Regency marine villa at Southwold.
Stone House is arguably one of the best homes on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.
This outstanding Grade II listed Regency marine villa does have a truly unrivalled position on Gun Hill, with superb, far-reaching view of the coastline, the town and countryside.
There are fine views across the beach and beach huts, the town itself, and down the coast towards Walberswick.
It is a spacious home of eight bedrooms, also with an attached three bedroom cottage, and spacious grounds, in a prominent position on the top the hill.
Agent Richard Brown, of Flick & Son, said: “This must be one of the best homes in the Heritage Coast, overlooking the sandy beach, and very private inside.
“Every room, apart from the sewing room, has superb views.
“It is a lovely home that has been well cared for.”
For many years it was the home of the Macheath family.
Colin and Maureen Macheath fell in love with it - in 1961 - when they came to Southwold to honeymoon at The Swan Hotel.
Their daughter Sarah explains: “They were from London, the Ealing area, and we lived in Twickenham. They managed to buy a holiday home in Southwold, when they were much cheaper.
“Probably 40 years ago we were here, having coffee or afternoon tea at The Swan Hotel, and they saw Stone House was for sale. It was their dream home. They lovingly restored it.
“It is an absolutely beautiful house to grow up in. I had been a boarder at St Felix School and I moved here and became a day girl.”
Her father had opened an antiques shop, Captain Morgan’s and ran it for many years, she added.
Stone House has a cool elegance, with shallow bow fronts and shallow roofline, and with an attractive wrought iron balcony bridging between the bays.
Inside the accommodation includes an impressive reception hall with a gentle staircase rising to the first floor galleried landing.
There are four well-proportioned reception rooms all with sea and coastline views to the south and east.
To the rear is the kitchen/breakfast room, a utility and cloakroom.
The first floor features a master bedroom suite, and a guest bedroom is also en suite, and six further bedrooms and two family bathrooms.
Two of the bedrooms have French doors opening onto the East-facing balcony.
All the bedrooms have excellent views of the sea or the surrounding countryside.
And to the rear is an attached three bedroom cottage.
Stone House stands in grounds of approximately three-quarters of an acre, with a shingle driveway, garaging and a raised west-facing terrace, and well established gardens sweeping round from the south to the west.
To the north-west stands a former grass tennis court, within the walls.
Despite its position, the gardens are secluded and landscaped - surrounded by imposing flint walls, from 8ft to 18ft tall in some places.
There are lots of tucked away places and terraces for sitting out in privacy, and also sheltered from sea winds.
The beach and sea are just a few steps away when you want them.
When I visited there was a strong North Wind, so the beach was relatively quiet - apart from walkers and dog owners.
But I did visit the Gun Hill cafe for a cup of tea - and to take in the marvellous views.
Stone House is now under offer.
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