If you have walked along the River Deben footpath at Waldringfield, you may well have seen Crystal Creek tucked away behind its garden and thought ‘wow’.
This is not typical Suffolk home, but rather an individual, architect-designed contemporary home that really impresses.
With its high pitched roof and big windows overlooking the water, it struck me as something like a Californian beach house, or perhaps something you might find in Florida?
This really is a dream home, for its location, space and its high specification modern conveniences - and all just eight miles from Ipswich and four miles from Woodbridge, which is on the opposite bank of the river.
Today the Deben is not really an industrial river; more known for leisure sailing, rowing and a spot of fishing.
Waldringfield is a favourite spot for sailing, though the boatyard here points to its earlier industrial importance, and the days of barges.
Now sailing and leisure are supreme, with The Maybush pub a popular destination and many great footpaths to explore this riverside area of outstanding natural beauty.
Crystal Creek was built in 1999 and Clive and Denise Underdown moved here eight years ago, and were only the third owners.
Mr Underdown said: “I have sailed in East Anglia since I was eight-years-old, originally on the Blackwater at Tollesbury, and we kept our boat at Levington Marina so we were looking to move to Suffolk.
“We heard a house in the village might be available.
“We absolutely love the river Deben. People don’t realise the gem they have here.
“We are in an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty, with a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) next door, and lots of wildlife.
“I think the Deben and the Alde are some of the best rivers in the UK. The Deben is among the best rivers and some of the best sailing.
“The views from the house, and the lounge are stunning, across the river and boats to the farmland on the opposite side.”
Crystal Creek comes with its own deep water mooring, and over the years Mr Underdown has sailed his Oyster 39 yacht here, and latterly an Atlantic 46 cruiser, although he is currently without a boat.
“We have sailed from here along the East Coast and across to Holland and France.”
My first view of Crystal Creek was driving in through the electric gates and round to the car park courtyard at the rear.
It is set in a lush landscaped garden, and it really is a stunning home.
It was originally designed by architect Mike Driver, of MS2 Architectural Consultants, of Bury St Edmunds.
Mr Underdown added: “It is a lovely house.
“There are stunning views from the lounge, with its high vaulted ceiling.
“There are big windows everywhere, making it a very light house.”
This is a five bedroom, four bathroom `smart’ home with all the latest modern technology; internet, entertainment, lighting and security systems.
The couple have transformed the interior of the house since they have been here, with the help of local builder Mark Wright and using the design services of Anglia Factors for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom fitting.
The kitchen, utility and bathrooms have all been fitted out to a luxury standard, with integrated appliances.
“We like to use local specialists and businesses whenever we can,” Clive added.
There is a high-tech garage block too.
Outside locally-based garden designer Mia Witham designed the ‘sensory’ garden.
“It is about the sounds not just the sights,” explained Clive. “There are always the sounds of the winds through the rushes.
“Our children and grandchildren love it here.”
The house and grounds were great for entertaining too, he said. There are barbecue and patio areas, a hot tub and shady spots for when it is too hot.
If you want to venture further, the pub is only a few steps away, and there are lovely footpaths.
Crystal Creek has a guide price of £2.5million.
Agents are Savills, Ipswich.
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