Robins Nest is a wonderfully contemporary alternative to the traditional country cottage. Lying on the edge of the picturesque village of Hacheston, the two-bedroom cottage is nestled within a quiet pocket of undulating Suffolk countryside near Woodbridge. Set back from a quiet country lane, Robin’s Nest was built in 2007 and its generous layout is contained within a hewed cedar exterior. The timber-framed house has cosy yet contemporary interiors, off-street parking and pretty private gardens.

The Tour

Robin’s Nest lies at the end of a meandering stone path and is accessed via a private gate. The silvering horizontal slats of the cedar cladding contrast with pops of turquoise joinery on the window and door frames, immediately creating an atmosphere rich in character and charm. The site of the house is a unique shape and thus necessitated a creative response in the design of the cottage, which is arranged in a clever L-shaped plan. Handcrafted bespoke birch-faced ply shelving and storage have been cleverly incorporated throughout, while engineered oak flooring with underfloor heating lies underfoot.

The ground floor accommodation is organised in a sociable layout to create an expansive, comfortable space. The entrance area opens to the dining and living spaces, which are warmed by a blue multi-fuel stove. Sloping ceilings, glazed double doors to the garden and side windows bring in light and a sense of volume. A kitchen has been tucked behind the dining area; this has a bright blue splashback, woodblock worktops and plenty of storage space within the white cabinetry. Sunlight pours through its eye-level slot window and from the roof light above. The bedroom on this floor also opens to the roofline and has access to a lovely second garden via wide glazed doors.

An open tread timber and steel spiral staircase winds up to the second bedroom, another wonderfully light space with views over the front garden and a large roof light that illuminates the room.

Outdoor Space

The front garden sits harmoniously within its rural setting. An archetypal English cottage garden, the space is partially laid to lawn, with several areas for sitting and socialising. The borders are decorated with climbing hydrangea, ficus, orange blossom and colourful bedding plants; narrow pathways around the west and south perimeters allow for easy maintenance of the boundary areas.

To the east, a delightful second garden can be found. This is a veritable suntrap with terracing, a lawn and climbing shrubs. It is bounded to the south by an ancient brick and flint wall, and has a useful storage shed. It can be accessed through the bedroom or via a separate path.

The Area

Robin’s Nest is incredibly well located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, yet is less than eight miles from the picturesque and thriving market town of Woodbridge with its supermarket, many independent shops, useful services, and variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes. The cottage is also minutes by car from the beautiful town of Framlingham, with its popular market and castle and the highly regarded Thomas Mills High School and Framlingham College.

Nearby Snape Maltings is a world-renowned centre of music and a visitor destination of great beauty. Just beyond Snape is Aldeburgh, a seaside town famed for ice cream, fish and chips, and as the home of Benjamin Britten; while some 20 minutes’ drive away is Orford, a pretty medieval village on the River Alde, home to the famous Pump Street Bakery.

Connections via rail and road are excellent. There is good access to the A12 and direct rail connections to London Liverpool Street in approximately 70 minutes from Ipswich and Manningtree, 16 miles and 27 miles away respectively. Wickham Market railway station is 3 miles away. Trains from Woodbridge also run to London Liverpool Street via Ipswich with a journey time of approximately 97 minutes.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.