenities. Within easy walking distance are two great pub/restaurants, two take-away food outlets, and a Co-op Local supermarket, catering for day-to-day needs. The village also benefits from St Botolph’s Primary School, a health centre, sports facilities, and play areas, making it ideal for families. Rickingshall falls within the catchment area for the outstanding Hartismere High School, one of the county’s most highly regarded secondary schools.

The nearby market town of Diss (approximately 6 miles) provides a comprehensive range of shops, supermarkets, leisure facilities, and professional services, along with a mainline railway station offering regular services to London Liverpool Street and Norwich. For a wider selection of amenities, the historic town of Bury St Edmunds lies around 15 miles to the west, offering excellent shopping, cultural attractions, and access to the A14, which connects to Cambridge and the M11 for onward routes to London and the Midlands.

Church Farm Cottage, The Street

Set within the highly sought-after village of Rickinghall, this Grade II listed semi-detached cottage is brimming with charm, character, and potential. Blending centuries-old craftsmanship with the warmth of village life, the home offers a lifestyle rich in history and tranquillity, with all the convenience of modern living just moments away.

From the moment you approach, the cottage exudes timeless appeal. Accessed from the roadside, the solid wood front door opens into a welcoming entrance porch with tiled flooring, setting the tone for what lies beyond. To one side, you’ll find a ground floor bedroom, alongside a convenient ground floor shower room, part of a sympathetic 1980s extension that offers flexibility. This area could easily serve as a guest suite or home office, providing versatility to suit any lifestyle.

At the heart of the home is the impressive formal dining room, a space where rustic charm meets grand proportions. Full-height ceilings, exposed brickwork, and a chimney housing the oil-fired boiler create a dramatic yet inviting atmosphere, while double doors open directly onto the rear terrace and garden, perfect for summer entertaining.

The sitting room continues the theme of character and comfort, with exposed beams, wood-effect flooring, and a stunning inglenook fireplace, an authentic centrepiece ideal for cosy winter evenings. A staircase leads from here to the first floor, while a door connects through to the farmhouse-style kitchen, complete with space for a range cooker, an inset Butler sink, a dishwasher and space for a dining table. The kitchen also benefits from a pantry-style cupboard and a charming stable door that opens to the garden, a quintessential countryside touch.

Upstairs, the first-floor landing offers two built-in storage cupboards and access to the family bathroom, renovated to a modern standard, with a roll-top bathtub, a traditional basin and a toilet. There are two comfortable bedrooms, both with lovely views over the village and gardens. The main bedroom, set to the rear, features exposed beams, a dual aspect, and a fitted wardrobe.

Externally, the property continues to impress. The rear garden is both private and mature, with a blend of lawn, paved terrace, and shingled pathways, surrounded by established shrubs and planting. A covered area for seating arrangements runs alongside the double garage. The garage has the potential to be converted into a home office, a studio or a self-contained annex (stpp). There is a shared close that has private off-road parking for multiple vehicles.

Basil Brown, the archaeologist who discovered and excavated the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, and the subject of the film The Dig, lived in this house, then known as Church Farm, from a few months old into adulthood. He even cycled from here to Sutton Hoo every day!

Dating back in part to the 16th Century, this cottage embodies the rich heritage of Rickinghall village life, with its exposed beams, high ceilings, and traditional layout, while offering huge scope to personalise. Whether as a full-time residence or a weekend escape, it promises an enchanting lifestyle surrounded by Suffolk’s most picturesque countryside.

Agents note

Freehold