The property
You know you’re somewhere special as you turn into the sweeping drive with double fronted façade ahead of you and front door flanked by Doric columns. The imposing entrance hall has an elegant dining room to one side and beautiful big bedroom to the other. Along the south wing you’ll find the massive ballroom with floor to ceiling windows opening onto the flagstone terrace, a fantastic entertaining room; and the oak-panelled billiard room leading to the covered sun-room. All five bedrooms spread over the first floor are superbly decorated and furnished, three grand bedrooms with emperor beds as well as a charming king and twin with two luxurious bathrooms and a second shower room.
Spread over the top floor is two good sized bedrooms with king size beds, one with an en-suite shower room and another family bathroom of the landing.
The West Wing of Henstead Hall has extensive grounds wrapped around three sides, approached by a long driveway banked by lawned gardens, with a flagstone terrace – great for long lazy lunches with ample space for the young ones to run around. The small village of Henstead is less than seven miles from the picturesque vibrant seaside town of Southwold; with a railway station, independent shops, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets in the busy market town of Beccles just seven miles away.
Location Information
Henstead is a small village, less than seven miles from the picturesque and vibrant seaside town of Southwold with many eateries, an iconic pier, and a long stretch of sandy beach.
The busy market town of Beccles is also approximately seven miles away, which has a good range of supermarkets, independent shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as a market selling fresh produce every Friday and a train station with links to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich. The area is located in the Waveney Valley, a gateway to the Broads network.
Ground Floor
Guests are welcomed into a large entrance hall at the heart of Henstead Hall with a sweeping staircase leading to a long corridor and continuing up four steps to the first floor. The library and ground floor bedroom sit to either side of the front door; there’s a convenient cloakroom/alcove off the hall (positioned above 4 steps); utility room then the kitchen/dining room sits at the back with ballroom and billiard rooms off the corridor with a door to the garden. The majority of the ground floor is carpeted with a tiled floor in the kitchen/dining room.
Kitchen/Dining Room
The chef in the family is sure to enjoy preparing meals in this smart split level kitchen/dining which is extremely well equipped for entertaining.
At the top of the room units run in a U shape with the central area containing two dishwashers, a double butlers sink, and three barstools, nicely dividing the space. Additional equipment includes a Professional Rangemaster with conventional oven, fan oven, five induction cooking zones, and a bread proving/storage drawer and there’s an additional built-in oven/grill and microwave for larger parties. There are two large Bosch fridges with two three-drawer freezers beneath them and additional storage in a pantry, as well as many units and a couple of dressers which are also stacked with ample crockery, cutlery and glassware for groups of 14 guests.
The dining area is great for casual meals or a more formal dinner, with two sturdy tables which can seat 14 guests at a squeeze, or can be separated to fit 16 guests. There are also three bar stools at the breakfast bar. There’s also a widescreen TV on the dresser and deep shuttered sash windows make this a lovely place to be throughout the day with designer lights when darkness falls.
Dining Room
Sitting at the front of Henstead Hall, this elegant room exudes sophistication for formal dinners around a huge antique table that easily seats 18 places. With bookcases on either side of the ornate fireplace stacked with reading material to enjoy and a couple of occasional tables with more chairs. If you're celebrating or simply looking to enjoy wonderful food in the company of your friends and family in this charming room, Best of Suffolk can suggest some great local caterers to help you relax and enjoy the occasion.
Utility Room
Extra storage for your belongings with a washing machine too.
Shower Room
Well located for use during the day, and for guests sleeping in the ground floor bedroom. Shower cubicle, WC, washbasin, and heated towel rail. Please note that are steps rising to the hall way which this room is positioned off of.
Ground Floor Bedroom
A palatial room, with high ceilings, original fireplace, and seating in the bay window to the front of the house. Furnished with a huge emperor bed, bedside tables, enormous gilded mirror and ample storage in built in wardrobes, shelves, a low draw unit at the bottom of the bed, and an additional three-drawer dresser.
Ballroom
This magnificent room, with high ceilings, antique mirrors, and handsome fireplace, has been suitably furnished with large sofas and chairs so guests to relax with plenty of room for kids to play too. The painted wooden floor is covered with rugs; there’s a 55” flat screen TV on an antique dresser and grand piano for your amusement. Floor to ceiling sash windows can be opened so you can walk out onto the south facing patio and lawn beyond.
Billiard Room
Many an hour will be spent in this exceptional oak-paneled room with atrium and chandeliers above the full-size billiard table to ensure the light’s good at any time of the day or evening. Chairs and a sofa allow spectators to enjoy the game and a door opens onto the sun-room.
Sun Room
Overlooking the patio and lawn, this peaceful covered area is perfect for afternoon tea in the sun (or for smokers), with wicker chairs and table.
