In Suffolk, Sudbury-based conservation architect John Hyett, who trained with the late Sir William Whitfield and has been involved in the restoration of some of England’s most iconic buildings, is selling the 15th-century former hall house that has been his and his wife Carol’s much-cherished home since 1993, at a guide price of £650,000 through Bedfords in Bury St Edmunds.
Not only is it an effortlessly charming, picture-perfect home, it's also commutable to London: from nearby Audley End station, you can get direct trains to Liverpool Street that take 52 minutes.
Small, but perfectly formed, Thatches, listed Grade II, is one of a handful of ancient thatched cottages in the pleasant small village of Ashen, a former farming settlement, the population of which has only about doubled since Domesday.
Constructed of timbers imported from Silesia in about 1450 — a fact confirmed by an expert colleague — Thatches was built on a north-south axis that allows the east-west sunlight to stream through the house.
It's a fine family home which offers versatile accommodation on two floors including a sitting room, dining room, snug/library, kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom and garage/workshop.
Gardens to the front and rear are designed both for privacy and to enjoy the sunshine at various times of the day.
Thatchers is currently on the market via Bedfords at a guide price of £650,000 — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Ashen: What you need to know
Location: Overlooking the Stour Valley, less than a mile from the village of Stoke by Clare, approximately 18 miles south of Bury St Edmunds and 10 miles from Sudbury. The market town of Clare is approximately 2 miles away and the market town of Saffron Walden is 18 miles to the west – which runs rail services from Audley End to London Liverpool Street.
Atmosphere: The small, peaceful village offers an idyllic environment from which to base yourselves, whilst being surrounded by beautiful scenery and small towns with day to day amenities and boutique shops.
Things to do: Visit the market town of Clare, which lies on the bank of the River Stour or Saffron Walden for its famous market and quirky high street. Explore the surrounding Constable country and stop off in Sudbury — home to Belle Vue Park and the Quay Theatre which showcases plays and films throughout the year.
Schools: Stoke College Prep School and Ridgewell Primary School are both situated within a few miles and Stoke College is a local secondary option.
See more property for sale in the area.
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
-
Gravetye Manor review: The Elizabethan country house hotel surrounded by historic gardens of national importanceIn the 1950s, Gravetye Manor and its famous garden was converted into one of the first ever country house hotels.
-
The hottest summer, the fastest car, and (gulp) the start of spider season: Country Life Quiz of the Day, September 3, 2025A 15-bedroom house, the royal residences you've never heard of, and much more besides in the Country Life Quiz of the Day.
-
Queen Anne architecture with 21st century flair in a country house that's on the market for the first time in almost 70 yearsPatrick Brompton Hall is grand, charming, quirky and fun — and it's looking for a new family to take it on. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
A fantastical house where the young Lewis Carroll lived is up for sale, complete with endless curious touches that could have come straight from WonderlandThe Old Hall in Ripon was family home of Lewis Carroll during several of his formative years. Toby Keel takes a look.
-
Five beautiful country homes which show what can be done with a property that escapes the notice of the Listed Building inspectorsThe listed building system does a wonderful job of protecting some of Britain's most wonderful houses — but it's fascinating to see what can happen to a lovely country house when the usual restrictions that come with listed status don't apply.
-
Five magnificent homes for sale, from Highland escape to a 17th century school, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life.
-
A castle that's 'a masterpiece of the baronial revival' with 17 bedrooms, breathtaking gardens and its own miniature railwayMajestic, imposing, graceful, romantic... Ayton Castle is the very picture of
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopterPenny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
-
Splendid isolation at four gorgeous properties for sale around the worldFor those craving a home that offers a true escape from the world, some wonderful properties are on the market right now. Here's our pick of some of the finest — ideal for nature lovers, those in search of tranquility and Bond villains alike.
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the bestWhirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
