The ‘undiscovered’ Arts-and-Crafts farmhouse in Suffolk that’s come to the market
With its striking red brick façade, arched entranceway and dominating chimneys, Manor Farm, in the village of Thurston, is an exemplary property that comes with six acres of lovely grounds.


When Sheila Kirk was driving down Pakenham Road, near Bury St Edmunds, she spotted something strange but familiar: chimneys.
But these were not just any chimneys. No, these chimneys — as Ms Kirk felt sure — chimneys in the vernacular of Philip Webb, one of the ‘fathers’ of the Arts-and-Crafts Movement. Ms Kirk had ‘discovered’ one of his previously unknown buildings.
That very property, Manor Farm, is now on the market via Bedfords with a guide price of £1.45 million, with five bedrooms and some six acres of land.
Originally built to be the farm manager’s house by the Greene family of Suffolk, the property is now listed Grade II* and is a fabulous example of Webb’s design and ideas.
There are areas of this home which would do well from a lick of paint and touch of TLC. The ‘farm office’, for example, would make a wonderful flower or garden room, and the triple-aspect bedroom suite on the second floor, with its walk-in wardrobe and ensuite bathroom, lends itself naturally as the principal bedroom.
Outside, the grounds are spectacular. To the front of the property is a sweeping gravelled driveway framed by immaculate topiary. To the rear, a swimming pool, rose garden and an orchard with a variety of productive fruit trees. Situated slightly further away from the property is a vegetable garden and open meadows.
Located on the outskirts of both Pakenham and Thurston, the property is in a convenient location, while retaining its rural appeal.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The village of Thurston is situated about four miles from Bury St Edmunds and has excellent educational facilities with a pre-school, primary school and community college. With a train station, butchers, two pub and several shops, there is everything here you need for day-to-day life.
The nearby historic market town of Bury St Edmunds — ‘the jewel in the crown of Suffolk — is surrounded by picturesque countryside and has over 1,000 years of history to explore.
There are excellent restaurants and good local pubs, theatres, art galleries and boutique shops to explore.
Manor Farm is currently on the market via Bedfords with a guide price of £1.45 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

James Fisher is the Digital Commissioning Editor of Country Life. He writes about motoring, travel and things that upset him. He lives in London. He wants to publish good stories, so you should email him.
-
Furs class travel: The hotels, superyacht designers and airlines setting new standards for pet-friendly travel
There’s no longer any need to leave your favourite four-legged friend behind when you go on holiday.
By Richard MacKichan Published
-
Jilly's Cooper's first book in the Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 8 2025
Test your general knowledge with today's quiz.
By Country Life Published
-
A home for sale in one of the most celebrated artists' enclaves in London, where David Hockney sketched and Isadora Duncan danced
This apartment in Pembroke Studios doesn't prompt the lament 'if these walls could talk' so much as 'if these walls could dance, sing and paint.'
By Toby Keel Published
-
A gorgeous country estate that comes with a lifestyle business, a 17th-century ice house and some of the best fishing rights in Britain
Dolhaidd Mansion and its 25 idyllic acres are on the market for the first time since the end of the last century. Penny Churchill takes a look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
20 country homes for sale, from Somerset to Scotland, as seen in Country Life
A charming cottage in a village in Surrey at under £600,000 and a seven bedroom mansion north of the border for not much more than that make our round-up of the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Splendid isolation overlooking one of Britain's tiniest towns, with a Thomas the Tank Engine-style railway
In the hills away to the east of Welshpool you'll find Mount House, on the outskirts of the town of Llanfair Caereinion. Penny Churchill investigates.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Farmhouse kitchens done right at these five beautiful country houses across Britain
A country house with a farmhouse kitchen is the archetype of the bucolic dream in Britain. Arabella Youens picks out five on the market right now that have wonderful examples.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
Ella Fitzgerald's Cote d'Azur suite is now a magnificent apartment in the Art Deco hotel where Churchill, Coco Chanel and Hemingway once lived the high life
It's almost 50 years since the iconic Hotel Le Provençal in Cap d'Antibes closed its doors, but it's now been transformed into a wonderful Riviera residence. Anna White looks inside.
By Anna White Published
-
A Norman Keep and castle for sale in the rolling hills of the Lake District, which was once owned by Richard II
Appleby Castle has hosted battle re-enactments, falconry displays, offers 22 bedrooms and is up for auction.
By James Fisher Published
-
This country estate is peaceful, spacious and elegant... just please don't ask us how to pronounce it
In the heart of Wales's beautiful Irfon Valley, The Cefnllysgwynne Estate is seeking a new owner.
By Penny Churchill Published