Cherry Tree Inn, Southwold Road, Holton, IP19 8PW

This idiosyncratic five-bedroom home with self-contained one-bedroom annexe lies in Holton, Suffolk, close to the market town of Halesworth and the sandy beaches of Southwold.

Once an 18th-century coaching inn, the house has been thoughtfully updated recently with a striking contemporary rear extension with oak panelling and far-reaching views across the valley beyond.

A lush garden is home to a dining terrace, a pond, a wildflower area and a geodesic dome. Southwold is a 16-minute drive away, while Halesworth is even closer at hand.

This idiosyncratic five-bedroom home with self-contained one-bedroom annexe lies in Holton, Suffolk, close to the market town of Halesworth and the sandy beaches of Southwold.

Once an 18th-century coaching inn, the house has been thoughtfully updated recently with a striking contemporary rear extension with oak panelling and far-reaching views across the valley beyond.

A lush garden is home to a dining terrace, a pond, a wildflower area and a geodesic dome. Southwold is a 16-minute drive away, while Halesworth is even closer at hand.

The Tour The main entrance is accessed via a short flight of steps at the side of the house that lead to a broad oak door.

Inside, a bright entrance hall with a panelled ceiling leads to an expansive kitchen and dining area, illuminated by oak-framed glass doors that open onto the terrace and garden.

To one side, a glazed sitting area with pretty garden views is perfect for reclining after dinner.

A short flight of steps rises to a bright sitting room within the original Inn at the front of the house. Here, a log burner sits in an alcove with timber lintel, and a library lies beyond.

A bespoke staircase ascends to the first floor to a landing lit by vertical windows capturing views across the treetops.

The principal bedroom is bathed in natural light from glazing on two sides, and has leafy garden views.

There are two additional bedrooms; one has fitted storage and is currently used as a dressing room. Two shared bathrooms are both fitted with a shower, and one has a bathtub too.

On the second floor, two versatile spaces are currently used as an office and a studio.

A sitting area lies between the two, its oak-framed glazing providing elevated views of the surrounding landscape beneath a dormer window. There is also a WC on this floor.

To the side of the house is a self-contained annexe with its own entrance. It has a kitchen and a bathroom, and is currently configured as an open-plan living space.

There is an existing doorway which could allow for reconnection in the future. At the bottom of the garden lies a versatile large timber-clad workshop.

Outdoor Space A beautifully landscaped garden extends at the rear of the house. A raised terrace is perfect for outdoor dining, while a large pond has a sculptural water feature at its centre.

Paths wind through the garden to a wildflower area, raised vegetable beds, fruit trees and a flower cutting garden, and a geodesic dome and a greenhouse are tucked within the greenery.

A driveway at the side of the house provides parking for three vehicles, and there is an EV charging point. Two more vehicles can be parked in an area at the end of the garden.

The Area Holton is a small village with a primary school, a farm shop, a garden centre and a 20 acre community owned nature reserve and recreational space.

Further amenities can be found in the neighbouring town of Halesworth, including several shops, a greengrocer and a pharmacy.

Many shops are independently owned, including Focus Organic and the ever-popular Black Dog Deli.

There is also a brilliant local butcher and a market on Wednesdays for fish, fruit and veg and craft stalls.

Halesworth is home to some fantastic antique shops, as well as The Cut; a vibrant community arts centre in a 19th-century former maltings building, offering a full programme of exhibitions, dance, theatre, music and workshops.

Approximately a 16-minute drive from the house is Southwold, a celebrated coastal town with beautiful architecture, sandy beaches, a Pier and working fishing harbour where fresh fish can be bought.

It is home to the Electric Picture Palace, a small but remarkable independent cinema.

Popular pubs here include The Sole Bay Inn and The Lord Nelson, while Two Magpies Bakery is a brilliant spot for a weekend coffee and pastry.

For pursuits in nature, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust manages land on 50 nature reserves in the county. Minsmere rspb site and Dunwich Forest are both close by.

The Blyth Estuary is one of the best spots around for birdwatching in Suffolk.

There are several schooling options in the area, including Holton St Peter Community Primary, Edgar Sewter Primary, and Saint Felix all-through school.

Local secondary schools can be found in Beccles, Bungay, and Framlingham. Halesworth rail station is approximately a three-minute drive from the house.

From here, there are connections to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich, with a total journey time of around two hours and 15 minutes.

Regular buses connect to other Suffolk towns such as Beccles, Southwold and Norwich. Council Tax Band: E