4 bedroom semi detached house for sale

The Old Railway Station has been subject to a full and sympathetic conversion consisting of two separate dwellings which offers a very versatile accommodation. The property consists of an impressive entrance vestibule, sitting room, good sized vaulted kitchen, separate dining room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Platform 2 would make an ideal self contained annexe subject to all the usual planning consent and building permissions.

The story
Always fascinated by railways as a child, and having previously lived in a cottage by a level crossing, Anna Gudge was in seventh heaven at the prospect of taking on the former Long Melford Station with her partner Mark Newton, in October 1994.
The couple agreed that while the distinctive, three-bedroom Victorian house needed some work, it would be a great place to enjoy with their family and friends - and they wasted no time in throwing the first of many successful parties within weeks of moving in.
The house was quite liveable when we bought it so we could settle in pretty quickly said Anna.
In November, we had our first bonfire party to get rid of all the boxes and rubbish. Many friends joined us, and my granddaughter was born the next day, so it was a very happy time.

Celebration central

Since then, Mark's bonfire night firework displays have become the stuff of local legend, and the house has been the scene of many a happy gathering all year round.
We've had small dinner parties and summer barbecues, occasions with 40 or 50 friends round and even a friend's wedding celebration complete with marquee, said Anna.
I did the wedding catering with some help, and at the end of the day everyone, including the bride, ended up in the swimming pool!
We tend to keep an open house here and friends have always loved coming round - I suppose, because it's light and bright, and there's lots of space to wander round both inside and out.

The stunning 24-ft kitchen breakfast room, which was originally the station's waiting room, benefits from a complete wall of windows, giving exceptional levels of light and lovely views over the garden.

Designed with both the cook and guests in mind, it has a relaxing bar area with coffee machine, sound system and separate drinks fridge at one end, with the working area of the kitchen at the other.

Its high vaulted ceiling, with painted timbers, is complemented by an original exposed brick wall and a Fired Earth terracotta floor.
This is a wonderful kitchen for someone who loves cooking and entertaining, she said. It's lovely and light with plenty of space for friends to sit around and chat as you cook, and there's an herb garden just outside the door.

Formal dining

Adjoining the kitchen, and linked by an unusual internal window, with inset tropical fish tank, is the dining room. Its Tuscan stone floor, rich terracotta walls and candle sconces make for a particularly cosy dining space in winter.
We always like to eat in the dining room rather than the kitchen, whether it's just the two of us or with friends, said Anna. Although, as soon as the weather warms up, we tend to eat outdoors.
Dinner guests are always impressed by their welcome into a room-sized reception hall. With its ornate cornicing, and magnificent chandelier hanging from the 12 ft high ceiling, this makes a useful additional gathering space for larger parties, but is large enough to be used day-to-day for study or play, if required.
At Christmas, it makes the perfect setting for a tall and slender Victorian-style Christmas tree. Leading from the inner hall is the drawing room, which has two 10-ft high sash windows and a lowered ceiling that makes for a cosier atmosphere.
This is our favourite retreat-to room after dinner, said Anna.

Private quarters

The three bedrooms and family bathroom are set away from the living areas via a long inner hall, and comprise a master bedroom, with en-suite shower, and a further double room with original period fireplace. The third bedroom is a very elegant room, with windows to the side and rear giving views of the garden.
The family bathroom features luxury spa bath, a double walk-in shower and sophisticated mood lighting for the ultimate in relaxation.
One thing is for sure, after almost 18 happy years at the Old Railway Station, Anna and Mark - not to mention their friends and relatives - are going to miss the old place.
We are only moving because we want to make a big change, she said. But there are lots of our friends and family who are very disappointed, particularly my granddaughter who has been running around the garden and jumping in the swimming pool all her life!

Accommodation
Ground Floor

The attractive mellow red brick facade with rusticated quoins and large sash windows immediately raise expectations as to what lies beyond. Two attractive doors open onto an impressive entrance vestibule which has 12ft high ceilings, ornate cornice and pictorial and deep skirting boards with oak flooring. A further door takes you into the inner hall, again with 12ft high ceiling and 6ft sash windows and an original 8ft double door which turns open to the kitchen/breakfast room. Taking the door to the right you will find the well proportioned sitting room with 9ft high ceilings, oak flooring and an impressive sash window that overlooks the front drive. We then move into the impressive vaulted kitchen/breakfast room which would have once been the covered waiting platform. Turned into an exceptional space, the kitchen is fitted in a traditional layout with an extensive range of attractive built in cabinets and various appliances with an attractive Fired Earth terracotta floor. Adjacent is the semi open plan dining room with two sash windows, sharing similar views to that of the kitchen. The room features a lovely Tuscan stone floor with an attractive aquarium which looks through into the inner hall. The sleeping quarters consist of three good sized bedrooms with the principle suite having an en-suite shower. The other two are serviced with a family size bath/shower room.

Annexe

We now move into platform two which echoes the exterior of the railway station. This charming Victorian building was once a former waiting room for the second platform. This charming area has its own gas boiler for heating, electricity and mains water. It also provides connections for telephone/broadband including a pbx telephone exchange box. There is also BT fibre connection laid to the building which the vendors believe can be reconnected if required. This space is being currently divided into four separate areas which include an office/hobby room, a store room, bedroom & utility room with WC.

Setting the scene
The property is attached to the old Station Master's House whilst the Old Railway Station offers off road parking to the front as well as through a driveway which is accessed via an electric double gate. There is a large detached double garage with twin up and over doors and power and light is connected, also a large wooden workshop/shed again with power and light connected. The Old Railway Station is set in 0.54 acres of mature gardens, which include part of what used to be the old railway line. They include lawned areas, with ample space for a marquee, established shrub borders, a pond area and productive vegetable garden, as well as the outdoor swimming pool. The gardens back onto managed woodland.

What'S nearby ()
Long Melford is a village characterised by its wide variety of architecture shops and a famous green dominated by the Holy Trinity Church. For wider facilities and twice-weekly market, Sudbury is less than three miles away and picturesque Bury St Edmunds just a 20-minute drive.
The area is seamed with footpaths, many of them along the former railway line right from the house. In fact, it is possible to walk to Sudbury taking the path of the old railway.
Close by is the National Trust's, Melford Hall, a picturesque turreted house formerly owned by relatives of Beatrix Potter, and Kentwell Hall, a red brick Tudor mansion and gardens.

Directions
From the A12 take exit 27 to Colchester, head along Remembrance Avenue towards the station. Take the first exit onto North Station Road and at the next roundabout take the third exit onto the A134. Keep on the A134 to Sudbury until you arrive at the village of Long Melford, the property can be found on the left hand side.

For those with satellite navigation the postcode is CO10 9HN

Chewton Rose is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate