One of the oldest medieval houses in Bury St Edmunds is for sale with Whatley Lane
One of the oldest medieval houses dating from the 14th century is up for sale in a Suffolk town.
North Hall House, in Whiting Street, Bury St Edmunds, is Grade II-listed due to its historical and architectural significance.
The four-bedroom townhouse, which has been comprehensively and sympathetically refurbished, is available with Whatley Lane by private treaty on a freehold basis.
North Hall House is like walking on to a ‘period film set’, located in the medieval grid of Bury, with its secluded ‘secret garden’, comprehensive restoration and blend of modern comforts.
It was originally one house with a central hall and two wings – typical of a hall house – before it was altered in the 18th century and partially restored in 1966, when the timbers were exposed.
Today, it is now separated into three dwellings: North Hall House forms the former east wing.
The plethora of exposed timbers reflects the wealth and status of the original homeowner as good timber came at a price, as does its handsome jettied façade – a clever medieval invention to gain more space on the upper storeys.
Some of the many standout features at the property include the elegant sage green kitchen with French doors opening to a garden oasis, an impressive yet cossetting sitting room with its hand-crafted display cabinetry, as well as an inglenook fireplace complete with a wood burning stove and crowned by an ornately carved oak bressummer.
Another highlight is a whimsical oriel window upstairs with ornate carved angels on the side elevation, that defines the home and is much-loved by residents.
There is also a stunning colonnade stairwell with stones repurposed from remnants of the ancient Benedictine abbey of St Edmundsbury, leading to a large light-filled landing.
The window on the left of the ground floor in the neighbouring property is a curving ‘Dickensian’ shape fitting in a timber-frame. It is thought to have once been a sweet shop.
In the 1920s, the ground floor of North Hall House was used as a bakers shop. It is thought that during its past the house was once used as a school as well.
The home’s superior family bathroom has twin basins and a walk-in shower off the guest bedroom.
The south-facing courtyard garden provides a ‘joyful oasis’ in the centre of Bury, fully enclosed partly by a brick and flint wall.
A stone arched folly with a water feature creates a delightful focal point and low maintenance beds play host to wisteria, rose, climbing jasmine and clematis.
A pergola has a trained vine and the dining terrace space is fully illuminated day and night.
