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Go East: seven outstanding historic homes in rural East Anglia

This corner of the country has long drawn those in search of space, beauty and a slower pace. Here, the houses are steeped in history – from Jacobean farmsteads to Georgian manors – shaped by centuries of craftsmanship and care. These seven homes are some of the region’s most remarkable – where orchard trees bend with fruit, timber beams bear the marks of generations past and every view is a reminder of just how quietly extraordinary Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex can be

Writer: Amy Bonifas

Go East: seven outstanding historic homes in rural East Anglia

The Cedars, Long Stratton, Norfolk

This Grade II-listed home was built in the 1600s, in a tranquil village in south Norfolk, and was once part of a working farm. In the late 18th century, it was transformed into a gentleman’s residence and now appears distinctly Georgian with all its stunning symmetry, sash windows and generous proportions. The recent owners have added contemporary touches with white-washed walls and natural materials, while the private gardens stretch for two acres, including a tiled garden area, ideal for lazy summer days.

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Further Hill Farm, Cookley, Suffolk

Set in a rare pocket of rolling Suffolk countryside, this Grade II-listed farmhouse is a rural idyll. Its 16th- and 17th-century wings enfold over 4,000 sq ft of beautifully crafted interiors, blending age-old vernacular details with the lightness and flow of modern living. The setting is exceptional: five and a half acres of gardens burst with colour and scent, while a collection of barns and outbuildings lend themselves to creative or practical use. A pond, wildflower lawns and heritage orchards complete the picture – all within easy reach of the Suffolk coast.

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Church Farm House, Stambourne, Essex

A classic Georgian home with timeless appeal, Church Farm House is defined by its elegant eight-over-eight sash windows, original shutters and soft palette of buttermilk hues. Inside, original terracotta tiles and open fireplaces speak to its rich architectural heritage, while the half-acre garden beyond brims with David Austin roses. Wonderfully secluded yet well-placed, the farmhouse is close to Molly’s Wood, a 10-acre community nature reserve, and is just a short drive to Saffron Walden – recently named the Sunday Times’ best town to live in.

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Waltham Hall, Little Stonham, Suffolk

A legacy of craftsmanship echoes through the mellow brick floors, oak beams and Minton tiles of Waltham Hall, where Suffolk’s 17th-century rural vernacular meets the elegance of a later Victorian addition. Beyond its walled garden and orchard of cherry trees, life unfolds at a slower rhythm: coffees at the River Green Café in Debenham, seasonal blooms at the local florist, and pints at the Woolpack, a rare surviving beer house. Stowmarket’s direct trains to London are just a short drive away.

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Great Ellingham Hall, Great Ellingham, Norfolk

A grand moated hall set within seven acres of Norfolk countryside, this striking Grade II-listed house was originally built in the late 16th century and bears the marks of its rich architectural past – from Elizabethan staircases to wattle and daub walls. Inside there are a series of warmly interconnected spaces with remarkable period details. Beyond, outbuildings and a converted barn offer scope for work or play, while the neighbouring village and Norwich beyond keep the home well-connected.

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The Clock House, Dunmow, Essex

Topped with a single-handed turret clock and fronted by a façade of red brick and curvilinear gables, The Clock House is one of Great Dunmow’s most storied homes. Built in the 16th century and once home to Sir George Beaumont – founder of the National Gallery – the house is marked with a blue plaque honouring its artistic legacy. Today, its original fireplaces, exposed timbers and Georgian panelled rooms sit quietly behind a walled garden filled with parterres and trailing roses. Beyond the gates, Great Dunmow is a haven for epicures with independent coffee and natural wine shops.

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Nine Elms Farmhouse, Ringshall, Suffolk

Peacefully placed, this handsome farmhouse is a stand-out example of 17th-century architecture, with its thatched roof, limewashed exterior and apotropaic markings. Renovated with care by architect Richard Tricker, the home pairs characterful studwork and centuries-old beams with considered contemporary additions. The surrounding grounds are verdant with walnut, fig and apple trees playing host to barn owls and deer. Set in the ancient hamlet of Ringshall, it’s close to Stowmarket and the restaurants of Lavenham for weekends closer to home.

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