Bacton Manor -Gerogian-fronted house was labour of love

The interior of Bacton Manor (Image: Archant)

The handsome Georgian-fronted house is a landmark that dominates the area, with long reaching views in all directions.

It only dates from around 1720 but parts are older, including some of the panelling and interior features.

In recent times the manor has been operated as a Christian nursing home but it has now been handed back to the farming estate.

Now there is the chance for a new buyer to return it to a rather special home.

Inside there are partition walls, separating the original impressive larger rooms into smaller rooms and corridors, which now need to be removed as part of a project to return this to a substantial family home.

This is a DIY or renovation opportunity on a really grand scale.

It could again be someone’s dream home, as it already has grand design and a superb location.

The house has been part of the Pretyman family land holdings here since 1361 and, following a review, is now available for sale.

Pretyman is a famous name in the local farming community and there is a Pretyman Road in Ipswich today.

Estates manager Ben Crossman said the house was Grade II* listed.

“We anticipate a lot of interest. It is going to be a labour of love for someone. It will be a very special home for someone.

“When the partitions are removed there are some impressive rooms, with high ceilings, and lots of original features.”

High on one wall is an oil painting by Thomas Bardwell, titled Suzannah and the Elders, which is part of its historic listing status.

Bardwell, from Bungay, is a famous portrait artist and copyist, from the 1700s.

The house was a nursing and retirement home from the 1970s untill some 18 months ago.

The original house was given modern extensions at the back, which will also need to be removed as part of the refurbishment.

We walked around the house to explore its amazing potential.

Ben added: “It is going to take someone with a bit of love for it, and with some money. There are absolutely lovely views.

“It is in the village, with all the amenities including the school and the doctor’s surgery, but has its own space.”

Clearly a lot of money will need to be spent to restore it to its further glory on top of the purchase price.

It is being guided at just £550,000.

The planning permission allows for the removal of the post-Victorian additions.

That will produce a home of some 7.500 sq ft, over three floors, plus cellars.

It will be a seven bedrom, six bathroom home with impressive reception rooms when fully restored.

Outside there are approximtely 3.77 acres of gardens and grounds, also in need of restoration and TLC.

There is also the possibility of other land being available if the purchaser required it.

An open day is planned on Saturday March 28, from 10am to 1pm.

Call the agents for more details.