Suffolk, NR34 9ND

The Old Rectory is an exceptional 8-bedroom Grade II listed family home, beautifully refurbished to preserve its period charm and situated in a sought-after location within a short walk of the centre of Beccles. The property features fine architectural period detailing and benefits from off-road parking, beautiful, landscaped gardens and from the property’s elevated position, it enjoys spectacular far-reaching views over the Waveney river and valley. This property is a quintessential example of a Grade II listed rectory, featuring a symmetrical design, classic proportions, and exquisite decorative details. Its mellow red brick facade is complemented by a striking pedimented gable, a panelled front door with original Georgian fanlight above, and a leaded canopy supported by elegant Doric columns. Upon entry, a spacious entrance hall with flagstone flooring leads into two central corridors, each framed by glazed doors and fanlights, enhancing the sense of openness. The view from the front of the property, stretching through the hall and into the rear garden, creates a striking visual connection that amplifies the feeling of space and light. A graceful staircase ascends from the main hall to a galleried landing on the first floor, adding an air of sophistication and grandeur. The property has undergone an extensive refurbishment, with a keen focus on high specification finishes and meticulous attention to detail throughout. The rooms are generously proportioned, boasting impressive ceiling heights, new cast iron radiators, and the large Georgian sash windows flood the interiors with an abundance of natural light. The home retains a wealth of classical Georgian features, including decorative columns, wrought ironwork, marble accents, sash windows with original shutters on the front elevation, as well as fine cornicing, friezes, and deep skirting boards in the two main reception rooms. In 2015, the entire roof was replaced, ensuring both preservation and modern functionality. This property is a superb example of period elegance seamlessly blended with contemporary improvements. GROUND FLOOR Upon entering, you are greeted by a spacious entrance hall, to the left is the drawing room, which is a bright and inviting space, complete with bespoke wall panelling, corbeled cornicing, and two sash windows with original shutters. A striking marble fireplace with slate hearth and woodburning stove adds a touch of warmth and character. The dining room, on the right, offers similar elegance with custom half-wall panelling, a feature marble fireplace, and deep cornicing, creating a perfect atmosphere for both formal and informal gatherings. Original sash windows, dado rails, and deep skirting boards further enhance the room's timeless appeal. From the dining room, a small lobby with a charming china cupboard and a narrow inset cupboard within the chimney breast leads through an archway to the kitchen/breakfast room and adjoining family room. The family room is a bright and welcoming space, featuring French doors that open onto a canopied terrace and the gardens beyond, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The room boasts a high ceiling, a fireplace with a woodburning stove set on a slate hearth, and a wooden mantel surround, creating a cosy yet elegant atmosphere. Period details include an original alcove with cupboard and display shelving above, as well as a built-in cupboard to the right of the fireplace, adding both character and practical storage. The kitchen is a beautifully designed and highly functional space, featuring a newly installed range of hand-built Tom Howley wall and base units, complete with drawers, cupboards, and a matching central island with breakfast bar and integrated refrigerator, all topped with elegant composite work surfaces. A striking mantle frames the inset gas range cooker, which includes a five-ring hob, two ovens, and a grill. Additional features include a large composite sink with mixer tap, filtered water tap, and a boiling water tap for added convenience, integrated dishwasher and microwave oven. A step down from the kitchen leads to a practical side lobby with fitted shelving, space for a fridge freezer, and a walk-in, shelved pantry with folding door. Beyond this, the bespoke utility room continues the Tom Howley theme with matching cabinetry and worktops and provides space and plumbing for two freestanding appliances. Adjacent to the utility room is a low-profile, easy-access bath/shower, perfect for bathing dogs. At the rear of the property, a versatile study or gym features newly installed heritage windows, loft access, and a connecting door to a useful lobby/boot room with its own street entrance ideal for busy family life or those working from home. Returning to the family room, a door opens through to an inner hallway with WC and secondary staircase leading to the accommodation on the first floor. the middle hall, features an impressive, vaulted ceiling, flagstone flooring, and glazed double doors leading to the back hall. From here, steps descend to the two-room cellar with original alcove storage, offering both character and practicality. Leading off from the middle hall is the morning room, which exudes elegance with its French doors and surrounding windows that flood the space with natural light. Enjoy stunning views through the canopied terrace to the gardens beyond. The feature fireplace, with its wooden mantle and slate hearth, is the room’s focal point, flanked by two deep storage cupboards. This peaceful retreat is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or an afternoon read. Adjacent to the morning room is the library, a tranquil space with a lovely aspect over the garden. Bespoke-built bookshelves and display shelves run the length of one wall, offering ample storage for books and cherished items. A door with an attractive fanlight over leads back to the middle hallway. FIRST FLOOR An elegant staircase rises from the main entrance hall to a spacious, galleried landing, where a large sash window bathes the area in natural light. The window frames beautiful views over the river and marshes, offering a serene and picturesque outlook. To the left of the landing lies the