High Street, Bures, Suffolk, CO8

Apsley House is a beautifully preserved, unlisted late 15th-century home, occupying a prominent position in the heart of the highly sought-after village of Bures.

Rich in period character yet thoughtfully updated for modern living, this exceptional family home offers generous accommodation alongside a substantial detached converted barn, creating a rare and highly versatile lifestyle opportunity.

Believed to date from the late 1400s, the property showcases an abundance of original features, including exposed timbers, impressive inglenook fireplaces and a wealth of charm throughout. At the heart of the home is a striking entrance hall, providing a wonderful sense of arrival and linking the principal reception rooms.

Accommodation

The accommodation includes an elegant sitting room centred around a magnificent inglenook fireplace, while the separate dining room, currently arranged as a cosy snug, also benefits from its own characterful inglenook fireplace, offering a flexible reception space ideal for both entertaining and everyday family life. The well-appointed kitchen is complemented by a practical utility room, with a light-filled garden room providing the perfect place to relax whilst enjoying views over the garden.

The ground floor is further served by a family bathroom, whilst the first floor offers a second bathroom and five well-proportioned bedrooms, all enjoying the character and individuality expected of a home of this period.

The Barn

A particular feature of Apsley House is the impressive detached two-storey converted barn, offering exceptional versatility. The ground floor currently comprises a home office/studio together with a kitchen/dining room, while the first floor provides a spacious sitting room, bedroom, and shower room with WC. Ideal for multi-generational living, guest accommodation, working from home or creative pursuits, the barn represents an outstanding addition to the main residence.

Outside and Improvements made

The current owners have invested significantly in improving the property, sympathetically combining its historic character with modern efficiency. Enhancements include the installation of a high-specification Spark solar energy system with battery storage, upgraded electrical and plumbing systems, a new mains water supply, a pressurised water system, improved drainage, a new wood-burning stove, extensive redecoration, restoration of original floorboards and the transformation of the conservatory into a comfortable year-round living space with an insulated fibreglass roof.

Outside, the established gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped to create attractive areas for relaxing and entertaining, while the widened driveway provides ample off-road parking. The detached barn has also been externally redecorated, ensuring the entire property is presented to an exceptional standard.

Combining more than five centuries of history with carefully considered modern improvements, Apsley House is a truly distinctive home offering flexible accommodation, outstanding character and an enviable village setting, all within easy walking distance of local amenities and excellent transport links.

Location

The historic village of Bures sits equidistant between Sudbury and Colchester, a mile or so from the Dedham Vale AONB. It has a primary school, station on the Gainsborough Line, two pubs, café, deli and a monthly farmers´ market. Fast trains to London Liverpool Street depart from nearby Marks Tey (Bures is on the branch line) and the A12 and A131 are close enough to make this the perfect location for commuters.