Mickfield, Stowmarket, Suffolk

A rare opportunity to own one of Suffolk's most historic and picturesque homes, where centuries of heritage blend seamlessly with the comforts of modern living. Tucked away at the end of a private half-mile drive, Read Hall offers a truly idyllic lifestyle - a medieval manor house surrounded by moated gardens, meadows and countryside, complete with a charming guest cottage and versatile oak-framed barn. Whether entertaining in its magnificent vaulted rooms, retreating to the tranquillity of the grounds, or welcoming family and friends to the cottage, this is a home that delivers privacy, character and timeless Suffolk charm in abundance.

Key Features

- Approached via a private half-mile drive, creating an exclusive setting of

peace and privacy

- Grade II* listed medieval manor house with 15th Century origins

- Wealth of period detail: exposed timbers, Tudor brick floors, leaded-light

windows and open fireplaces

- Vaulted first-floor sitting room with medieval roof timbers and rare

smoke-blackened crown post

- Read Hall Cottage - a detached two-bedroom cottage with decking, hot

tub and meadow views

- (49ft x 25ft), 2020 Modern oak-framed Suffolk barn (49ft x 25ft), constructed in 2020

- Beautiful landscaped gardens with lawns, part-moat and mature trees

- Orchard with apple, walnut and pear trees

- Two acres of meadow with far-reaching countryside views

- Grounds and gardens extending in all to 4.75 acres

Description Approached via a half-mile private drive and surrounded by open farmland, Read Hall enjoys an oasis-like setting amidst part-moated gardens and grounds extending to 4.75 acres.

Listed Grade II*, the Hall is a distinguished medieval manor house, understood to date from the mid-15th Century. Altered and extended during the 16th and 17th Centuries, including the addition of a cross-wing Tudor brick chimney, the

property was lovingly restored in the 1970s and has been meticulously maintained since. The house remains a remarkably complete example of a medieval manor, retaining a wealth of period features: exposed timbers, Tudor brick floors, leaded-light

windows, oak boarded floors and doors, and impressive open fireplaces. An original newel staircase provides further historic character. A highlight is the vaulted first-floor sitting room, open to the roof apex, displaying the medieval roof timbers and a rare smoke-blackened crown post. Many rooms enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding gardens and countryside. The house

is warmed by modern electric heating and three high quality Jotul wood-burning stoves, ensuring comfort alongside its history.

Read Hall Cottage, positioned to the east, was previously a successful holiday let generating strong levels of income. With views across the meadow and farmland, it offers a fitted kitchen with Esse cooking range, a large sitting room, two bedrooms, bathroom, and a decking terrace with hot tub - perfect for guests, family or rental use.

The grounds are a delight. Wrought iron gates open to a shingle driveway lined with mature poplars and the sweeping moat, leading to a parking and turning area. Landscaped gardens are enclosed by hedges and trees, with expansive lawns and

an orchard of apple, walnut and pear. Beyond the moat, overhung with willow and ash, lie two acres of meadow with far-reaching views of the Suffolk countryside.