spacious bedroom 2. There are two large sash windows with original shutters and the views over the river are wonderful. The period feature fireplace with its marble mantle and cast-iron grate adds character and warmth to this charming room. The beautifully appointed en suite features a walk-in shower, wash hand basin and WC. Bedroom 3 is situated to the right of the landing, and two sash windows with original shutters offer far reaching views over the river. There is a further feature fireplace with marble mantle and cast-iron grate with tiled slips and slate hearth. The adjoining en-suite shower room features a tiled shower cubicle, WC and wash hand basin. Conveniently located off the middle landing, a well-positioned linen cupboard provides ample storage space. Bedroom 4 enjoys lovely views over the rear garden, creating a peaceful and private retreat. The main bedroom suite is a luxurious and beautifully appointed space, offering both comfort and functionality. A range of bespoke, hand-built fitted wardrobes provide generous storage, complemented by a deep walk-in wardrobe, ensuring ample space for clothing and personal items. This elegant room enjoys lovely views over the gardens, creating a tranquil and private atmosphere. The large en suite bathroom is designed to an exceptional standard, featuring - twin wash hand basins with mirrors and lighting above, a generous bath positioned in front of the window, offering a peaceful spot to relax while enjoying views of the gardens, a large walk-in shower with fully tiled walls and a discreetly positioned WC. SECOND FLOOR From the second-floor landing there is access to substantial eaves storage. Bedrooms 5 and 7 have pretty dormer windows and views over the gardens. Both bedrooms offer eaves storage. From the main landing, a short flight of steps leads to a raised middle landing, where glazed doors with windows to either side open to the roof gulleys. The doors, with windows either side provide excellent natural light to this floor. Bedrooms 6 and 8 with dormer windows provide wonderful views over the river and marshes. Bedroom 6 also offers a wash hand basin and has its own WC. Between bedrooms 6 and 8 there is a large loft storage room with skylight and hanging rails and storage space. The bathroom on the second floor affords lovely views over the church tower and the surrounding town of Beccles. The bathroom features a free-standing claw foot bath, pedestal wash hand basin and WC. OUTSIDE The Old Rectory is enviably positioned within a designated conservation area, nestled behind beautifully crafted bespoke Georgian railings, faithfully reproduced as a replica of the original design. This tasteful frontage offers both historical authenticity and refined curb appeal. Vehicular access to the rear of the property is discreetly tucked away through an arched entrance fitted with an electric roller door, ensuring complete privacy and security. This archway opens into a covered parking area that also provides additional storage space. A paved driveway runs alongside the house, culminating in a parking area with a recently installed car turntable, that allows for easy manoeuvrability and a modern 2-bay cart lodge. To the rear, a stunning wrought iron and glass canopy veranda extends over the flagstone terrace, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. The walled garden is a fine attribute, offering a private and tranquil retreat, thoughtfully cultivated over many years. Mature planting, well-defined borders, and peaceful seating areas create a serene environment that evolves beautifully with the seasons. SITUATION The Old Rectory occupies a prime position on Ballygate, one of the most historic and desirable streets in the charming Georgian market town of Beccles. Just a short stroll from the town centre, the property enjoys easy access to a wide range of local amenities and excellent transport links. Beccles is a thriving market town, known for its characterful streets, independent shops, and traditional weekly market held every Friday. The town offers an excellent array of cafés, restaurants, and pubs, alongside leisure facilities and a choice of schools in both the public and private sectors. The town is well connected by rail, with services to Lowestoft and Ipswich, and onward connections to London Liverpool Street. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the River Waveney flows through the town, offering direct access to the Norfolk Broads a haven for boating, fishing, and wildlife. The Suffolk coast, including the charming seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh, lies within easy driving distance, offering beaches, sailing, and coastal walks. Beccles has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It was granted the right to hold an annual fair in 1260 and is notable as the place where Horatio Nelson’s parents, Catherine Suckling and Edmund Nelson, were married in 1749. Nearby, the historic market town of Bungay offers a further selection of shops, a popular Thursday market, a theatre, and an 18-hole golf course. The Earsham Street area is particularly well regarded for its specialist retailers, including a fishmonger, delicatessen, florists, and greengrocer. Bungay is also home to a Sixth Form College, and the Independent Langley School near Loddon is within reach for those seeking private education. For broader cultural and commercial amenities, Norwich, just 19 miles to the north, offers a vibrant city experience with its Cathedral, historic Norwich Market, and The Forum, which houses the city library. Norwich also boasts an impressive range of restaurants, pubs, theatres, and museums, alongside a growing business community. The city provides direct rail links to London Liverpool Street, and Norwich International Airport, located to the north of the city, offers flights to a range of UK and European destinations. DRIVING DISTANCES (approx.) - Bungay 5.4 miles - Southwold 12.5 miles - Norwich 19 miles WHAT3WORDS We highly recommend the use of the what3words website/app. This allows the user to locate an exact point on the ground (within a 3-metre square) by simply using three words. beams.adventure.those Viewings: By appointment with Jackson-Stops.