Idyllic house and gardens on estuary

A beautiful large farmhouse, dating from approximately 1600 and listed Grade II, in acres of idyllic gardens and overlooking a mile-wide river estuary. There is direct access from the bottom of the garden onto the ‘sea wall’ along the river, for walks and wonderful birdwatching. There is a duckpond (fenced) by the house and chickens (collect the eggs), and a large summerhouse with veranda in the garden, as well as a paddock of alpacas! The house has been carefully restored and furnished with country antiques, and has a very well equipped kitchen and several good bathrooms - all you need for a very comfortable stay. There is underfloor or central heating in all rooms, as well as two woodburners and an open fire. There is wi-fi throughout the house. Although it can sleep 10, the house is perfect for smaller groups as well. There are good views to the river from all the rooms. Masses of open space, very private and plenty of parking. Master bedroom – double half-tester bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower Pretty twin bedroom with iron beds and patchwork quilts, ensuite shower room and loo Twin bedroom with wooden ‘sleigh’ beds Family bathroom with roll top bath Double bedroom, walk-in wardrobe Double bedroom - 4' wide antique painted bed Shower room Dogs are allowed by agreement. Cot and highchair available, and there are stairgates top and bottom of both staircases. You will be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of many beautiful Suffolk and North Essex towns and villages, stately homes, beaches and countryside. Flatford Mill and the Dedham Vale (Constable Country) are just a few miles away. Alton Water Park with sailing, windsurfing and fishing as well as walking and cycle routes, is less than a mile away. There are many good restaurants nearby, and farmer’s markets for delicious local produce, including Jimmy's Farm (as seen on TV) within a couple of miles. Village shops about a mile and a half away. Access is by keysafe so you can arrive and leave when it suits you (within the 5pm check-in and 10am check-out times). We live in the converted barns nearby, and although we are not always there we have a housekeeper and gardener who are always available to help. You will be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within easy reach of many beautiful Suffolk and North Essex towns and villages, stately homes, beaches and countryside. Flatford Mill and the Dedham Vale (Constable Country) are just a few miles away. Alton Water Park with sailing, windsurfing and fishing as well as walking and cycle routes, is less than a mile away. There are many good restaurants nearby, and farmer’s markets for delicious local produce, including Jimmy's Farm (as seen on TV) within a couple of miles. Village shops about a mile and a half away. Manningtree station is 5 miles from the house and Ipswich station is 7 miles. It is approx 1 hour by train from London. Taxis are available at both, but slightly easier from Ipswich. It is about an hour and a half to two hours drive from London (provided you avoid the worst of the rush hour!) Additional note: The house is full of antiques and is not suitable for parties, stag or hen weekends. There is a £1000 security deposit which AirBnB call on in the event of damage.