First Floor
Carpeted stairs rise to a half landing with stairs rising to the left (south) where you'll find the front bedroom and shower room, then more stairs to the Woodland bedroom and en suite.
A galleried landing to the right (north) gives access to three bedrooms with one bathroom and the flat, which can be booked with the house to give accommodation for 14 guests.
North Wing
Church View Bedroom
The emperor size bed (6’6”) has pride of place in this massive high ceilinged bedroom with far reading views over the drive to the countryside. A giant mahogany armoire gives ample storage and there’s a sofa and bedside tables.
Jack and Jill Bathroom
A corridor leads from the gold bedroom to this wonderful big bathroom, which can be used as the en-suite for the gold bedroom and/or the twin on the other side. A claw foot bath takes centre stage with a double shower cubicle with rain and hand showers for those who prefer to shower; WC, washbasin in a vanity unit, heated towel rail and windows giving plenty of natural light.
Twin Bedroom
Ideal for families, with easy access through the bathroom; or with more privacy for a couple with separate access off the landing. There are twin beds, bedside units, additional drawers, and lots of hanging space in wardrobes along a private corridor to the landing.
King Bedroom
This pretty bedroom with a view of the fields has a wrought iron king size bed with bedside tables, a free-standing wardrobe, chest of drawers and dressing table with stool and mirror.
South Wing
Front Bedroom
Another gorgeous bedroom, with big bay windows over the lawn and an enormous emperor bed with bedside tables. A full-size single day bed sits at one side, ideal for a child or simply a place chill with a book, and there’s a large mahogany mirrored wardrobe.
Shower Room
Just across the corridor from the front bedroom, with corner shower, WC, washbasin, and window giving natural light. This shower room is also relatively close to the double bedroom.
Woodland Bedroom
Wake to the birdsong in this grand bedroom overlooking the garden and woodland beyond. The emperor bed dominates the room with bedside units, a large wardrobe plus dresser and dressing table.
En-Suite Bathroom
This luxurious bathroom has a decadent double ended slipper claw foot bath, double shower cubicle with rain and hand showers, WC, washbasin, heated towel rail and window overlooking the garden. There’s a door to the corridor as well as into the Woodland bedroom, so this bathroom can easily be used by guests in the double or Church View bedrooms.
Second Floor
A door opens off the first-floor landing onto a carpeted staircase rising to the second floor landing, giving access to both bedrooms (one with en-suite shower room) and the family bathroom.
Master Bedroom
This large bedroom has space to sit and relax in the armchair. Furniture includes a king-size bed with bedside tables and ample storage with a low chest at the bottom of the bed, chest of drawers and large wardrobe.
En-suite Shower Room
With walk-in double shower with hand attachment, WC, and washbasin.
King Size Bedroom
Another large bedroom with a sash window overlooking the front of Henstead Hall, with king-size bed, bedside drawers, an enormous wardrobe, dressing table, a couple of chairs and an ornamental fireplace.
Family Bathroom
Off the hallway so ideal for guests in the king-size bedroom. The bath has a hand shower over, WC and wash-basin.
Outside
The West Wing of Henstead Hall, approached by a long driveway banked by lawned gardens, has extensive grounds wrapped around three sides and the east wing of the house at the back completely shielded by high fencing. A south-facing flagstone terrace is furnished with outdoor furniture so you can make the most of indoor/outdoor living and enjoy long lazy lunches and BBQs. There’s easy access through huge floor to ceiling windows in the ballroom, the ground floor corridor, billiard room, and the covered sun-room. A large lawn (great for ball games) with a few well-established trees slopes up to the neighbouring woodland and, for those wanting a truly relaxing break. For a touch of added luxury and fun why not hire a hot tub for your stay through Suffolk Hot Tubs (www.suffolkhottubs.co.uk). The sweeping drive and parking area to the side of the house has ample space for up to eight cars.
Note: Only Monday and Friday arrivals and departure are accepted at this property
About the location
BECCLES
Lowestoft 11 miles.
The historic market town of Beccles has excellent amenities, with unique shops, many of which are independent retailers and the range of restaurants and dining facilities are impressive, with numerous cafes, tea rooms and traditional inns. There are also a number of interesting buildings, including the Town Hall and Quaker Hall, which houses the weekly country farmers' market. The more active visitor may wish to explore the town and surrounding area via the Beccles Marsh Trail, which is divided into three walks of varying distance and character. With an outdoor swimming pool and various play areas, children are well catered for, whilst cyclists can enjoy a number of cycle routes around the town. Beccles is surrounded by open countryside, whilst an easy drive brings you to the popular Suffolk coast and the seaside resorts of Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Southwold.
Note: If you wish travel cots and highchairs to be made available please request at time of booking.
Note: The piano is tuned once a year, if you would like to use the piano during your stay and would like the piano tuned for your stay, please get in touch.
Note: Only Monday and Friday arrivals and departure are accepted at this property
