Homes in the Suffolk Coastal villages and towns, Orford, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Walberswick and the rest, are in great demand.
It puts a premium on prices - and it makes it very difficult for local people to movec close by, whether they want to downsize or find additional living space.
Orford has been an important fishing village, and a port, from the Middle Ages and the Keep of the 12th Century Royal castle dominates the area, and is still a popular tourist attraction.
There is still freshly caught fish available from the fishermen’s huts.
A decade ago Roger and Pat Hipwell, already living in the Orford, were wanting to increase their own living space.
Unable to find something suitable in the village, instead they looked to build their new home to their own requirements..
Pat Hipwell explained: “We wanted to stay in Orford, and we had quite a large garden, so we employed a planning consultant, and architect Howard Nash to get our new modern home.”
The result is Aspen House, a stunning contemporary home tucked away just of the market square in Orford, not far from the Crown and Castle Hotel, shops, Pump Street Bakery and other amenities.
The Hipwells have been heavily involved in the Orford community. Roger has previously beeen a councilor and has been chairman and founder of the Orford and District Inshore Fishermen’s Association.
Aspen House is virtually hidden from public view, except when approached from Malletts Lane.
It was purpose-built for the couple in 2005 by Seamans of Stowmarket, with accommodation over two floors and with a south-facing terrace and a first floor balcony.
Now the owners are downsizing.
Pat Hipwell said: “It has been absolutely fabulous. It has been everything the architect promised.
“It is light and airy, and very, very cosy in winter and yet cool in the summer.
“The overhanging balcony shades the rooms below from the heat.
“Because of the extent of the glass it keeps in warm, even in the winter and there is also underfloor electric heating.”
“It is a lovely position, tucked away in the centre of the village.”
It really is a private position.
From the south facing terrace there are views over Orford, and views of the river and the North Sea.
Pat added: “You can see the Ness, and the North Sea and sometimes the breakers.
“At night you can see the ferries passing further out.”
The two main bedrooms are on the first floor, and open to the balcony.
To the rear there is the main reception hall, which gives an a tremendous feeling of space and light.
Behind is an excellent studio/sitting room/bedroom three, with access from the central hall or externally, and with an en suite shower room. On the ground floor the open plan kitchen and reception rooms open through full-heigh glazed doors onto the south facing terrace.
The whole house is fitted out to a high standard finish, with the kitchen and bathrooms having modern, well-fitted units, fittings and appliances.
There is a family shower room, utility room and a cellar.
Outside the principal garden faces south and are enclosed by, principally, mature screening.
There is a broad area of decking which opens to an expanse of lawn backed by well-stocked flower and herbaceous beds.
In front of the house is off-street parking space for one vehicle and to the side is a useful enclosed courtyard, with direct access from the utility room.
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