A six-bedroom Edwardian house designed by the architect behind the BBC’s Broadcasting House is now up for sale in Walberswick, near Southwold, at a £2.75 million guide price.
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Originally known as Blyth Bank House, the property now called Walber House dates from 1906 and was designed by renowned English architect George Val Myer.
Myer – who designed the property for his brother Reginald, a local bedmaker, and his wife Elsie – is best known for designing Broadcasting House in London, the BBC's first purpose-built home for radio broadcasting.
Walber House has been in the same family for 40 years and retains many superb features. It is even included in Pevsner's 'The Buildings of England' series.
Property agent Peter Ogilvie, head of residential sales for Savills in Suffolk, said that it is a fine example of a contemporary coastal home.
“I have known and loved Walberswick most of my life, with its fabulous beaches, charm and breathtaking scenery – and Walber House has to be one of the most impressive homes I have seen in the village,” he said.
“Though requiring some modernisation, the property offers a unique opportunity to fashion a fabulous family home, with the layout of accommodation flowing exceptionally well and comprising wonderfully proportioned light filled rooms.
“Complemented by beautiful gardens and some spectacular views over the estuary and towards Southwold, it is a fine example of a contemporary home in one of Suffolk’s most sought-after coastal villages.”
Rooms of note include a double-aspect reception hall off the porch, which leads to a triple-aspect sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen/breakfast room and a cloakroom. French windows in the hall open out to a large terrace and there are stairs leading up to the first and second floors.
In 2009, the current owners extended the house to create a stylish annexe known as ‘The Workshop’. This ‘impressive’ ancillary wing includes an open-plan kitchen/dining/sitting room with poured concrete worksurfaces and bi-fold doors to the garden, two bathrooms, a principal bedroom and a further ground-floor study/snug.
“The Workshop, with its striking larch-clad elevations and a sedum roof, complements the original building perfectly – taking inspiration from its timber-clad gable end which is a distinctive feature of many Walberswick homes,” Peter added.
Sitting in grounds of just under one acre, Walber House also features various outbuildings including a cold store and sauna. To the rear of the house is a “generous” dining terrace and the lawned garden has an array of mature and specimen trees, wildlife ponds and an orchard. There is also parking and garaging for several cars.
Owner Claire Whittenbury said: “Over the last 40 years I’ve been lucky enough to call Walber House my family home, and it’s been a privilege. The magical thing about it is that it’s in such a private location, nestled in what’s known as the green lung of the village, surrounded by trees and hedges.
“As we approach retirement, it’s time for the two of us to hand over Walber House so that another family can enjoy living right in the heart of Walberswick, close to the sea and the river, experiencing the beauty of the village all year round.”
Walberswick is a popular Suffolk village with amenities including a small shop, two public houses and a deli.
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The coastal town of Southwold is approximately eight miles away and offers a variety of shops, eateries, seaside attractions and cultural spots. It's an ideal location for keen sailors and golfers, as there are several clubs dedicated to the sports nearby.
The market town of Halesworth is roughly 8.5 miles away, as is nature reserve RSPB Minsmere.
For more information contact Savills.
PROPERTY FACTS
Walber House, Walberswick
Guide price: £2.75 million
Savills, 01473 234 800
Savills.com
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