Eye, Suffolk £1,450,000 Freehold

The Red House

A magnificent cypress tree stands in the centre of the expansive garden lawn, which is bordered by herbaceous perennials and mature shrubs

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Set in the middle of the charming market town of Eye, Suffolk, this expansive red-brick, Grade II-listed Georgian house is a handsome presence on historic Lambseth Street. Though its frontage is quintessential of the period, the house dates even further back than the early 19th century, with features inside indicative of its 15th-century origins. Its generous plan of 5,500 sq ft includes seven bedrooms, a series of distinct living spaces and a studio. Outside lies an immense walled garden filled with a variety of trees and plants.

Setting the Scene

The peculiar town name of Eye arises from the earliest settlements in the former marshland which would have appeared like an ‘eye-land’. As is the case of much of East Anglia, Eye has been an area of prominence from Roman times all the way to the modern age. Grand buildings in the 16th and 17th century came with the rising fortunes of the area and the merchant classes.

Well-known for its array of excellent Suffolk vernacular, the town is also locally renowned for the ‘crinkle crankle’ wall of red-brick construction dating from c. 1811, coinciding with the time of the brick re-fronting of The Red House. For much of the 19th century, the building was owned by the Tacon family, who held substantial stakes in the local brewing trade. For more information, please see the History section.

The Grand Tour

The remarkable Flemish bond red-brick façade is punctuated by a series of Georgian six-over-six sash windows, which sit beneath flat skewback arches of herringbone gault brick and wisteria. The stately six-panel and field door is reached by the double flight of steps that are flanked by elegant cast-iron railings. A string course and quoin stones, also in gault bricks, contrasts pleasingly with the otherwise ruddy frontage.

Entry is to the formal hallway, where Minton tiles run underfoot and a large fire breast reveals a substantial wood burner. Branching off from the hall is the library, a snug, wooden-panelled room arranged around a cosy central fire breast. To the left of the hall is one of several sitting rooms, with wallpaper by Cole and Son and cast-iron radiators. The chamfered white beams hints at the home’s 15th-century origins, while an original shutter is complemented by an open fireplace. A further drawing room lies beyond.

Of expansive proportions, the kitchen has a wonderful sense of spaciousness and light. Bespoke wooden cabinetry in a woodland green lines one side of the room, which has voluminous high ceiling and double French doors to the patio and garden. Floorboards pave the room, and there is plenty of space for even the largest farmhouse table and chairs. A back study, a studio workshop with external access, and an annexe apartment with its own bathroom, kitchen and entrance completes the ground-floor plan.

A bright stick-baluster staircase with ramped handrail ascends to the first floor. The large principal bedroom is at the rear, with a calming atmosphere and views over the garden. The space feels wholly private and has exquisite details including a marginal glazed arched window and a pitched ceiling. It also has an en suite with a bath as well as a dressing room and a fireplace. There are an additional four other bedrooms arranged around the central landing, one of which is en suite, and a large family bathroom.

To the rear of the house there is a drive with shared access and private off-road parking with access to both the annexe and the main house.

The Great Outdoors

Despite the town centre location of the house, the tranquil garden is of a sizeable scale. A magnificent cypress tree stands in the centre of the expansive garden lawn, which is bordered by herbaceous perennials, mature shrubs and evergreens. A trellis running up the kitchen wall has trailing Virginia creeper. The herringbone brick terrace, which wraps around the rear of the house, captures the southerly light, making it a perfect spot to enjoy an outdoor breakfast and dinner. Benches have been dotted around the perimeter, next to overflowing ivy climbing the walls.

Out and About

Eye is a bustling market town with a regular Friday market. It has an excellent array of shops including two butchers, a bakery and two fantastic antique stores. The Handyman is a well loved local purveyor of almost all conceivable practical item, while Cocoa Mama is a local chocolatier selling. Eye also has a local florist, Fleur Artisan, two cafes and a first-class deli in Beards . The Queen’s Head, and The Oaksmere in Eye are cosy local eateries that offer traditional fare, while the Swan at Hoxne offers a wonderful pub garden.

Debenham nearby is well-known for its characterful pretty high street and has an excellent grocer, butcher, florist and several thriving coffee shops, including the popular River Green Café and deli, as well as a local brewery. The Red Lion recently reopened as a restaurant and the Woolpack pub, an old-fashioned, licenced beer house, is also on the high street. Debenham also has an ironmonger, a well-stocked shop, a post office, and a newsagent.

The Station and Watson and Walpole are popular restaurants in Framlingham, while The Leaping Hare at Wyken is a celebrated restaurant and vineyard. Meanwhile, at Woodbridge, there is an arts cinema and the multi award winning gastro pub, The Unruly Pig. A celebrated Spanish delicatessen, Emmett’s, can be found nearby Peasenhall and an excellent fishmonger in Orford, Pinney’s of Orford. For South Indian cuisine, Chennai Dhosa in Ipswich is a favourite spot.

The arts are similarly well-served in the area. Snape Maltings and Leiston Abbey host celebrated musical concerts that draw many international musicians.

There are also areas of outstanding natural beauty nearby, with nature reserves at Minsmere and Redgrave and Lopham Fenns. The stunning Suffolk coastline with vast tracts of reedbeds, heath and beach is around half an hour by car. Likewise, Sutton Hoo, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, is close too.

Schools in the area are aplenty. St Peter and St Paul Primary School is a five-minute walk away, while Hartismere High School in Eye offers A Level education. Framlingham College, Woodbridge School and Ipswich School offer co-ed independent education for children aged three to 18 and school vans for each school leave from outside the house daily.

The nearest train station is Diss, five miles away on the main line from Norwich to London Liverpool Street, a service that takes approximately 90 minutes. The line passes through Stratford, bringing Heathrow within three hours of Eye via the Elizabeth line.

Council Tax Band House: G
Council Tax Band 1B: A

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. Inigo has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.

History

The history of Eye has been traced back as far as Paleolithic, with finds indicating a degree of constant habitation through to the Bronze Age. A significant Roman hoard was discovered in Eye in 1780-81 when farm labourers discovered a lead box buried in a field containing around 600 gold coins. It is poorly documented, but the Eye Hoard was the largest discovery of golden Roman coins. The hoard was not retained intact and had sadly been dispersed through the various collections.

In Saxon times Eye was held by Edric of Laxfield, but after the conquest the land passed to Willliam Malet who subsequently constructed the castle. Eye Castle is one of only two castles mentioned as a source of income for their owners in the Domesday Book. This is understood to be stemming from the unusual arrangement of a market taking place from within the castle bailey, which drew revenue for the owner. During the succession skirmishes in the 12th century, Eye passed through several families, but with the ascension of Henry II the king reclaimed the castle bringing it back under royal ownership. The castle was significantly rebuilt in the 12th century in stone however it was sacked in 1265 and largely abandoned after this period.

For many years, Eye claimed to be the smallest borough in the country, based on the Charter of King John 1205. Interestingly a clerk disputed this claim in the 19th century with a reexamination of the documents revealing them to pertain to Hythe in Kent, not Eye in Suffolk.

Mention of local industry in Eye centres around a thriving cottage trade in lace making in the 17th century. This continued through the 18th century, but the failure to attract the rail line to run through Eye in the 19th century dampened the towns industrial importance. The rolling flatlands of Suffolk rose to significant importance during the war effort with Eye Airfield home to the 490th Bomb Group throughout the conflict. There is a museum to the 95th Bomb Group in Debenham today, a testament to the regions particular contributions during World War II.