Brockley, Suffolk

An attractive Grade II listed farmhouse with timber-frame barn and studio, set in 8.3 acres within this rural setting close to the highly regarded village of Hawkedon. No onward chain.
Believed to date back to the 15th century, The White House is a striking Grade II listed farmhouse occupying an idyllic rural setting surrounded by open farmland. Rich in history and architectural character, the property has evolved over the centuries to create an exceptional family home that blends period charm with modern living. From impressive inglenook fireplaces and exposed timbers to original mullioned windows and pamment floors, every room tells part of the story of this remarkable Suffolk home.
Set within approximately 8.3 acres of gardens, paddocks and mature grounds, together with a substantial 16th century barn, and studio, the property offers tremendous lifestyle appeal and excellent potential for those seeking equestrian, smallholding or leisure opportunities.
A welcoming entrance porch with traditional herringbone brick flooring opens into the original reception hall where the property’s heritage is immediately apparent. Original pamment flooring, exposed brickwork, substantial ceiling timbers and a winding period staircase create an impressive first impression.
To the left is the beautifully proportioned principal sitting room, enjoying high ceilings and dominated by an outstanding open inglenook fireplace with brick hearth, fire grate and substantial oak bressummer beam supported by exposed brick piers. A retained period door leads into what is believed to be the original 15th century parlour, an atmospheric room featuring heavily exposed wall and ceiling timbers, mullioned windows and an oak door opening directly onto the gardens.
On the opposite side of the hall is an elegant formal dining room, again displaying an abundance of exposed timbers and centred around a second inglenook fireplace with brick cheeks, tiled hearth and inset wood-burning stove, creating a superb space for entertaining.
Extending across the rear of the house is the impressive kitchen, breakfast and garden room, flooded with natural light from French doors opening onto the terrace.
The shaker-style kitchen is fitted with solid timber work surfaces, an inset double ceramic sink and a comprehensive range of storage cupboards. Integrated appliances include a fridge/freezer, whilst a former fireplace now provides an attractive cooking alcove housing a traditional Royal Blue AGA, complemented by an additional electric hob and oven for warmer months. A beautifully preserved fitted pine dresser provides further character and practical storage.
The adjoining garden room enjoys a semi-vaulted ceiling, matching tiled flooring and delightful views across the rear terrace and gardens.
Beyond the kitchen is a practical rear lobby giving access to a large walk-in shelved larder, an additional store room currently housing a freezer and a ground floor shower room fitted with shower enclosure, WC, wash hand basin and heated towel rail. An adjoining cupboard provides plumbing and space for laundry appliances.
First Floor
A period winding staircase rises to a central landing from which the four bedrooms and bathrooms are accessed.
The principal bedroom is a charming semi-vaulted room with exposed timbers, fitted wardrobes and access through a characterful low doorway into the en-suite bathroom, where exposed chimney brickwork provides a striking period feature. The en-suite comprises a bath with shower over, wash basin, WC, heated towel rail and useful eaves storage.
There are three further bedrooms, each retaining an abundance of original exposed timbers, with two enjoying original skeletal mullioned windows.
These bedrooms are served by the family bathroom, fitted with bath, wash basin, WC and heated towel rail, all complemented by original Suffolk latch doors and exposed historic timbers.
A ladder staircase provides access to two attic rooms within the impressive roof structure, offering exciting potential for future conversion, subject to obtaining the necessary Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission.
Outside
The White House occupies a delightful rural position on the outskirts of Hawkedon and Brockley, approached via a gravel driveway providing extensive parking and turning for numerous vehicles.
Close by to the house stands a versatile detached studio, suitable for a variety of uses including home office, gym, hobbies or creative workspace.
Beyond lies an impressive 16th century timber-framed barn, currently arranged as a large open double-height barn together with a separate enclosed garden store and useful first-floor storage, presenting excellent potential for a range of future uses, subject to any necessary consents.
The gardens have been thoughtfully created to provide a variety of distinct areas to enjoy throughout the seasons. Immediately surrounding the house are mature lawns, established planting and a generous paved terrace perfectly positioned for outdoor dining.
To the north, a picturesque pond sits beneath mature willow and other specimen trees, creating an attractive wildlife haven, whilst a summerhouse provides a peaceful retreat overlooking the gardens.
A woodland walk meanders through the front gardens before linking the paddocks via mown grass paths. To the west lies an attractive meadow garden planted with a collection of heritage fruit trees together with the remains of a traditional hedged vegetable garden, offering exciting opportunities for restoration.
The land extends to approximately 8.3 acres, including two well-defined paddocks. The northern paddock extends to approximately 3.75 acres, whilst the eastern paddock measures approximately 2.6 acres, making the property ideally suited for equestrian use, grazing livestock or those seeking a country lifestyle.
Agent’s Notes
• Grade II Listed period farmhouse dating principally from the 15th and 16th century.
• Approximately 8.3 acres including formal gardens, meadow and paddocks.
• Detached studio and substantial 16th century timber-framed barn.
• Wealth of original period features including inglenook fireplaces, exposed timbers, mullioned windows and pamment flooring.
• Potential for further extension or conversion of the outbuildings, subject to the necessary planning and listed building consents.
• Due to the age and character of the property, several internal doorways have restricted head height and there are changes in floor level on the first floor. Care should therefore be taken when viewing.
This exceptional Suffolk farmhouse offers an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a property of genuine historic significance, combining centuries of character with outstanding lifestyle opportunities in an idyllic rural setting.