A charming countryside cottage with separate art studio has come on the market on Mill Common in Blaxhall for £425,000.
The Willows was originally a squatter's cottage, built in 1810 when the law allowed anyone to build a home on common land so long as there was smoke coming out of the chimney within 24 hours.
The cottage has been extended several times over the years, but still retains uninterrupted field views to the rear and heathland views to the front.
Current owners Jim and Samira Racine instantly fell in love with The Willows, without even stepping a foot inside the cottage: “When we first drew up on the common and discovered the cottage, we instantly fell in love with the idyllic location and realised this was ‘the one’ before even viewing inside,” said Jim.
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Both Jim and Samira work from home, and while they could see the potential to make the spacious living area, with its vaulted ceilings and skylights, into an ideal living and working environment for Samira, there was no studio space for Jim, who is a bronze sculptor.
“Finding studio space in this part of Suffolk is almost impossible and had complicated our house hunt,” explained Jim. “So we had resorted to looking for properties with enough land to build one.”
Jim’s studio was built in the back garden by a professional local carpenter and friend, with a painting studio on one side and a place to sculpt on the other. The large window wall also offers views across the fields and woodland, which Jim says is "perfect for watching boxing hare, deer and the entertaining rookery".
Samira describes the main house as striking "the perfect balance between traditional character and modern practicality".
The single-storey cottage comprises a sitting room, kitchen/diner, two bedrooms, bathroom and garden room.
"Guests are always surprised to discover how such an enchanting cottage opens up into a fabulous, light and airy living environment with wonderful views," said Samira.
The cosy sitting room is at the heart of the old part of the home, with solid oak flooring and custom-made oak lining one wall.
The kitchen has been refitted with modern units, integrated fridge freezer, Neff oven and AEG induction hob, with a substantial breakfast bar and space and plumbing for a washing machine.
"We both love cooking and really enjoyed updating the kitchen to make it perfect for entertaining," said Samira. "The generous Iroko wood surface has become the heart of our home, perfect for rolling out pastry and pasta while guests enjoy drinks and nibbles.
“We love it when our house is full of friends and the open-plan living area is fantastic for entertaining.”
The original squatter’s cottage is now the guest bedroom, while the main bedroom has an en-suite shower room and the original Suffolk brick flooring.
The bathroom was also remodelled, with natural stone tiling, WC, separate corner shower cubicle and a generous bathtub.
The garden room completes the inside accommodation. It has oak flooring and a fully insulated roof, which allows it to be used all year round. "It's our favourite spot for watching the sunset," said Jim.
Outside, the garden is mainly laid to lawn, with flower beds, shrub borders and mature trees, three sheds and a large terrace that has a remote-controlled awning.
Samira describes the garden as “absolutely perfect for hosting barbeque parties, watching the setting sun and sitting out under the stars with friends”.
There is also parking for four vehicles, as well as additional hardstanding for one car or campervan.
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Blaxhall is the heart of the Suffolk coastal region, and is rich with cultural activities, something which Jim appreciated.
“The village is very much alive and has several artists, writers, crafts people and musicians in residence, and is home to those who appreciate the arts,” he said.
“For an artist it’s important to be at the heart of a supportive and vibrant creative region which is also laid back and acceptant of different modes of life."
There are regular events at the village hall and pub, and the village is surrounded by heathlands, forests and cycle routes.
"On Sunday afternoons, we often meet up with other locals for games and drinks on the playing field or in the village hall, before heading to the pub for the evening," said Jim. "The Ship Inn is a traditional country pub that is the hub of village life. It is famous for its live folk music events, open-mic nights and first-rate quiz team."
The village is also conveniently placed for access to Aldeburgh, Framlingham and Saxmundham, offering a range of amenities including retail, education and leisure facilities.
Wickham Market railway station is around four miles away, with transport links to Ipswich, then connecting to London Liverpool Street.
For more information, please contact Suffolk Coastal.
PROPERTY FACTS
The Willows, Blaxhall
Price: £425,000
Suffolk Coastal, 01728 677980
suffolkcoastal.com
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